A cosmopolitan city, Guadalajara has made significant contributions to Mexican culture. The second largest city in the country, it is the birthplace of tequila, mariachi music and the Mexican Hat Dance. The Historic District features picturesque plazas and repurposed colonial buildings that now house museums, such as the Regional Museum of Guadalajara. While the Chapultepec neighborhood boasts fashionable restaurants, coffee houses and entertainment venues, the suburbs of Tlaquepaque and Tonala have a Bohemian folk art atmosphere.

Key Facts

Named for the “Father of Mexican independence,” Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is situated approximately 10 miles south of Guadalajara. Its location along the Guadalajara-Chapala Highway makes traveling easier to points on interest in Guadalajara, such as the mural of “The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin” inside a 16th-century cathedral. The scenic shoreline of Lake Chapala is also nearby.

Hints and Tips

Flights from Portland International (PDX) to Guadalajara are available on a number of carriers throughout the day. These one-stop flights last approximately eight hours. The airport in Guadalajara is the most convenient location to arrange a car hire. Upgrade your car rental with GPS. The technology makes it easier to find shops, eateries and attractions, such as the Guachimontones prehistoric archaeological site, which is found about an hour to the west in Teuchitlan.