MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Tlaquepaque

Day Trips from Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque Jalisco, Mexico Travel Guide

Tequila: Agave Fields & Distilleries

The town of Tequila is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Guadalajara, taking about a 1.5-hour drive.

For the Tequila Route, a pre-arranged tour is highly recommended. These tours manage logistics, include entrance fees to distilleries, and, importantly, everyone in your group participates in tequila tastings without concern for operating a vehicle. Explore Tequila day trip options here.

Transportation Options

  • Organized bus tours widely available
  • Private taxi or ride-sharing services
  • Rental car (designate sober driver for trying)
  • Tequila Express Train (weekends, book in advance)

Beyond the City Limits

Discover diverse experiences ranging from tranquil lakeside towns to artisan hubs.

Lakeside Serenity: Lake Chapala & Ajijic

Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake, is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Guadalajara, a pleasant 1-hour drive away. Ajijic, a popular lakeside town, sits on its northern shore.

Travel and Explore

  • Public buses from Guadalajara’s Antigua Central Camionera
  • Private taxi or ride-ride-sharing for ease
  • Consider a boat ride on the lake for different views

Artisan Wonders: Tlaquepaque & Tonalá

These artisan towns are very close to Guadalajara's metropolitan area, approximately a 20-30 minute drive or bus ride.

Browse and Discover

  • Tlaquepaque: high-end crafts, art galleries
  • Tonalá: massive outdoor market (Thursdays, Sundays)
  • Unique shopping and heritage activities

Natural & Cultural Excursions

Highlights

  • Barranca de Huentitán: hiking and nature immersion
  • Nevado de Colima: high-altitude volcanic landscapes
  • Nevado de Colima: requires appropriate hiking gear
  • Nevado de Colima: often a 4x4 needed for higher trailheads

Cultural Exploration

  • Magdalena: obsidian mines, geological and historical insight
  • Magdalena: combines well with Tequila Route visits
  • Mazamitla: picturesque "Magic Town" in the mountains
  • Mazamitla: rustic cabins, coniferous forests, cool climate for retreat

Travel Time & Distance Overview

  • Tequila1.5 hours
  • Lake Chapala1 hour
  • Tlaquepaque20-30 minutes
  • Tonalá20-30 minutes
  • Barranca de HuentitánClose to city
  • Nevado de Colima3-4 hours
  • Magdalena1.5-2 hours
  • Mazamitla2.5 hours

Planning Your Excursions

Consider joining a guided tour for day trips, especially to Tequila. This manages logistics, allowing full enjoyment without concern for transportation or navigation.

Multi-Day Exploration

Consider extending your trip from Guadalajara to discover other significant Mexican destinations.

Pacific Coast: Puerto Vallarta

Mexico's Pacific coast seaside resort. Combine cultural immersion with a relaxing beach vacation.

Colonial Gems: Guanajuato & San Miguel

Stunning colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites in central highlands. Journey by bus to create a colonial city loop.

Capital Hub: Mexico City

Bustling capital of Mexico, a major cultural, historical, and economic hub. Immense array of museums, archaeological sites.

Puerto Vallarta Travel

Frequent and comfortable 4-5 hour bus rides connect Guadalajara's Nueva Central Camionera to Vallarta.

Options

  • Comfortable 4-5 hour bus travel
  • Direct flights available (approx. 45 min)
  • Combine city culture with beach relaxation

Colonial City Transport

Regular and comfortable 4-5 hour bus rides connect Guadalajara to both Guanajuato and The Heart of Mexico.

Bus Routes

  • Frequent, comfortable bus rides
  • Create a colonial city loop
  • Include Querétaro for a cultural itinerary

Travel Durations

Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta4-5 hours (bus), 45 min (flight)
Guadalajara to Guanajuato4-5 hours (bus)
Guadalajara to San Miguel4-5 hours (bus)
Guadalajara to Mexico City6-7 hours (bus), 1 hour (flight)

Itinerary Flexibility

  • Itineraries are suggestions. Adjust them to match your interests and energy.
  • Guadalajara thrives on exploration. Allow to yourself wander and discover.
  • For longer stays, consider an apartment rental for a home base.
  • Enroll in a Spanish language school for immersion.
  • Establish a routine balancing exploration with everyday life.