Spread over a low hill in the mile-high fertile valley of Atemajac, Guadalajara is known as the ciudad de las rosas (city of roses). Its plazas, parks with fountains, and tree-lined boulevards make it a green city.

Despite its astounding growth, Guadalajara has managed to retain much of the gracious atmosphere of its colonial past. The traditional heart of the city, the Metropolitan Zone, containing many 400-year-old buildings, has been completely renewed. Though skyscrapers rise above the city's colonial skyline, Guadalajara has managed to modernize without endangering its quality of life or altering the centuries-old city plan.

For many, Guadalajara represents the soul of Mexico, for it's home to three things that most people think of when they think of Mexico — mariachis, tequila, and, of course, the charro, the Mexican cowboy dressed in a silver-studded outfit topped by a wide sombrero. But it's also a city of learning. With three universities and many other schools, it's a major center for education and the arts.

Best Time to Go

Guadalajara has a marvelous spring-like climate with daytime temperatures ranging from the 80s in June to the 70s in December. Nights can be chilly, from the mid-40s in January to the low 60s in July. From June to September, afternoon rains are common.

Cuisine

You'll find the regional cuisine of Jalisco much like that of other cities in the central plateau. But you should try some of the local specialities, like birria (goat or lamb wrapped in nopales, or cactus leaves, then cooked slowly in a sauce of chiles, cumin, and toma-toes), pollo pipián (chicken with pumpkin and sesame seeds), or torta ahogada (shredded meats in a salty baguette covered in tomato sauce and onions, served hot in a shallow bowl and drenched in fresh cream). Tamales are also a local favorite.

Cautions and Safety Concerns

Generally, Guadalajara is a safe city if you stay in the main downtown area. Protect your valuables since pickpockets can be present anyplace there are crowds, especially at Plaza de los Mariachis. There, you may get so engrossed in the music that you don't realize your wallet is being stolen. Bilingual tourist police patrol Guadalajara's Centro Histórico and will assist you with directions or answer questions.