~Thu. 5th of July: Excursion to Tequila~

Dear friends and family!

Thursday the fifth of July we will be organizing a little excursion to Tequila, the village where all worlds Tequila is made! We will be departing from Guadalajara with a bus, once in Tequila we will be visiting the distillery of ‘Tequila 23’ and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. All you will have to do is buy one  bottle of their special edition ‘Tequila 23’ exclusively made for our wedding!!

Let me know if you’re interested to come and I’ll reserve a seat for you in the bus 🙂

-Balneario San Juan Cosala-

THERMAL SPA

Balneario San Juan Cosala is a beautiful Hotel on the lake of Chapala (half an hour away from Guadalajara) with a natural THERMAL SPA. This is the perfect destination for the ones who could use a few therapies, thermal baths and massages right before the wedding!

The prices are abordable, the location is beautiful and the crew is amazing!

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK PAGE

TAPALPA

If you’re seeking for some quietness and are attracted by the adventure, the magical town of Tapalpa would be the perfect destination! It is located in the middle of the mountains and offers a lot of extreme outdoor activities like mountain climbing, rappelling, rock climbing, canoeing or even paragliding. This beautiful town also has a lot of local specialties and beautiful resorts. 

Click on this link for further information: http://pueblosmagicos.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/tapalpa_region_pacifico

MAZAMITLA

If you rather be in the nature and escape from the city of Guadalajara for a few days, Mazamitla is a perfect itinerary (two hours away from Guadalajara). This beautiful little town in the middle of a natural paradise offers several activities (hinking, biking, horse-riding, camping), delicious food and beautiful handicrafts. 

Click on this link for further information: http://pueblosmagicos.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/mazamitla

Tequila

The smell of its namesake liquor—made here for over four centuries—suffuses the streets of Tequila (pop. 20,000). Surrounded by gentle mountains covered with the prickly, blue-green agave cactus plants as far as the eye can see, this small town is home to 16 tequila distilleries, including those of tequila giants Sauza and José Cuervo. Nearly every business in town is linked to alcohol in some way, and tourism sustains a slew of T-shirt, souvenir, and liquor shops, selling every variety of tequila and mezcal. A great daytrip from Guadalajara, Tequila makes for good times and even better nights.

Transportation And Practical Information

Transportes Teocuitatlan buses (☎3619 3989) leave for Tequila from Guadalajara’s old bus station (2hr., every 15min. 5:30am-9:30pm, 50 pesos). In Tequila, walk to the left from the bus stop and head down Sixto Gorjón into town. Turn right at Juárez, and then left at the cathedral to get to Plaza Principal.

All the distilleries are close to Plaza Principal. The giant José Cuervo and Sauza plants are right next to each other two blocks north of the plaza on a street that starts off as Corona; to the left, as you walk towards the Sauza plant, it becomes Sauza Mora. Turn off Corona to the left on Cuervo to reach the factory gates. Though it’s hard to get lost in a town so small, you may want to pick up a map at the Gobierno Municipal, at the corner of Cuervo y Corona.

The tourist office’s module is located in a corner of the plaza across from the Palacio Municipal. (Open daily 10am-4pm.)

Bancomer, on Gorjón at Juárez, has a 24hr. ATM. (Open M-F 9am-4pm, Sa 9am-1pm.)

Farmacia Gema, Gorjón 206 (☎742 4733), is open 24 hours.

Sergio Cyber (☎742 4817), upstairs at Gorjón 88, has Internet access (12 pesos per hr).

The police (☎742 0056) are right next door at Cuervo 33. In a medical emergency, call ☎080 or 116 for an ambulance.

The post office is located at the corner of Juárez and Madero. (Open daily 9am-3pm.) Postal code: 46400.

Accommodations And Food

Tequila has a range of hotels close to the main plaza.

Hotel Colonial 2, Morelos 52

One block to the right before the plaza, has clean rooms with fan, bathroom, and TV overlooking a tranquil lobby. (☎742 4540. Singles start at 135 pesos. Cash only.)

Hotel San Francisco 3, 10 Vallarta

Next to the cathedral, is a clean, comfortable sanctuary with large rooms. All rooms have private bath, fan, and TV. (☎742 1757. Singles 200 pesos; doubles 250 pesos. Cash only.)

MORE EXPENSIVE

Hotel Posada del Agave 4

Offers tequila-themed digs. Clean rooms decorated in tiles painted with agave plants have private baths, fans, and cable TV. (☎742 0774. Reception 24hr. Singles 210 pesos; doubles 299 pesos. Cash only.)

Casa Dulce Maria Hotel 5, Abasolo 20

Off Gorjón, catches the eye with stunning columns surrounding the fountain in the courtyard. Spotless rooms come with large, comfortable beds and equally immaculate baths. (☎742 3200. Reception 24hr. Singles 300 pesos; doubles 480 pesos. MC/V.)

Hotel Abasolo 3, Abasolo 80A

Provides spacious rooms with bath and TV, some with balconies overlooking the street. (☎742 8518. Reception 24hr. Singles 180 pesos; doubles 250 pesos; triples 380 pesos. Cash only.)

Food

A diverse cross-section of restaurants surrounds the plaza and the nearby streets.

El Mesón de Mezcal 4, Gorjón 152

Flavors most of its food with its very own brand of tequila. (☎742 0476. Torta ahogada 20 pesos. Shrimp 72 pesos. Open daily 9am-10pm. Cash only.)

For a nice evening view of the plaza, try Cafe de Rossy 3, Vallarta 4. (☎742 2030. Espresso 10 pesos. Cappuccino 18 pesos. Club sandwiches 20 pesos. Coffee with tequila 20-30 pesos. Open daily 8am-2pm, 6:30-11pm. Cash only.)

Right across from the Cuervo factory is the elegant, breezy La Fonda Cholula 4, Corona 55. The enchiladas (50 pesos) go well with a little tequila, which starts at 30 pesos. (☎742 1079. Open daily 11am-6pm. AmEx/MC/V.) Taco stands also cluster on the right-hand side of the church as you face the entrance.

Chapala

Chapala (pop. 20,000), founded by Tecuexe Indian Chief Capalac in 1510, is the first stop along the road from Guadalajara. It was here that D. H. Lawrence began writing The Plumed Serpent during the 1920s. The town now doubles as both a busy gateway to the lake’s pueblitos and larger cities and as a quiet town, with the occasional burro clacking down the unpaved streets. Although the North Shore tends to be expensive, Chapala hosts the area’s most affordable accommodations and is a great place to experience the lake and the mountains without too much of a tourist veneer.

 

Transportation

To get to Chapala from Guadalajara, take a “Guadalajara-Chapala” bus (45min., every 30min. 5:30am-9:30pm, 35 pesos) from the old station. The new bus station also serves Chapala (1hr., every hr. 7:45am-5:45pm, 24 pesos). From Ajijic, take any bus (20min., every 20min., 7 pesos). In Chapala, the entrance of the bus station is on Madero at Martínez. Turn left on Madero as you exit the station to reach the lake. “Guadalajara-Chapala” buses back to Guadalajara leave the station on roughly the same schedule as they arrive.

Practical Information

The lake forms the town’s southern and eastern boundaries. Hidalgo (called Morelos east of Madero) runs west to Ajijic from two blocks north of the lake. Corona runs along the southern waterfront. Madero is the main road, and runs north-south.

The tourist office, Madero 407, is opposite the Palacio Municipal. (☎765 3141. Open M-F 9am-7pm, Sa-Su 9am-1pm.)

Banamex, Madero 222, has an ATM (☎765 2271 or 2272; open M-F 9am-4pm), as does Bancomer, Madero 212.

The mercado de artesanías, on the waterfront, extends four blocks east of Madero’s end, on Corona.

Other services include: police, Madero 413 (☎765 4444); Red Cross, on Av. Gallo adjacent to Cristania park on the malecón (☎765 2308, emergencies 065); Farmacia Morelos, Madero 435A (☎765 4002); and the post office, Degollado 323, near Guerrero (☎765 6809; open M-F 8am-3pm). Postal Code: 45900.

Accommodations And Food

 

An outstanding lodging choice three blocks from the shores of Lake Chapala is;

Hotel Cardilejas 3, Cotilla 363

A rambling, colorful building on a hill with all the ambience of an Italian villa. Small, well-kept rooms with lace bedspreads have been known to lure the accidental tourist into month-long stays. Conveniently located one block off Madero near the bus station (look for the red-and-white sign), the hotel furnishes a great view of the lake and Chapala’s charming rooftops. (☎765 2279. Singles 200 pesos; doubles 250 pesos; triples 290 pesos.)

Las Palmitas 4, Juárez 531

Is across the street and two blocks away from the food market. A long, open white-tile courtyard leads to rooms with large beds. (☎765 3070. Singles 220 pesos; doubles 310 pesos; triples 415 pesos.) Hotel Villa Samary 4, Juárez Morelos 199, offers massive rooms just a block away from the malecón. (☎765 3960. Singles 215 pesos; doubles 300 pesos.)

Chapala boasts plenty of dining options for a town its size.

The many coffee and pastry shops have relaxed outdoor seating, giving the town a summery, European feel. There are also plenty of taco stands along Madero that offer tasty and filling food on the go. La Leña , Madero 236C, serves a range of seafood and carne amid old vinyl and paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. Try the tostadas de marlin (20 pesos) or one of the meat dishes (50-80 pesos). (☎765 2654. Open daily noon-midnight. Cash only.) For something lighter, try Coffee Break 2, Madero 415. Order a coffee (15 pesos) or an Italian soda (22 pesos) and take advantage of the Wi-Fi access. (☎765 5931. Open M-Sa 8am-10:30pm. MC/V.) For a quick bite, try Piccirilos Pizzeria 2, near the statue of Los Ausentes at the back of the plaza. In between slices (16 pesos), check out the arcade in back. (☎765 7777. Open daily 10am-10pm. Cash only.)

Sights And Entertainment 

While brave weekenders may occasionally rev up their jetskis and tear through the calm waters of the lake, pollution and a receding shoreline prevent most watersports. Most prefer to satisfy their lake-side craving by leisurely drifting through the water on small boats. Many local boat owners can be found on the pier at the end of Madero offering to take tourists out to the two islands, Isla de los Alacranes and Riberas, where there are a couple of restaurants. (Piloted boats to Isla de los Alacranes 280 pesos per 30min., 350 pesos per hr.) Despite the grime, the lake remains picturesque. For the best view of Chapala, the lake, and the surrounding hills, walk up López Cotilla and turn left down the small alley. Climb up the stone stairway and continue up the roughly hewn stairs in the hillside for 15-20min., until you get to the cross.

Nightlife

After sunset, people head to Corona and Madero near the malecón for nighttime frolics. One popular place is Ever’s, Corona 6, where a young crowd sits out on the patio with drink of choice in hand. (Beer 10-15 pesos. Open M-Th 4pm-midnight, F-Sa 4pm-2am. Cash only.) Just down the street is Jony’s Place, Corona 2, with a jukebox and pool table in the back. (☎765 3182. Beer 15 pesos. Sangria 35 pesos. Margaritas 40 pesos. Open Su-Th 9am-midnight, F-Sa 9am-2am. Cash only.) El Gavilan, at the corner of Cotilla and 5 de Mayo, is full of locals singing loud mariachi songs. (☎765 2352. Beer 15 pesos. Tequila 30 pesos. Open daily 9pm-1am. Cash only.)

Ajijic

Ajijic’s (pop. 18,000) perfect weather and idyllic setting could not stay secret forever, and today the town supports a thriving expatriate community and tourism industry. Nevertheless, the city’s cobblestone streets and well-tended gardens of Ajijic retain the charm of old Mexico. The town’s renowned beauty has always drawn crowds of artists and writers; their efforts fill the cobblestone streets and lakeside galleries. The town’s modern amenities and natural pueblito ambience merit the hype and a visit from even the most tourist-wary traveler.

Transportation And Practical Information. From the old bus station in Guadalajara, take a “Guadalajara-Chapala” bus (1hr., every 30min. 5:30am-9:30pm, 35 pesos), which, after stopping in Chapala, will continue along the lake to Ajijic and destinations beyond. From Chapala, take a bus to Ajijic via San Antonio from the bus station on Madero and Martínez (20min., every 15min. 6am-8pm, 7 pesos), or catch it at various bus stops along Madero. Buses back to Chapala or Guadalajara can be caught along Chapala, the same route by which the bus arrived (1hr., every 30min. 6am-8pm, 35 pesos).

If you’re lost, locals are often willing to point you in the right direction. The only paved street in Ajijic is Carretera Chapala, which divides the town into north and south. West of Colón it is called Poniente, and to the east Oriente. To reach the plaza, turn left at the traffic light onto Colón. Tourist information can be found at the Lake Chapala Society’s outpost in a former silkworm nursery at 16 de Septiembre 16. (☎766 1140. Open M-Sa 10am-2pm.) Bancomer, Parroquia 2 on the plaza, has a 24hr. ATM. Other services include: Lavandería, just off the plaza at Colón 24A (wash and dry 40 pesos; open M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 9am-3:30pm); police, Colón 23 on the plaza (☎766 1760) and Red Cross (☎765 2308 or 2553) in Chapala, both reachable in an emergency by dialing ☎080; Hospital Ajijic, Carretera Chapala 33 (☎766 0662); Farmacia Jessica, Parroquia 18 on the plaza (☎766 1191; open daily 9am-2pm, 5-9pm); Copy-Top, Guadalupe Victoria 2, on the Plaza (☎766 4464; Internet 20 pesos per hr.; open daily 10am-9pm) or CiberTec PC, Chapala Pte. 9B (10 pesos per hr.; open M-F 10am-6pm); and the post office, Chapala Pte. 7A (☎766 1888; open M-F 8am-3pm, Sa 9am-1pm). Postal Code: 45920.

Accommodations And Food. Ajijic has no budget hotels, but the extra pesos bring appropriate luxuries. Keep in mind that Chapala, where rooms are cheaper, is a short bus ride away. Las Casitas 5, Carretera Pte. 20, is one of the best hotel options, with red tile floors, fans, cable TV, private baths, a kitchen, and a cozy living room with chimney. (☎766 1145. 2-bed bungalows 395 pesos. Cash only.) Rooms at Hotel Italo 5, Guadalupe Victoria 8, two blocks east of the plaza, are white-tiled with refrigerator, TV, and capacious beds. The hotel provides a laundry service, sauna, and hot tub. (☎766 2221. Singles 300 pesos; doubles 400 pesos; triples 490 pesos. MC/V.) Posada las Calandrías 5, Carretera Chapala 8, has a flower-filled garden, barbecue space, and a great view of the laguna from the terraces. (☎766 1052. Small bungalows with 2 beds, a kitchenette, and refrigerator start at 400 pesos; larger rooms 500 pesos. MC/V.) All establishments have pools.

Although expensive restaurants dominate the scene, Ajijic will not disappoint the budget traveler. For breakfast, coffee, and antojitos in a lush garden replete with exotic birds, try  Cafe In Acálli 1, 16 de Septiembre 6A. (☎766 4859. Coffee 9 pesos. Regular and veggie burgers 15 pesos. Sandwiches 11 pesos. Open M-Sa 9am-5pm. Cash only.) Another cheap local favorite is Tepalo Restaurant 2, on Parroquia 10B at the plaza. Try the deep-fried shrimp sandwiches (40 pesos), fish filets (50 pesos) or enchilada plates (28 pesos). (☎766 0727. Open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa-Su 8am-6pm. Cash only.) The walls of Saint Peter’s 5, Hidalgo 17 off Colón, are studded with paintings, giving this upscale restaurant an art gallery vibe. Tapas (30 pesos) are served at the bar, and entrees run 90-115 pesos. (☎766 1919. Open M-Sa 1pm-midnight, Su 1-7:30pm. MC/V.) For organic, fair-trade coffee in a stylish setting, there’s Cafe Grano Cafe 1, Marcos Castellanos 15C, across from the church. (☎766 5684. Coffee 12 pesos, latte 19 pesos. Open M-Th 9am-2pm and 6-9pm, F-Su 9am-2pm and 5:30-9:30pm. Cash only.) At night, people of all ages head to the bar at Posada Ajijic, Morelos 1 on the laguna at Colón, which features live music Tu-F 7-11pm and Sa 9pm-1am. (☎766 0744. Beer 15 pesos. Tequila 40 pesos. Cover F-Sa 40 pesos. Open M-F noon-11pm, Sa noon-1am. MC/V.) Taberna de Garrik, at 16 de Septiembre #4, inside Hacienda Los Alcatraces, has live music on Saturdays from 8:30pm-1am. (☎766 5238. Cover 25 pesos. Open Th-Sa 5:30pm-1am. Cash only.)

Tonalá

Catch bus #275 (4.50 pesos) or TUR-707 (9 pesos), both on Revolución. From the 275, get off at the corner of Av. Tonalá and Tonaltecas to greet rows of pottery stores. From TUR-707, get off at Juárez and Tonaltecas. Pass 3 blocks of market stalls to reach the Plaza Principal, at Juárez and Madero.

The dusty town of Tonalá is renowned for its finely wrought, earth-toned pottery. Due to its high quality and manufacturing costs, the town’s cerámica often bypasses the local market of bargain hunters and goes straight to upscale department stores and boutiques. For a closer look, start at the tourist office, Zapata 244 (☎1200 3913; open M-F 9am-8pm), two blocks off the plaza on the right, and ask for information on local pottery factories such as Concotzín, Erandi, and Kent Edwards. Most factories offer tours, which often include the opportunity to buy slightly imperfect merchandise at discount prices. If you’re not looking to buy, visit the Museo Nacional de Ceramica, Constitución 104, which displays award-winning work by native talents. The huge number of shops surrounding the plaza principal multiplies on  market days (Th and Su) into an endless expanse of stands sprawling down Juárez for blocks. Vendors sell local products (glassware, silver jewelry, basketry, miniature pottery sets), as well as artesanía from throughout Mexico. Taco stands punctuate the stalls for those in search of a cheap, quick bite.

Tlaquepaque

Take a local #275 or 275A bus or the “Tlaquepaque” TUR bus (30min., 10 pesos) from 16 de Septiembre on the southbound side. For the main markets, get off at Independencia by the Pollo-Chicken on the left; if the driver turns left off Niños Héroes, you’ve gone too far. To get back to Guadalajara, take a #275 or TUR bus on Reforma or Niños Héroes.

Tlaquepaque has both preserved and profited from its colonial past. The streets off the plaza, farther from the centro, are lined with brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century homes; most have been converted into artesanía shops. Products tend to be of higher quality and price than similar goods piled high in the market shops aimed at unsuspecting tourists. Independencia, the main pedestrian route, is a shady walk lined by expensive galleries of ceramics and other fine handcrafted items. Museo Regional de las Cerámicas y los Artes Populares de Jalisco, Independencia 237, at Alfareros, sells an interesting collection of regional crafts. (☎3635 5404. Open Tu-Su 10am-6pm.) There are daily outdoor performances of jarabe tapatío in the square, and on Sunday mariachis perform in the Parian, at the corner of Independencia and Madero. A small tourist information booth (☎3562 7050) is on Calle Morelos, between Verde and Medellín. There are few dining options for the budget traveler apart from taco and fruit stands. More affordable meals can be found near the mercado, just off Tlaquepaque’s main square.