May 2016 Euphorie: Guadalajara and a little more!

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1 Guadalajara and a little more Been there, done that! That might be on your mind when time comes to plan your next escape that combines sun, sea and sand. Like the 2 million Canadians who fly to Mexico every year, you are probably already familiar with Cancun and Riviera Maya. Why not add a gourmet and cultural experience and treat yourself with a discovery of another region in Mexico? I am just returning from Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico (after the capital), where I attended the annual Tianguis tourism fair. It was a huge and exceptional venue for all regions in the country to display their specific tourism offer. And believe me, it was as diverse as it was irresistible, with touristic routes, magical villages called pueblos mágicos - Posadas, haciendas, luxury hotels, heritage sites and gastronomy. It would be a great pity not to take advantage of it all! 1 / 10

2 I suggest, therefore, staying in the Jalisco region with a look at Guadalajara, Tequila and Puerto Vallarta. Guadalajara This is where we landed, located 540 km west of the capital, Mexico City, close to the Pacific Ocean, in t It is a large city, very spread out, with numerous districts where some rare vestiges of the colonial era ca The historic center of the city is built around the Cathedral, with restored colonial buildings, arches and fl In front, the Plaza Guadalajara, with its clawed lions fountain, Plaza de is Armas a symbol of the, in city; fron to Other buildings that are Hospicio worth seeing Cabañas include Theater, a Unesco Degollado, Worldwith Heritage a neoclassical Site. The style, walls,and arches its founta and v Without leaving out a few museums, such as the Museum of the City, the Museum of Popular Cultures, t A day is easily spent in the Plaza oldde city, loswandering Mariachis in to itsenjoy lanestraditional and streets, music exploring, and a sing-along. stopping in front of can The Mariachis Speaking of the Mariachis, I should mention that they are considered to some extent the symbol of the m 2 / 10

3 A traditional Mariachi ensemble charro is generally composed horsemen of four from musicians Mexico. playing stringed instruments an Mariachi ensembles are quite versatile and could consist of more than four musicians. I saw them joining Lago Chapala Unfortunately, Guadalajara is not on the ocean and since the need to cool off is quite justified under such One hour from Guadalajara, on the banks of Mexico s largest freshwater lake, Chapala has grown to bec Apart from its beaches, Yacht Club, golf and tennis clubs, Chapala houses many artist studios and art ga Tequila, more than a drink! Another interesting excursion Plaza is detoarmas Tequila. 69 kmisfrom dominated Guadalajara, by St. James in the Pueblos middle the Apostle Mágicos of blue church, agaves which mention that ar da A few distilleries, such as La Rojeña operated by José Cuervo, a centennial industry - the oldest in Amer The small village shelters Hotel a few Solar hotels, de las among Animas which, which is the proudly displays a prestigious Relais & Châteaux Close by, we delightfully follow the small alleys of the Hacienda Centenario, whose 7,000 square meters The Hacienda can accommodate up to 3,000 guests for banquets or various events in a décor quite mag 3 / 10

4 Tequila can easily be reached by car or bus, but there is another pleasant possibility: the Tequila Expres Puerto Vallarta How could we travel to Mexico without going to the sea? Almost impossible to imagine for us C 191 km from Guadalajara, Nuevo Puerto Vallarta is the Vallarta solution. A small, traditional. It ismexican in that part village of Vallarta on the Pac whe But my preference goes to the old city with its narrow streets and traditional houses, the Zona Romantica A treat for those wishing for more local color, looking for small friendly restaurants day after day, wanting Personally, I my habits lie Casa withcorazon a friendly and traditional is a family B&Bestablishment that grew a few thatyears has been ago. operated Located inforthe yea Z After a hearty breakfast of Mexican spiced eggs enjoyed on the terrace, one only has to take the private It should be noted that Puerto Vallarta does not qualify itself as a LGBT destination, but that this populat Gastronomy I frequently mentioned food for a reason. In recent years, Mexico has been focusing on its cuisine and g Yes, tacos of all sorts and tortillas are still offered everywhere, but numerous chefs are combining region One should remember that Mexican Mexican cuisine cuisine. as been recognized by Unesco as part of its Immaterial Her 4 / 10

5 Hasta la vista! It s already the end. ButPueblos I have every Mágicos intention ofinrepeating the Jalisco thisstate experience close toand Guadalajara exploring such a fewas: other San S Meanwhile, soaking up the heat and sun, with a few Mariachi tunes in my head and a bit of tequila in my Christiane Théberge Christiane Théberge was in Guadalajara at the invitation of Tianguis, the Mexican annual tourist fair. Monumental sculpture over a highway 5 / 10

6 Sculpture at the MAAD (México Arquitectura Arte Diseño) The Minerva and her fountains, one landmark of Guadalajara 6 / 10

7 The Cathedral of Guadalajara The Cathedral and the Rotunda of los Jaliscienses Statues of the Rotunda of los Jaliscienses 7 / 10

8 A street in Tequila A worker at the distillery preparing piña (the core the of the agave) Pool at the Hotel Solar de Animas 8 / 10

9 Night at the Hacienda Puerto Vallarta and Notre-Dame de Guadalupe church Beach in the Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta 9 / 10

10 Lots of sweets! Photo of the large banner: the MAAD (México Arquitectura Arte Diseño) 10 / 10