Day 1 - Guadalajara city

Start with a walking tour to see the center of the city. Compared to Mexico City, Guadalajara appears safer, cleaner, and more well-maintained.

A well-maintained cityscape depicting Guadalajara, showcasing clean, organized streets and modern infrastructure, contributing to a sense of safety and cleanliness compared to other cities.
A bustling indoor market with numerous stalls and vendors, showcasing a variety of goods, in a well-lit, spacious environment

Do check out the largest gold market and the largest covered market in Latin America (“Mercado San Juan de Dios”).

Aerial view of the bustling Mercado San Juan de Dios, the largest gold market and covered market in Latin America, in Guadalajara.

Try Tejuino, a drink local to the Mexican states of Jalisco and Chihuahua.

A glass of Tejuino, a traditional beverage from Jalisco and Chihuahua, Mexico, is highlighted alongside a suggestion to enjoy corn (elotes) while in Mexico.

And since it is Mexico, do eat corn (elotes) as well.

A glass filled with a traditional Mexican drink Tejuino

There are two museums worth visiting, Museo Cabañas and Musa. Musa is free. Museo Cabañas is free on Tuesdays.

Daylight illuminates the Museo Cabañas, a grand historical building with neoclassical architecture in Guadalajara

At night, do watch the light show at Guadalajara Catedral.

Day 2 - Guachiomontones

Guachiomontones built in ~300 BC is the only circular pyramid in the world. The site is small compared to Chichén Itzá or Egyptian Pyramids . However, if you are a history buff, you will love it. Otherwise, it might feel underwhelming. To get here, take a 100 pesos one-hour bus from Guadalajara Central Bus Station to Teuchitlán. From here, you can take a taxi or even a 20-minute walk to the pyramids. Here’s a blog post that describes the full details. I would highly recommend taking a guide here as they will explain the Ulama game and how it relates to “Poc ta poc " played near Chichén Itzá. The guide will cost 200-400 pesos.

A circular stepped pyramid located at Guachimontones, surrounded by lush greenery, used for ancient ceremonial or sporting activities related to the game 'Poc ta Poc'.
A circular stone pyramid at Guachimontones, surrounded by lush greenery, serves as an archeological site with historic significance.

Rather than going from Teuchitlán to Guadalajara, you can take a ~100 peso bus to La Venta del Astillero and from there head to Tequila town via a 120 pesos bus. Tequila town is the birthplace of Tequila. There isn’t a lot to do here if you don’t drink. You can try Agave miel (honey) at a few shops. Tequila Town has a relaxed touristy vibe.

A scenic view of an agave farm, highlighting rows of agave plants used for tequila production, set against a backdrop of distant hills.
A picturesque agave farm, used for tequila production

Once you are done, you can take a 130 pesos 2-hour bus back to Guadalajara.

Day 3 - Lake Chapala - the largest lake in Mexico

I took a 60-pesos 1-hour bus journey to Ajijic on Lake Chapala.

Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico. The nearby city of Ajijic is one of the best-known expat hubs. It has a small waterfall that was dry when I visited. The hike to the waterfall is only 40 minutes long but is a strenuous upward climb. Otherwise, there isn’t much to see in the city.

A dry waterfall in Ajijic with rugged, rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, highlighting a challenging climbing path.

From here, take a 12-pesos ~20-minute bus to the City of Chapala, which is both larger and more touristy.

A pier extending into a large lake is seen with mountains in the background, capturing the scenic beauty of Lake Chapala, a popular tourist destination.

Here you can see the ceremony of Voladores (“flying men”).

Four men perform the Voladores ceremony, a traditional Mexican ritual involving airborne acrobatics from a tall pole, against a clear sky backdrop.

In the evening, I took a 60 pesos 1-hour bus ride back to Guadalajara.

Day 4 - Tlaquepaque

The city of Tlaquepaque has friendly vibes and beautiful art. It is worth visiting but still a bit underwhelming compared to Guadalajara.

A decorative ceramic plaque displays a vibrant, intricate design featuring traditional Mexican motifs

In the evening, try vegan ceviche at the famous vegan restaurant “La Flaca”.

A vegan ceviche dish is presented on a table at the vegan restaurant La Flaca, suggested as an evening meal option.

Note:

  1. Just like in Mexico City , the public transport is widely accessible.