It’s been about a month now since we returned from our trip to Guadalajara and Tequila—and we still talk about it daily. We love when destinations surprise us and exceed our (already very high) expectations, and these two spots did exactly that! The history, the food, the culture… the TEQUILA! Everything about our trip was magical.
*We also left our toddler at home, making the experience extra glorious. ;) ...But that’s besides the point.
Here’s 5 reasons why you should book a trip to Guadalajara and Tequila ASAP:
1. THEY’RE EASY TO GET TO
Maybe we’re getting older (or maybe it’s because we’re parents), but we love visiting destinations that are easily accessible and don’t require long travel days. We’re all about maximizing our vacation time and minimizing travel stress! Lucky for us, Guadalajara is an easy 2.5 hour flight from LAX. (And yet it feels like a world away!) We left first thing in the morning and made it to the city in time for lunch—you can’t beat that!!
2. THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL
Both Guadalajara and Tequila are absolutely stunning in their own ways. Guadalajara has a charm that’s unlike anywhere we’ve been before. From the Cathedral de Guadalajara to the Teatro Degollado, it’s an architecture (and history) lover’s dream!
Liberation Square with the cathedral in the background!
Tequila is an hour outside from Guadalajara, and the picturesque drive alone is worth the trip! You’ll know you’re getting close as you start to see rolling agave fields in the distance. The town of Tequila itself is charming and quaint and everything you’d imagine it to be. From the cobblestone streets to the colorful architecture and the festive town square–it’s like something out of a movie!
Main square in Tequila, Mexico
The Church of Santiago Apostol - Tequila
3. THE CULINARY SCENE
Mexican food is our favorite food... And the food in Guadalajara and Tequila might be some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had! We have a long list of all of the restaurants we did not make it to (foodies- book a trip NOW) but here’s a few of the ones we DID enjoy:
Cafe La Paloma (Guadalajara): Loved this casual (and very affordable) spot for coffee/lunch! Get the guacamole and tortilla soup—and don’t forget their homemade flan for dessert! (For a sweet, refreshing drink try their pīnada!)
Casa Luna Restaurante (Tlaquepaque): From the mesmerizing decor to the beautifully plated cuisine, this iconic restaurant lived up to ALL the hype! Order a round of “Cazuelitas” for the table (tequila, soda, citrus and spices), and if it’s in season you must try their “Chiles En Nogada” (a Guadalajaran specialty that’s only served a couple of months out of the year)!
Hueso (Guadalajara): This place is truly an experience, and one that we didn’t want to end! It’s chic and modern and playful all at once, and if you only have one meal in Guadalajara—have it here. Drink all the cocktails and eat all the food. (Especially the pork, short rib, bone marrow, risotto, and creme brulee) and thank us later.
La Antigua Casona (Tequila): We ate here multiple times (and even splurged on multiple dishes) because we couldn't get enough of the open ambiance and flavorful cuisine! Their "Torta Ahogada" (drowned sandwich) might be the best thing we ate on the trip!
Casa Luna - look at the decor!
You can drink Cazuelas in the streets - like Vegas :)
4. THE EXPERIENCES
When it comes to things to do, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in both Guadalajara and Tequila. Bring good walking shoes, we walked a lot. (And we ate a lot, so it balanced out. We like it that way.) Here’s some highlights:
Charro Training: We went to the Lienzo Charros de Jalisco for a real Charrería experience. If you aren’t famliair with a Charrería, it’s ok, we weren’t either! Consider it their version of a rodeo- but like, way cooler. There’s fancy uniforms and rope tricks and bull riding and well, it’s epic. We learned all about the history and Bobby had a crash-course in how to be a charro and he’ll proudly say he passed.
Walking Tour: Guadalajara is one of those cities where there’s SO much to see, so a walking tour is a great place to start. We went on a Historic City Center tour with Lily Aceves, and we highly recommend it! Not only will you see and learn so much about the history and culture of Guadalajara, but you’ll make an amazing friend, too. We love you, Lily!
Guadalajara Cathedral on the Historic City Center Tour with Lily Aceves
Explore Tlaquepaque: Just 20 minutes from downtown Guadalajara is the picture-perfect neighborhood called Tlaquepaque. There you’ll find an array of shops, galleries and restaurants that will keep you entertained (and stuffed!) for hours.
Nuestros Dulces Candy Factory: While yo’re in Tlaquepaque, tour an authentic Guadalajaran candy factory- where you’ll be able to taste, and even make, some delicious treats!
Mundo Cuervo tour & tasting: If you visit Tequila and don’t do the Mundo Cuervo tour, did you even go to Tequila?! This is a must do, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We learned all about the tequila making process, from the agave plant to the distilling… and everything in between! And of course, it comes with a generous tasting too!
5. THE LUXE ACCOMMODATIONS
Over the past few years we’ve come to a realization about ourselves. We’re kind of hotel connoisseurs. We love staying at places with character, places that surprise us, places that aren’t only visually pleasing, but have amazing customer service and care. Both spots we stayed at on this trip were exactly that. We’d book them again tomorrow if we could!
Casa Habita (Guadalajara): Think Ace Hotel meets Guadalajaran minimalism. (If that’s a thing?) It’s effortlessly cool yet inviting, with all the right features and perfectly calculated design. Our only regret is that we didn’t have time to utilize the super-chic pool!
Hotel Solar de las Animas (Tequila): We both said we’d return to Tequila just to stay here. It’s five-star service and elegance that we haven’t experienced in awhile. The spacious rooms, the perfectly manicured grounds, the decadent breakfasts… everything is perfectly executed, and fabulously romantic.
Breakfast in bed at Casa Habita
Pool time with a view at Casa Habita
Tranquility at Hotel Solar de las Animas
Insane beauty at Hotel Solar de las Animas
There you have it. Our five reasons to visit Guadalajara and Tequila. We could give you 500 more but A) we don’t have that kind of time and B) we don’t want to give all of its greatness away! Experience this part of Mexico for yourself—and let us know what you think! Better yet, take us with you. We’re already itching to go back.