​Seven Reasons to Go Visit Guadalajara

Getting ready to test tequila with a Mundo Cuervo test master no less! L-R is lime peel, cinnamon sticks and coffee bean that are used to enhance flavors.

Or at least, that’s as many reasons I know of for right now. I am sure there are plenty more. When my friends say they are off to visit Mexico, it is all the usual suspects - Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or San Miguel de Allende and if they live close to San Diego then it is usually Tijuana or Tecate but Guadalajara?? I have never been to Mexico so any spot in the country is enticement enough for me but hearing that very few actually head to this city got me curious. If you don’t know where that is, Guadalajara is located in western Mexico in the state of Jalisco, and is the capital city. Here’s what I learned at the recently held Travel Massive LA event with Visit Guadalajara at La Cabana in Venice.

L-R: Agave cooked is the darker version - tastes like sugar cane but texture is soft. Agave uncooked is the lighter version - tastes like jicama and texture is harder.

1. Guadalajara is known for its cuisine – The signature dish is drowned sandwiches made with a dense roll, stuffed meat and dunked in salsa. Never heard of that one before!
2. It is also famous for pozole – a corn soup with meat, as also Birria – a stew made with lamb or goat, baked slowly with spices in an earthen oven, and garnished with onions cilantro and lime…this sounds a lot like paella and closer home, like the biriyani we make in India so it definitely would be interesting to see what this tastes like.
3. The traditions and history – Guadalajara is considered the cultural center of Mexico. The tradition of tequila, mariachi music, sombreros and rodeos all originated here. They host an international mariachi festival too.
4. Guadalajara is also known for skilled artisanship in pottery, glassware, leather goods and silver jewelry. All sound like pretty good souvenir shopping expeditions to me!
5. The town of Tequila is here. Yes, it is actually a place and not just the thing in your drinks. This is where the spirit originated and is still produced today. Tequila tasting with a tequila master is a highly recommended experience. Sign me up now.
6. Other attractions in Guadalajara include Lake Chapala – the largest lake in Mexico, and the circular pyramids of Guachimontones – the foundation dates back to the Aztecs.
7. There are also two world heritage UNESCO sites located here – the hospicio cabanas – one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in the Americas, and the agave fields. Other attractions include local museums and the zoo.

Bonus reason to go – so you can say Guadalajara over and over again! Seriously though, if you've been already, tell me more.

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