Location: Guadalajara
Top Things to do in Guadalajara
Top Restaurants in Guadalajara
Countries
10 Nature & Parks in Guadalajara That You Shouldn't Miss
The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city's historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and soccer (futbol). Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is a common sight and sound in Guadalajara.
Restaurants in Guadalajara
1. Acuario Michin Guadalajara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,220 reviews
Acuario Michin Guadalajara es una institución educativa, científica, cultural y recreativa que tiene como finalidad proteger y conservar la biodiversidad acuática, promoviendo su conocimiento a través de actividades educativas, exhibiciones permanentes y temporales.
Reviewed By manueldannyZ - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
We're having a very nice trip on the acuarium Michi n it is more than an acuarium, there are birds and farm animals is very nice and big, there many activities where you can be part of it , they allow to touch animal! Is awesome.
2. Mezcala Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
This small island located in Lake Chapala is home to an old fort from the Mexican Revolution.
Reviewed By EntrepreneurQueen - Torrance, United States
Amazing! We weren’t informed on getting our own tour guide and thought we would hire one at the island! BIG MISTAKE! The island has only a Security/ Mexican Federal guarding the island. We did find a boat round trip to the island at the Chapala Malecon. ALWAYS NEGOTIATE, Mexican negotiate with prices and will work with you as long as the price is reasonable. We thought the $2000 Mexican Pesos was fair, Miguel our boat guide informed us that the island had no stores or water, he offer to do a a run to a local store for us to buy us water and beer for our 45 minute boat ride. The island is so Amazing, even with our a guide we kinda guided ourself around. MAKE SURE TO WEAR COMFY HIKING SHOES. Our 5 year old toddy had a great time walking and exploring the island. He had fun trying to chase the cats that seem to have invaded the island. One room entering the fort to the fight by the steps to walk up to top, made me feel very uncomfortable like something was there! I feeling of sadness. I took picture and a lady seems like face Appeared. A great adventure, would love to go back but hiring a guide.
3. Jardin Hidalgo
4. Parque Gonzalez Gallo
5. Barranca de Oblatos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
This 2,000-foot gorge makes for an interesting view.
Reviewed By gourmexican - Bellevue, United States
I am from Guadalajara and totally regret that I had not visited La Barranca before. This is such an amazing place and it is within the city. I had never expected that my lovely city had such a hike nearby. I’ve been living in Seattle for years, where people talk with pride about all the lovely hikes around. Never had I imagined that my own city had such a hidden jewel only half an hour away from my mom’s house. La Barranca offers some beautiful views of the Rio Lerma-Santiago. It goes through a beautiful canyon like view. It makes you feel great to be out there while doing a walk or a hike. The simple fact of being out in nature with such amazing views is inspiring. Some amazing friends kindly provided advice on how to approach the hike at the Barranca. It truly helped me, so I will outline it here for those who are interested in giving it a try. I know for sure that I will do this hike again soon, as I truly enjoyed it. I exercise regularly and when I have an opportunity to get my cardio in with an outdoor activity it is rewarding and more entertaining. Hate being in place looking at my reflection on a mirror for long periods of time. Here are the tips to get the most out of the hike at La Barranca de Huentitan, which I truly recommend doing! 1. Get there early in the morning to complete the hike before it gets incredibly hot. We got there at 6am at the beginning of March. The way down is rocky and slippery. It was hard to see because it was still dark. I would recommend getting there exactly at sunrise. Check when sunrise is going to be and start at that time. 2. The way down takes approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. We all used sports shoes that can take on outdoors. There are a lot of rocks and it is slippery, so I would recommend taking an appropriate pace on the way down. 3. Once you get all the way to the bottom at river level, you will get to Y like intersection. You can either take a left or a right. - If you take a left you will get to the bridge which has amazing views of the river and the canyon. The bridge is about 1.5km away from where you start. - If you take a right you will get to the uphill railway, which is the demanding part of this hike. We personally took a left first and checked out the bridge. Which I truly recommend doing. If you are tight on time, then you can go straight to the right and get to the uphill railway. 4. For the uphill railway you must be very careful of where you step as you go up. I recommend brining sunblock and of course hydration. The hike is not easy. It is demanding if you are not used to it. There is part that is incredibly inclined, and you must use your hands to help yourself up. I recommend bringing gloves to prevent getting scratches, cuts and pull yourself up. Also, it is important to wear gloves in case there is any sort of bug. I must call out that there can sometimes be scorpions behind the rails, so just be careful about that. Nothing to worry about. Just common sense. 5. Most people call out taking about an hour and a half to get all the way to the top. I would say this is a fair assessment if you decide to take breaks. Hydrate yourself, eat a granola bar, have a banana. The main objective is to have fun, exercise and enjoy. Don’t try to push it to hard if you need a break. You’ll improve your times as you become more experienced. 6. There are parts of the hike where there are openings between the rails. Make sure that you are very careful as you go through these parts of the hike. Do not want to fall and end up injuring yourself. 7. There are 3-4 ways out as you are going up. That will take you to the same dirt road that brought you down. Have to call out though that once you start the biggest incline you are stuck in the path and have to finish or go back down. At this point though it is totally worth it to just finish. It is the most demanding but most fun part of the hike. 8. You can stop at any point to take pictures. Just make sure that if you are in a big incline that you sit down and turn around. You do not want to end up falling and rolling down for several meters. 9. Once you make it all the way to the top feel proud of yourself. You’ve made it. On your way out make sure to stop by the fruit stands to get a refreshing reward. There are stands that sell coconut water mixed with pineapple juice. It is called “Coco piña”. Totally recommend it. Refreshing and delicious. It takes a total of 3 hours to complete the entire journey at a pretty good and safe pace. Make sure to get out there and give it a try. If you are from Guadalajara, this is a more entertaining way to exercise. If you are visiting and have the time, make sure to enjoy this fun and beautiful hike to add something different to your experience. I know that I will try to do this as often as possible.
6. Parque Mirador Independencia
7. Zoologico Guadalajara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,631 reviews
This large zoo contains over 2,000 animals and is located in a beautiful ravine.
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
This Friday morning we took a US$4 UBER 11 km northeast from our Hotel NH Collection Guadalajara, arriving at 9:15 AM. After temperature check, hand sanitizer and paying the $8 senior rate for 2, we followed the zoo workers for the 200+ meter entryway to the Flamingo Pool. From here, we began a long shaded descent passing grass/pool/bird enclosures to the end of the valley, then returned on the other side, climbing back up. The 1 square mile property is well maintained, the animals we saw were in good condition in large enclosures, and there were ample clean restrooms spaced nicely throughout. Visitors spread out over many optional activities to suit their physical abilities and/or interests to include the Aquarium, Gondola, Safari Ride, Petting Park, Farm Animals, Picnicking, Shows and more. We enjoyed our 3 hour stroll seeing the active animals as well as the numerous well mannered masked families. This was a peaceful relaxing experience.
8. Bosque de la Primavera
9. Parque Metropolitano de Guadalajara
10. Bosque Los Colomos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Reviewed By lovetotravelTarzana - Los Angeles, United States
It's an easy journey from the Centro Histórico to this great forest park. Walk on numerous marked trails, jog, horseback ride, view deep green trees, birdwatch and relax in the Japanese garden with a koi pond. Bring your own picnic or buy fresh hot food, snacks and drinks from the vendors near the entrance. There is a cultural center on site.
