Choose from 40 Fun Things to Do in Jalisco
Plaza de Armas
Classical statues that represent the seasons of the year preside over the four corners of the square, which is ringed with historic buildings, including the Palacio de Gobierno, a baroque monster that houses two famous murals by the social realist artist Jose Clemente Orozco.
The centerpiece of the scene is a belle epoque bandstand. A gift to the city from the dictator Porfirio Diaz, the gazebo was built in Paris in 1909, and features a hardwood ceiling that enhances sound quality. The wrought iron roof is held aloft by eight columns that depict curvaceous beauties with musical instruments. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights, the gazebo is the focal point of free concerts from the state band and other traditional Jaliscan groups.
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Marina Vallarta
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Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
Statues of Jaliscan movers and shakers encircle the monument. Wander the park to gaze upon the great muralist José Clemente Orozco, the architect Luis Barragán, the governor Ignacio Vallarta (of Puerto Vallarta fame), and the writer, philosopher, avant-garde landscape painter and Nazi sympathizer, Dr. Atl.
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University of Guadalajara Museum of the Arts (MUSA)
The museum also houses a rotation of traveling exhibits and a fine permanent collection with works by important Jaliscan artists such as Martha Pacheco, Javier Arévalo, and Carmen Bordes.
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Vallarta Botanical Gardens
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Tequila
- Visiting on a tour or with a private driver is recommended, especially if you plan on sampling the tequila.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking around the agave plantations and distilleries.
- The legal minimum drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.
Los Arcos
- Los Arcos is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta.
- Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as there’s little shade out on the bay. Also wear comfortable clothing, and tote a bathing suit, towel, and change of clothes.
- Snorkeling gear is provided on most Puerto Vallarta boat tours; bring your own if visiting independently.
Zona Romantica
- See Old Vallarta as part of a small-group or private sightseeing tour.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Selva Mágica
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Sierra Madre Mountains
- The Sierra Madre mountains are an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on rough terrain.
- For rafting and ATV tours, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Tequila Express
- The train ride from Guadalajara takes between 1.5 and 2 hours; round-trip tours typically last all day.
- On the Jose Cuervo Express there are three seating options—Express, Premium, and Premium Plus—while the Herradura Express offers Club or Premium seats.
- Refreshments, including snacks and tequila cocktails, are served on board.
- All trains have restrooms.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking around the distillery and agave plantations.
- The legal minimum drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.
Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is touristy but pleasant. Many shops and galleries are housed in Colonial mansions, and the pretty town plaza is worth a stroll. If shopping gets old, check out El Parian, an enclosed plaza ringed in bars and eateries where you can order local specialties like birria, a spicy beef or goat stew. El Parian is also a good place to hear mariachis, especially on Sundays when the locals flock and sing along.
Two local museums, the Museo Pantaleon Panduro and the Museo Regional de la Ceramica, have excellent displays of artesania, or folk art. Both museums are housed in old buildings that are worth a wander. Entry is free of charge.
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Bargain hunters will want to visit the less picturesque Tonalá, a town 8 km southeast, where the bulk of Tlaquepaque's wares are made.
Hospicio Cabañas
Bishop Juan Cruz Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo founded the institute as an orphanage and home for the elderly and homeless. He called it la Casa de la Misericordia, or The House of Mercy. Interrupted occasionally by major wars and revolutions, the building functioned as an orphanage for nearly two hundred years until 1980, when the children were moved to a more modern location. Today the gracious old building hosts art exhibits, art and music classes, and an art cinema.
The cultural institute now contains 23 courtyards, a theater, a collection of folk art and a regular roster of temporary exhibits, but it's best known for a chapel adorned with 57 frescos by world renowned muralist Jose Clemente Orozco. The site also houses the world's largest collection of the Orozco's drawings. Guided tours of the building and murals are available on the half hour.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
Over the past 500 odd years, the virgin has received many distinguished visitors, including Pope John Paul II. In the winter you can visit her at her home, the Basilica of Zapopan.
Located approximately four miles (7 km) northwest of the city center, the baroque basilica was completed in 1730. On October 12 of every year, the church is the site of a massive pilgrimage: Hundreds of thousands of people gather to march the virgin back home after her annual six month tour of the city's other churches.
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Las Caletas
The private beach resort of Las Caletas is a day-trip destination like no other for spoiling the senses.
The former home of maverick movie director John Huston, this tropical beach haven is surrounded by protected rainforest and palms.
There’s everything you could possibly need for a relaxed, luxurious day at the beach. Chill-out in a hammock, de-stress with a soothing massage, take a guided diving or kayaking tour, snorkel with sea lions, learn to cook paella or stroll through the bird-filled orchid gardens.
Las Caletas can also be visited at night for a magical dinner under the stars and Mexican dance show.
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Las Caletas is around 12 miles (19 km) from Puerto Vallarta on the southern shores of the Bay of Banderas.
The beach can only be reached by catamaran from Puerto Vallarta marina.
Pantaleón Panduro Museum (Museo Pantaleón Panduro)
The Museo Pantaleon Panduro in Tlaquepaque houses over three decades of winning entries, and the collection is a true testament to Mexican ingenuity. Centered around a courtyard, vaulted hallways branch out into 27 galleries, where visitors can view everything from avant-garde crucifixes to the finest examples of traditional pots and dishes. Highlights include elaborate nativity scenes, skeleton figurines wearing hand-tailored clothing, delicate lattice work pots, a selection of miniature churches, and amazingly detailed candelabra, including one covered in ceramic figurines that depict scenes from Moby Dick, Romeo and Juliet, Le Miserable and other classics of literature.
The museum is named after Pantaleon Panduro, a 19th century artist who created playful clay busts and figurines that cemented Tlaquepaque’s reputation for true artistry.
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El Tuito
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Sayulita
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Marietas Islands
- Diving and snorkeling tours typically last three to five hours, but some longer options include other activities such as kayaking.
- Diving tours often require PADI certification; if you are not certified, look for a beginner option.
- There is a cap on the number of daily visitors, so book your tour in advance.