The Best Weekend Getaways From Guadalajara

While there’s plenty to do in Guadalajara, the most populous metropolitan area in Jalisco and the second largest in Mexico, a few hours in a car will get you one of these stunning, historic, and relaxing weekend getaways.

Chapala Lake

Chapala Lake, less than an hour from the Guadalajara metropolis, is the biggest one in Mexico, and its Ribera is surrounded by picturesque little towns like Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec, and Poncitlan. Rent a boat service from the pier and visit Scorpion’s Island for a variety of restaurants and a different view of the lake. The area is full of boutique hotels and spas, so visitors can spend as much time as they like.

Tequila

Puerto Vallarta

Jalisco’s principal seaport, Puerto Vallarta is a great international destination. It offers beautiful beaches, jungle tours, whale watching, diving, water sports, kite surf, golf, ecotourism, as well as a vibrant nightlife with several bars and restaurants downtown.

Mazamitla

Mazamitla is a favorite destination for locals to spend a relaxing weekend away from the city stress. The middle of the Sierra del Tigre forest is a great place for getting some fresh air and resting in a cozy cabin. Walk through the city center, have some coffee or atole (a festive corn-based drink), and enjoy the local cuisine.

Guachimontones

This archaeological site has some unique pre-colonial feature: circular pyramids, remains of traditional juego de pelota (Mesoamerican ballgame) fields, and several terraces and buildings. Less than an hour away from the Guadalajara’s center, Guachimontones provides insight to the ancient native civilization of the region.

Tapalpa

Tapalpa belongs to one of Mexico’s tourist categories, for well-conserved traditional towns called “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magical Towns). Tapalpa’s old church and small white-and-red painted houses in make for a great destination to get away from the city and enjoy the tranquility. The Piedrotas (Giant Rocks), a few minutes outside the town, are an incredible natural spectacle.

Tepatitlan

Tepatitlan, just an hour east of Guadalajara’s city center, is the entry of the Los Altos de Jalisco region. Sample the town’s traditional carnitas (fried pork) and continue on to other nearby towns: Capilla de Guadalupe, San Juan de los Lagos, Yahualica, and Lagos de Moreno.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.