Guadalajara Off The Beaten Path

We love the haciendas and their history, is the best way of finding the "real old Mexico" .
These amazing, restored historical mansions dating as far back as 1622 have been turned into luxurious hotels. There are eight scattered around the state of Jalisco, always in rural areas or small towns, just waiting to be discovered by the more adventurous tourist. Ranging from 60 USD per night. to all inclusive resort rates of $250 a night, they offer options limited only by your budget.

every thursday night to be more precise at 8:30 pm , all people who loves to speak, learn or share with different people meets at Fenix cafe across the street from Expiatorio, this group is formed by people that speaks french, english,spanish, german, russian etc,and like to know more people by practicing languages, they either exchange students, locals, tourists, and teachers.. they called themself Poliglots Club... if you are in the city go ahead and meet more people You´ll like the experience.

Guadalajara is a magic city, mystical and full of magnetic energy..Perhaps it is because it was founded on Valentines day..but I think it is a spot on earth which holds magnetic powers..for in february your hair will be charged to standing straight up and out physically. i suppose the first thing a gringo notices is the vibrance of the pace of life in the street. everyone seems to be going somewhere rapidly..a million taxis, camiones(buses) and a great subway..if you can find it...and its true Tapatios are going somewhere allright to the million taco stands open in every calle(street) in the city.Hold on gringo or gringa you just saw a most beautiful person pass you, but wait another and another..continuous flow night and day...god that bus almost just ran me over...hay a person so dirty, a mama pushing 4 babies in a row...the super rich the super poor all in one city continuous....do'nt panic gringo...and return to your hotel or the good ol usa....jump in .. and off the beaten path.this city is for real...begin in el centro...cerca(near) Obregon....San Juan de Dios...it does not matter the largest indoor mall in latin america..Plaza Gallerias..all Mexicanos rich or poor go to San Juan de Dios to look and shop...we are talking traditions here..that dvd pirate for 20 pesos.computer program pirates for 200 pesos..asi es realidad in Mexico. In avenida Obregon stay in a cheap Hotel..very clean for 12.50 usd a night...eat chulletas(pork chops) with Mexicans for 38 pesos 3.80 a plate...this is maybe a one day and night stay off the tourist path and very well worth the effort to remember you are in Mexico do as Mexicans..especially Tapatios..Guadalajarians..They are taught friendship and politeness and extend this to you off the beaten path of mega bucks tourism...no matter what always remember in mexico 10 pesos one buck could mean the difference of eating or not eating for one person in mexico that day...want more...email me .riki

HACIENDA EL CARMEN- ONLY. 7 MINUTES FROM GUACHIMONTONES.

Three centuries ago, formerly known as "Hacienda de Santa Maria de Miraflores"… today "Hacienda El Carmen Hotel & Spa"...the charm and elegance of Old Mexico blends with the comfort and style of today.
We love love the haciendas and their history, is the best way of finding the "real old Mexico" .
These amazing, restored historical mansions dating as far back as 1622 have been turned into luxurious hotels. There are eight scattered around the state of Jalisco, always in rural areas or small towns, just waiting to be discovered by the more adventurous tourist. Ranging from 60 USD per night. to all inclusive resort rates of $250 a night, they offer options limited only by your budget.
In Hacienda El Carmen, the archway of its corridors and the beauty of the chapel create a mood that inspires meditation, finding peace and harmony with nature. It is the perfect place for a private wedding¡¡¡
The reception and diego's tertulias salon are yet another example of the carefully restored spaces that display the marriage of a Colonial Mexico and the practicality that our modern age requires, thus offering an environment of excellent taste and elegance.

Monica Baeza is the name of our host. She is the owner.
Be open to enjoy and be pampered like royalty!!

The emblem-shield symbolizes the Aztec heritage. According to a beautiful legend, the gods had advised the Aztecs that the place where they should establish their city was to be identified when they saw an eagle, perched on a prickly pear tree, devouring a serpent. They saw this mythical eagle on a marshy lake that is now the z?calo or main plaza in Mexico City. Did you know it ?

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The town of Ajijic and Lake Chapala region of Jalisco, Mexico, has a wonderful climate year around was started as an ex-patriat writers and are colony in the 1920s I was told. It is now a very nice place for retirees, those wanting to escape aspects of "Home" (such as the winter weather for Canadians or the hot summer sun for Texans). About 5,000 expats who desire to live and in Mexico call this home.

We used a guide Ilse Hoffman 011 [52] (33) 3647 3912 she was a social worker in Boston and is an editor of the local english language Newspaper. She was wonderful and can give you the scoop it you are thinging about living or retiring in this part of Mexico.

That Emporer Charles V, Holy Roman Emporer and ruler of much of Europe in the 16th century, gave Guadalajara its charter as "a most loyal and noble city"

And that Guadalajara celebrated its 460th anniversary in 2002. Throughout the centuries, the city has become rich in history, and to this day, many of the most historic and beautiful of Guadalajara's buildings still stand as reminders of the significance Guadalajara has had and will continue to have on Mexico.
Did you know?

BARRANCA DE HUENTITAN
(Oblatos Canyon)

Must of the people who visit Guadalajara don't know that there's an amazing view of the canyon just in the limit of the city. By car, take Calz. Independencia to the north, it ends on the Parque del Mirador (View point park), entry fee is 5 pesos. By bus, take No. 600 or 500 to the north, until the last stop. Best time to visit is July to September.

ZOO
Even if you're not fan of zoos, this one will not disappoint you since the natural setting, the Bustamante sculptures, the good amenities and the nice views to the Oblatos canyon can make it worth to visit.