From Guadalajara’s Grand Plazas to Tlaquepaque’s Artisan Alleys

A four-day road trip to the city of Guadalajara with day tours to the neighboring city of Tlaquepaque, 20 minutes away. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city, the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila and the charreada (Mexican rodeo). Its historic center is impressive with huge interlocking pedestrian plazas that draw crowds all day surrounded by so many majestic colonial buildings with plenty of public art and sculptures. Interestingly, underneath one of its plazas is an underground train system. The contrast between modern living and the city’s colonial heritage is quite remarkable. The city of Tlaquepaque is where you can explore the region’s artisan culture — one of the best places to shop and immerse yourself in local art and tradition…

But First a Bit of History

The city of Guadalajara actually moved around several times as it fought off native tribes before settling in the Atemajac Valley in the 16th century. The discovery of silver mines allowed the city to grow, attracting migrants from other colonies and Europe becoming one of the most populous cities today in the western part of Mexico. Over time, the city played a crucial role during the Mexican War of Independence, taking one further step in declaring the abolition of slavery in 1810. Today, the city is known as a cultural…