One of the many joys of taking Mexico vacations to Guadalajara is that this charming city is jam packed with so many fun and inspirational things to do and see!

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is located more towards the middle of Mexico on the Western side. You'll also be happy to know that it is just a couple of hours from Puerto Vallarta (which makes a nice little extra weekend trip)!

While you are visiting Guadalajara, which just might turn out to be one of your favorite of all Mexico vacations, you'll definitely want to take advantage of the many wonderful historical, cultural and sports attractions that this world famous city has to offer... in addition to its charm!

The city is very modern yet surprisingly still preserves its past which is clearly evident when you step into the downtown district known as el centro historico. While you're touring through downtown Guadalajara, you'll realize that the attractions are very close together and easily make up a fun walking tour (be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes).

The main attraction of downtown and a proud and shining emblem of the city is the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Cathedral construction began in the 1560's and took over 50 years to complete! Any time you step inside you are sure to find people attending mass or many tourists looking on with curiosity at this marvelous structure.

Just a few steps away from the Cathedral is the Rotunda of Illustrious Men and Women of the state of Jalisco. The rotunda is dedicated to a few select, departed citizens of Jalisco who were honored for their outstanding contributions to society. One in particular was a famous muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, who sprinkled the city with some powerful and extraordinary murals.

The murals of Orozco can be viewed about 15 minutes away in the Cabañas Cultural Institute which once served as an orphanage when it was first built. The old chapel at the institute is home to some of Orozco's masterpieces and the most famous may be his mural appropriately titled "Man of Fire."

If you are a brave soul and interested in history then you may want to consider a stop by the Bethlehem Cemetery, El Panteon de Belen. When you visit this peaceful and beautiful attraction, you will truly feel like you've been transported back in time.

It is historically rich as it served as a cemetery during a particularly hard time of famine and disease in Guadalajara back in 1785. This old cemetery stopped serving as a "working" cemetery in October 1896. It has since been converted as an eerie attraction and museum for visitors and residents of Guadalajara to enjoy... and enjoy it they do!

Many residents believe this old graveyard to be haunted and night tours are even available if you are feeling brave enough to walk around the old tombs at night!

If you are a sports fan you will want to see at least one of Guadalajara's most popular sport, soccer. There are 3 division one soccer teams and 2 stadiums. Even if you are not a sports fan you'll be able to appreciate the camaraderie and excitement of the soccer games.

After a long day of seeing museums, a graveyard, beautiful colonial buildings and discovering you newfound love for soccer, the end to a perfect day is biting into a yummy torta ahogada, the all time favorite and famous "drowned sandwich" of Guadalajara!

This wonderful city is definitely a jewel of Mexico and a "must do," so make Guadalajara, Mexico vacations next on your list of places to see.

By: E. Llamas
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