Category Archives: Guadalajara

Centro Historico

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In the heart of Guadalajra, lies its history. With buildings lying along the axis of a cross, with the Cathedral of Guadalajara in the center, here in Centro Historico (Historical Center) you will find:

Plaza de Armas has an ironwork gazebo made from Paris.

This faces the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). The clock will always remain at this time due to a stray bullet aimed at the president, who was visiting at the time. The bullet hole is still visible and lodged in the workings of clock.

On the east side of the Cathedral is the Plaza de Liberacion, where protest demonstrations are held. Teatro Degollado faces this plaza. It is the oldest surviving theater that still holds performances.

Behind the theater is the Fuente de los Fundadores (Fountain of Founders). This is the exact spot where the city was founded by Cristobal de Onate.

If you continue walking from the fountain along Plaza Tapatia, you will come upon Hospicio Cabana. This was founded as an orphange and homeless shelter in 1810. Now it is a museum.

Walk towards Calle Dionsio Rodriguez and look for vendors selling leather goods. Squeeze in between the shops and you will discover Mercado Libertad, known as Mercado de San Juan de Dios to locals. Here you can shop for jewelry, leather goods, candy, and fake name brand items. I was in awe at this place because you generally only find this in Asia. 

Torta Ahogada

Torta ahogada is a drowned sandwich, which is a typical dish of Guadalajara. The birote bread has a crunchy crust, which allows it to withstand the sauce, and a soft interior. This regional bread is filled with fried, chopped pork and then submerged in a chili pepper tomato sauce. Top it with raw onions and cabbage and enjoy! Tip: It’s messy so have napkins handy!

Tejunio

Tejunio is a popular drink from Jalisco’s neighboring state, Colima. It is made out of corn dough mixed with water and piloncillo (cone shaped unrefined brown sugar). It is boiled until thick and then fermented. It is served cold with lime juice, sprinkle of salt, and a scoop of shaved ice. You can find this concoction sold by street vendors. I bought mine in front of Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

Catedral de Guadalajara

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This Roman Catholic cathedral is the cathedral of Archdiocese of Guadalajara. Built in 1541, the initial structure was an adobe with a thatched roof. It has gone through many changes due to fire and earthquakes to become the current minor basilica in the Renaissance style with neo-gothic towers.

The exquisite alter, made out of marble and silver, is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. 

This cathedral also houses the remains of St. Innocent. Inocencia was a little girl who had lost her mother at a young age and found faith in the Catholic religion. However, her father was against it and told her to never step foot in the church. With the help of the church, she got baptized. Overcome with joy, she ran home to her father to share the good news. In anger, he stabbed a knife through her chest. She was transferred to the cathedral as a silent witness of the Eucharist.

(Av Alcalde 10, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico)

Karne Garibaldi

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Karne Garibaldi is known for its fast service. Once you put in your order, the food appears like magic. I loved their re-fried beans with white corn. They also can it and sell it worldwide. I will be on the look out for this next time I’m grocery shopping.

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They keep their menu simple by offering only a few dishes. Their signature dish is carne en su jugo (meat in its juice), which comes in three different sizes: small, medium, or large. I got the small, which was the perfect size for me. I loved the added bacon. Toss in some onion, cilantro, lime juice, and grilled onions, dip a tortilla in the juice and you’ve got yourself a tasty meal.

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Don’t forget to wash it down with some of Guadalajara’s finest beer. Modelo is brewed and packaged in Guadalajara.

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(Carretera a Tesistán, Av. Juan Gil Preciado 1999, Parques Zapopan, 45138 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico)

How to Travel from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara

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There are many ways to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara. The fastest and most expensive way is to fly. You could also rent a car and drive the 4.5 hours. However, I chose to take the bus since it took the same amount of time as driving but without the stress of navigating in unknown territory. The three bus companies that operate from PV to Guadalajara are: ETN, Primera Plus, and Vallarta Plus. The stop is located at  Carr. Fed. Tepic Km 9.5, Col. Las Mojoneras, 48292 Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico. I found that none of the websites listed where the bus stop is. I told the taxi driver to go to the Primera Plus bus stop and hoped for the best.

I went with Primera Plus because it was the cheapest at 441 pesos. I was very impressed with their service. Before you board the bus, they hand you a packed lunch and a drink of your choice. The bus is very spacious; the one I boarded only had 5 passengers. Each seat comes with a TV. There’s also wifi and it’s fast! There’s also a bathroom on board.

Sit back and enjoy the ride. Before you know it, you’re in Guadalajara.