Okay, so I recently took a trip to Guadalajara, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind! I had this idea of what it would be like, but the city totally surprised me in the best way. Here’s how it all went down, from planning to exploring.
Getting Started: The Planning Phase
First things first, I needed to figure out what I even wanted to do in Guadalajara. I’m not a huge “sit by the pool” kind of traveler. I like to get out there and see things, you know? So, I started digging.
- I hit up some travel blogs.
- Checked out some “must-see” lists.
- Even asked a few friends who’d been there before.
I quickly realized that Guadalajara is packed with stuff to do. History, culture, food… it’s all there. I made a rough list of places that sounded interesting, keeping in mind I only had a few days.
Diving In: First Impressions and Exploring
The second I landed, I could feel the energy of the city. It’s busy, but not in a stressful way. More like…vibrant. I grabbed a taxi (way easier than I expected, by the way) and headed to my hotel, which was in the historic center.
After dropping off my bags, I just started walking. No real plan, just wandering. And that’s when I stumbled upon the Catedral de Guadalajara. Wow. Seriously, the architecture is insane. It’s so detailed and grand, it’s hard to even take it all in. I walked around it, took a million pictures (which still don’t do it justice), and just soaked up the atmosphere.
Tequila Time! (Because, Obviously)
You can’t go to Guadalajara and not think about tequila, right? So, I booked a day trip out to the town of Tequila. It’s a bit of a drive, but so worth it. The whole landscape changes – you’re surrounded by fields of blue agave, which is what they make tequila from. It is really a beautiful view.
I did a tour of a distillery, learned about the whole process (from harvesting the agave to the final product), and of course, did some tasting. I’m not even a huge tequila drinker, but it was fascinating, and the tequila was surprisingly smooth. I can finally understand how to choose a good tequila!
Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, let’s talk about the food. Oh. My. Goodness. The food. I ate so much in Guadalajara, and it was all amazing.
From street tacos to more upscale restaurants, everything was bursting with flavor.
- Torta ahogada: This is a local specialty – basically a sandwich “drowned” in a spicy sauce. Sounds weird, tastes incredible.
- Birria: A slow-cooked stew, usually made with goat or lamb. So rich and flavorful.
- Street Tacos: You can find them everywhere, and they’re super cheap and delicious. I tried so many different kinds!
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts
My trip to Guadalajara was a blast. It’s a city that’s full of surprises, with a ton of history, amazing food, and friendly people. I definitely didn’t get to see everything I wanted to, which just means I’ll have to go back! It’s a place that really gets under your skin, in the best possible way. If you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, definitely put Guadalajara on your list. I’m so glad to finish this wonderful trip!
