12 Best Day Trips From Guadalajara, Mexico - Updated 2024

1. Tequila (from USD 104.8)

Experience the magic of Tequila on an unforgettable day trip. Delve into the heart of Mexico’s tequila culture as you explore the charming town and its surrounding agave fields. Take a guided tour to learn about the traditional process of tequila production and visit historic distilleries.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of tequila through tastings and indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine. Wander through the streets lined with colorful buildings, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and shop for unique handicrafts. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Tequila Museum and better understand the region’s cultural significance.

From Guadalajara: Town of Tequila & Jose Cuervo Factory Tour

Duration: 6.0 hour

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2. Lake Chapala

When speaking of day trips from Guadalajara, one cannot miss the beautiful and expansive Lake Chapala located at 32.18 miles (51.8 km) from the city. This lake is lined with well-maintained walkways that are suitable for running, biking and walking. You can also enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing in this beautiful lake. It is notable that Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in the country. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the lake and the three spectacular islands of Lake Chapala.

3. Tapalpa

Located at just 83 miles (133km) from the city of Guadalajara, Tapalpa is a beautiful little town with streets consisting of Traditional Mexican houses. This town is known for its many waterfalls and scenic forest cover. The notable waterfalls to explore in Tapalpa are Salto del Nogal, Eko Park Tapalpa, and Cascada el Salto del Nogal. Other important sights include the Piedrotas, an amazing spot for hiking and trekking and Pila de las Culebras, a park with scenic views.

4. Guachimontones

One of the places you will love visiting near Guadalajara is Guachimontones. This destination is a popular archeological site located at 40.3 miles (65 km) from Guadalajara and it contains several traces of human and animal life dating back to the pre-historic periods.

This site is also proof of the existence of the Teuchitlán tradition, a complex lifestyle practice that is said to have been in existence from 300 BC to 900 BC. This place creates a scintillating educational trip that is worth experiencing on a day trip from Guadalajara.

5. Tlaquepaque

Immerse yourself in the allure of Tlaquepaque, a charming Mexican town that promises a day trip filled with art, culture, and gastronomic delights. Discover the town’s artistic soul as you explore the numerous galleries and studios showcasing the talents of local artisans. From vibrant paintings to intricate pottery and handcrafted jewelry, you’ll be enthralled by the creativity on display at every turn.

Indulge your taste buds as you savor authentic cuisine at the town’s enticing eateries. Whether sipping on a refreshing margarita, sampling mouthwatering street tacos, or indulging in traditional regional dishes, Tlaquepaque offers a delectable culinary journey.

6. Mazamitla

Mazamitla is located at just 84.2 miles (135.6 km) southeast of Guadalajara, Mexico. This town is known for its history of being the place for making arrows to hunt deer. There are numerous exciting spots to visit in this stunning town. When at Mazamitla, you must explore Cascada el Salto, Parque El Tecolote Mazamitla, Parroquia De San Cristobal Mazamitla, Sierra del Tigre Jalisco and Far park Mazamitla. This city is known for its natural ambiance and scenic views.

7. Tepatitlán

If you travel just 47 miles (75.6 km) northeast of Guadalajara, you will find this spectacular city of Tepatitlán. This great place to visit near Guadalajara has a number of Baroque-style architectural buildings that have stood the test of time. Some of the interesting sights to explore in this fabulous city are Santuario del Señor de la Misericordia, Hacienda Piedra Amarilla Acatic, Aguas Termales “El Carril”, Templo de San Antonio de Padua, and Tepatitlan’s Municipal Museum.

8. San Juan de los Lagos

At just 89.2 miles (143.6 km) from Guadalajara lies another historic city named San Juan de Los Lagos. This city’s popular destination is the old Baroque-style Cathedral Basilica which attracts people from across the country. The city also houses Cihuapilli Museum and a neo-classical mid-18th-century Town Hall building. Other places to explore in San Juan de Los Lagos are Niño del Cacahuatito, Puente Grande Historico, and Gran Casino.

9. Cascada El Salto del Nogal

No travel itinerary around Guadalajara is complete without having Cascada El Salto del Nogal. This majestic spot is a beautiful waterfall located just 89 miles (143 km) from Guadalajara, in the charming town of Tapalpa. It attracts tourists every year with its refreshing beauty and offers a great hiking experience to its visitors. The steep and slippery slopes of this waterfall and its surrounding landscapes pose a challenging trek worth finishing.

If you are a hike and trek enthusiast, Cascada El Salto del Nogal is your place to go. Nevertheless, the very view of the grasping beauty of this waterfall makes it a must-visit on anyone’s bucket list.

10. Lagos de Moreno

Located in the north-western part of the Mexican state of Jalisco, Lagos de Moreno is at 117 miles (188 km) from Guadalajara. This city is popularly dubbed as the “Athens of Jalisco”, as it has been the birthplace of many popular writers and poets of the country. This city has a number of architectural sites that will excite you. The notable sights to visit in Lagos de Moreno are El Convento del Calvario, Balneario El Paraíso, Museum of Sacred Art, Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, and La Mesa Redonda, the famous Natural Round Table

11. Ajijic

Ajijic is a beautiful little town that you can reach in less than an hour from Guadalajara at just 34.4 miles (55.4 km). This town is located on the northern shore of Lake Chapala and it has a moderate climate throughout the year, making it one of the most preferred getaways among tourists. This town has several options for never-ending outdoor fun such as Ajijic Malecon Park, Tobolandia water park, El Tepalo hiking area, Centro Cultural museum and Parroquia San Andres Apostol Church.

12. Bosque De La Primavera

Bosque De La Primavera, also called Forest of the Spring, is a scenic wilderness getaway located just outside the city of Guadalajara at 18.2 miles (29.2 km). This natural forest area serves as a great spot for outdoor camping and exploratory fun activities. If you are looking for the perfect picnic spot to pitch a tent under the stars, then Bosque De La Primavera is the place for you. There is also a river inside this forest where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy swimming under the Sun.

Experience the best of Mexico in Jalisco

The state of Jalisco has a number of towns and cities bestowed with abundant natural beauty that will excite the traveler in you. Guadalajara City serves as a great urban hub for the exploration of many unique spots in Jalisco. These day tours from Guadalajara will take just a couple of hours of travel and they have many unique sights that reveal the hidden beauty of the Mexican land.