Guadalajara Holidays Uncovered

Find out how to make the most of your holiday to Guadalajara with our insider tips.

Food specialities

Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying some of the city’s culinary specialities such as ‘birria’ which is goat or lamb meat cooked in a spicy sauce, ‘tortas ahogadas’ which are sandwiches filled with pork and other ingredients and covered in a chilli pepper sauce and ‘pozole’ which is a chicken or pork prepared with ‘pipián’ - a peanut, squash and sesame seed sauce.

Mariachi

Mariachi music is closely connected to the city of Guadalajara and has been an iconic symbol of the region since 1907. The Festival of Mariachi and Charreria is a must-visit attraction in August or you can see a Mariachi band whenever your holiday is booked for in several venues such as the Degollado Theatre.

Fishing

Catch your own supper at Lake Chapala where a dam was built 50 years ago to channel water into the city for the use of the locals.

Get settled

Your first day in a new country can be a little nerve-wracking so here are a few tips to help you settle in.

Can I drink the water?

No, stick to bottled water and avoid ice, uncooked fruit and vegetables, ice cream and unpasteurized milk.

What’s the 999 number?

Call 066 in an emergency. If you forget this, 911 redirects you to the emergency services in Mexico in most populated areas.

What’s the weather like?

Guadalajara has dry, cool winters and warm, wet summers and March tends to be the driest month and July the wettest.

Shall I learn some Spanish before I go?

Some locals speak English however you should try to learn some simple Spanish phrases to help you get by.

What happens if I get ill whilst on holiday?

Most pharmacies in Guadalajara are well-stocked and open 24/7 and many resorts offer their own medical service. We suggest you take your own medical kit too as some medications can be very expensive in Mexico.