With summer fast approaching, we thought it might be wise to start giving you some pointers for your next vacation. We've talked about the coolest Spanish-speaking cities in the world as an option for those who are about to retire, and even made a handy list about all the things you have to keep in mind before coming to Mexico, but it's time to get a little more specific with our suggestions.

Maybe you've been taking online Spanish lessons for a while and you're looking for a beautiful place to visit and show off your hard-earned skills. Many Mexican cities might be appropriate for this but few are as enchanting and wonderful as Guadalajara, a place filled with history, joy, beautiful music, the most influential cuisine in the country as well as the world's favorite Mexican liquor. You know the one! There's even a famous song named just like it.

One of the top three Mexican cities when it comes to population and national significance (along with the capital, Mexico City, and Monterrey), Guadalajara is a cultural haven where museums and all sorts of artistic expressions abound.

You could take a calandria -a fairytale-like horse-drawn carriage- while admiring the gorgeous buildings, churches and museums located in its historic town centre. Founded all the way back in 1532, Guadalajara is home to some of the finest cultural premises in Latin America, like Hospicio Cabañas, where stunning paintings by renowned Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco adorn the walls and ceilings of this place named "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO.

Considered Mexico's national sport, charrer��?���­a finds a special place in Guadalajara. Traditionally performed atop horses, the charros display their talents, do tricks and look amazing while riding these noble beasts.


Charros in Guadalajara Mexico
(Photo credit: Sitio web México Desconocido)

In February, the city celebrates its anniversary, while a month later it welcomes one of the main film festivals in the continent, FICG (International Film Festival of Guadalajara). Several cultural events fill the program for the year, including those dedicated to books and one of the state of Jalisco's most famous exports, mariachi.

Possibly the best-known musical contribution from Mexico, mariachi bands are the epitome of party music. Sharply dressed men and women play all sorts of instruments and sing their way in to the hearts of nationals and foreigners alike. This style of music is not only synonymous with the country, but it has also been classified as part of the cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.



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It's not all high art, though. Several traditional markets pop up throughout Guadalajara and its metropolitan region. For example, very close by you'll find Tonalá, THE place for pottery in Mexico, as well as quaint San Pedro Tlaquepaque, where you'll enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts followed by an awesome meal and live music.

Speaking of meals, there's definitely not a shortage of options for you to enjoy some of the city's (and the country's) most beloved dishes. Fancy restaurants and little cenadur��?���­as serve all sorts of delicious treats like tortas ahogadas (a Mexican pork sandwich literally drowned in tomato and chili sauce; you decide the level of spice) and all sorts of Mexican antojitos: street food, often fried, always delicious. However, the star of the show is a beef or goat stew called birria, which we've talked about in detail over here.

From the eats, we move over to the drinks. And the quintessential Mexican alcoholic drink is, of course, tequila, which was created very close to Guadalajara. Just one hour away from the big city lies a historic place, one of few that share the designation of "pueblo mágico" (magic town) by the Mexican authorities. Its name is -you guessed it- Tequila . The namesake product is more than a beverage; it's a piece of Mexican history and culture and one of the country's best-known exports.

types of in Mexico
(Photo credit: Photobella)

Travel through the scenic "Tequila route" and find out how this mystical spirit comes to life in the exact place where it first did many years ago. Our friends at Aventúrate por Jalisco can help book your trip aboard the José Cuervo Express or the Tequila Herradura Express trains. Several mines and archeological sites surround the trek from Guadalajara to Tequila and back, a road that our pals at Mexico Tequila Tours also know very well. Hit them up to get some discounts on your trip. One last thing, they say a shot of tequila will help untangle your tongue, we still recommend you study a few useful expressions in Spanish!



However, if the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara and its metropolitan area are not your scene, you might want to drive a little more than two hours and head to Mazamitla. The lush, green scenery will make you feel as if you're one with nature, something our friends at Sierra Tour Mazamitla can help you with. They'll be able to assist you in planning your vacation, booking a cabin or hotel room, as well as bus tours, four-wheeler rentals, even horseback riding!

mazamitla
(Photo credit: unknown)