Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The places to visit near Guadalajara are rich in varying landscapes, cultural gems, and picturesque towns.This region is filled with historic tequila distilleries, art-centric lakeside villages, and mountains draped in pine. There is an abundance of beautiful places to visit around Guadalajara. They all bring their own pockets of tradition, nature, and local flavor. Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, or a greater understanding of Mexican heritage, you will find loads of memorable experiences and attractive day trips and weekend getaways that complement the busyness of Guadalajara perfectly.
10 Places To Visit Near Guadalajara
Whether you seek excursions that provide artisan towns, scenic lakes, or mountain getaways, the places to visit near Guadalajara provide the opportunity for a blend of culture and outdoor adventures.
1. Tequila
Photo: terri_bateman / Wikimedia Commons
Tequila is the home of the most legendary Mexican beverage, yet this state has lots to offer besides its popular drink. This chromatic Pueblo Magico is framed by undulating golden folds of blue agave, and next to the beautiful landscape of the Tequila volcano. Tourists may visit such famous distilleries as Jose Cuervo or Casa Sauza, participate in tasting tours, and even travel in the Tequila Express train from Guadalajara to have a drunken non-stop party. There is more to the liquor as the town itself is a delight with cobbled lanes, colonial administration buildings, bustling squares, and as well as the compelling Museo Nacional del Tequila.
Distance from Guadalajara: 65 km
Top Highlights: the Tequila Express train
2. Tlaquepaque
Photo: Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons
Tlaquepaque is a lively town and a perfect combination of tradition, creativity, and charm. Referred to as an artisan center, it is an ideal destination to experience the Mexican craft talent, be it vivid ceramics or works of hand-blown glass, and delicately carved wooden items. Take a walk over Calle Independencia, one of the most beautiful, flowery, and pedestrianised streets, dotted with galleries, boutique shops, and outdoor cafes. The colonial style of architecture and dim plazas of the town offer a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. El Parián describes an enormous cantina and a cultural icon where visitors are taken through live mariachi music performances as well as tasting tasty hometown drinks.
Distance from Guadalajara: 13.2 km
Top Highlights: El Parián
3. Lake Chapala & Ajijic
Photo: YdelaT / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Chapala, which is Mexico’s largest natural lake, is a calm oasis surrounded by quaint towns along the shoreline, the most famous of which is Ajijic. Ajijic is a unique town that is filled with color; a supportive, creative community, and a relaxing vibe, attracting a deep sense of peace & inspiration for artists, expats, or travellers. The lakeside malecón is a perfect spot for a stroll where the calm water meets the horizon and mountains far in the distance. You will find boutique cafés, art galleries, and live music venues that create a bohemian vibe. Although you can enjoy the lake by boat, birdwatching, or just sit and enjoy the breeze, Ajijic encourages you to maybe slow down too.
Distance from Guadalajara: 55.9 km
Top Highlights: Malecón in Ajijic
4. Guachimontones
Photo: Esteban Tucci / Wikimedia Commons
Guachimontones are among the most unparalleled archaeological treasures of Mexico, in the foothills of the town of Teuchitl. This place is very unique as compared to other well-known pyramids in Mesoamerica since it is a location that possesses circular pyramids, constructed by the Teuchitlán culture more than 2,000 years ago. El Guachi, which is the main pyramid, is located in the middle of an extensive ritual complex, containing ancient ball sites and ritual sites. With beautiful landscapes and a view of a serene valley, the place also has hiking paths and viewing areas.
Distance from Guadalajara: 63.8 km
Top Highlights: the El Gran Guachi pyramid
5. Tonalá
Photo: Gzzz / Wikimedia Commons
Tonalá is a busy artisan town with a strong heritage of craft work and colorful open-air markets. Being one of the most innovative places to see near Guadalajara, it has an abundance of hand-performed ceramics, clay figurines, wrought iron, wood carvings, and blown glass. The most notable tianguis (street markets) are on Thursdays and Sundays and span several blocks featuring items of local artisans. Other than shopping, one can visit family-run workshops, watch workers operating, and even have unique, one-of-a-kind work. Tonalá is a real cultural experience, only a short ride or drive outside the city, is full of creativity and tradition, and is a place to have a good time.
Distance from Guadalajara: 15.6 km
Top Highlights: Tonalá open-air markets
6. Tapalpa
Photo: Victor Daniel Rosales Lopez / Wikimedia Commons
Tapalpa is a peaceful mountain getaway that combines gorgeous nature with a charming small-town atmosphere and is undoubtedly one of the most refreshing places to visit near Guadalajara. Located at one of the highest elevations in the Sierra de Tapalpa, this Pueblo Mágico is surrounded by pine forests, rolling hills, and cool, crisp mountain air – perfect for nature outings or quiet getaways. Travellers can visit Las Piedras, which is a field of large volcanic boulders and is great for hiking, horseback riding, or picnicking. Another special sight is El Salto del Nogal, Jalisco’s tallest waterfall, which can be reached by trail through the forest.
Distance from Guadalajara: 133.3 km
Top Highlights: Las Piedrotas rock fields
7. Mazamitla
Photo: Luisalvaz / Wikimedia Commons
The charming alpine town of Mazamitla (which is sometimes referred to as the Swiss village of Mexico) is another of our favourite destinations located in the Sierra del Tigre mountains. It is a retreat where you can stay in chalet-style cabins, getting lost in mist forests and cool climates, which can make you feel you are across the world. This Pueblo Mangico gives a delightful adventure-relax combination. A visitor will be able to traverse the forests on foot, horse, or ATV, explore the town plaza and its wooden church, as well as experience such delights as Borrego al pastor.
Distance from Guadalajara: 134 km
Top Highlights: Eco-park and waterfalls
8. Atemajac De Brizuela
Photo: Kieran Proctor / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Atemajac de Brizuela is a quiet, highland town surrounded by pine forests, fresh air, and the wilderness of mountains and calm countryside. It is one of the most relaxing tourist attractions near Guadalajara to visit, this is because travellers who prefer a slow tempo and the natural landscape could find in this park a distant and quiet atmosphere. It is situated in the Sierra de Quila, and this region provides calm hiking paths, rustic cabins in the country, and a cooling break from city life. The local trading grounds have homemade canned cheeses and bread as well as seasonal foods, which help you have a feel of what is authentic to the region.
Distance from Guadalajara: 92.2 km
Top Highlights: Local cheese and countryside trails
9. Zapotlanejo
Photo: Richard-kun / Wikimedia Commons
The town of Zapotlanejo is well known because it has fashion outlets, leather goods, and cheap shopping, and therefore it is an ideal place to visit besides Guadalajara for a bargain hunter. It is located just outside the city, and it is popularly considered a fashion capital, especially with must-haves such as jeans, boots, belts, and accessories. The vibrant shopping streets of the town are loaded with shops where you can avail the cheap retail prices equally to restaurants serving authentic Jalisco food, such as tortas ahogadas and birria.
Distance from Guadalajara: 35.2 km
Top Highlights: Leather Market Street
10. Ixtlahuacán De Los Membrillos
Photo: Merve Kalafat Yılmaz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos is a tiny town known as the place of production of membrillo (quince), which is used to prepare sweet jams, candies, and liqueurs. Being one of the most beautiful places to visit near Guadalajara, it can introduce a tourist to the native Mexican rural culture and art of food production. A wide variety of excellent quality, homemade-tasting quince products can be sampled and bought here as good souvenirs or as gifts. A welcoming reflection can be seen in the quiet streets and the friendly local people, serving as an excellent destination of choice when it comes to visiting the Lake Chapala area.
Distance from Guadalajara: 42.8 km
Top Highlights: Membrillo-based candy shops
Visiting nearby towns offers a refreshing change from city life. With colonial charm, artisan markets, serene lakes, and lush mountain retreats, the variety of places to visit near Guadalajara makes escaping easy. Whether savoring tequila in its birthplace, exploring ancient pyramids, or relaxing at a lakeside café, each destination adds unique flavor, culture, and nature to your trip. Discover perfect weekend or day trips and plan your getaway with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Arturo Esparza / Unsplash
