Artistic Routes in Jalisco
The Tequila Route A trip to enjoy the experience and culture around tequila from the inside, seeing the Agave Field Landscape, the relics of the ceremonial site of Guachimontones, ranches, tequila factories, to fully enjoy every sip of this drink protected by an Appellation of Origin, produced in a unique region declared World Heritage Site. Reference points are El Arenal with its traditional factories of the famous Don Valente, Cascahuin and Marengo tequilas; and, likewise, Amatitan, home to family distilleries and the San Jose del Refugio former-ranch (where the Tequila Express tourist train has a stop on its way from Guadalajara), Tres Mujeres, Hacienda de Oro and Miravalle farms, ideal for going horseback riding across the unforgettable Agave field. In the town on Tequila, the Route’s driving force, there are famous distilleries and factories producing the typical liquor like Mundo Cuervo, La Cofradía, Sauza, Don Rubio, La Alborada and Los Abuelos ; and the National Museum of Tequila, the Sauza Family and the Cofradia museums. Boutique, family-run and theme hotels provide for a pleasant stay in this destination; added to a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes marked with the TT (Tourist Tequila) sign. The Route gives the opportunity to acquire wonderful handicrafts and opal and obsidian jewelry by the Magdalena River; while stopping at Teuchitlan for the circular pyramids of the Guachimontones is a must. The trip is rounded off with the singular natural beauty, culture, traditions and fantastic handicrafts such as the charcoal blowers and mats of Ahualulco de Mercado, Etzatlan and San Juanito de Escobedo. Ribera de Chapala Route The picturesque peoples by the immense Lake of Chapala are unrivaled settings for rest, inspiration, health and the opportunity to spend unique moments with friends or family. Chapala, municipal capital city, is a pretty city with seawall from where the imposing mountain range surrounding the area can be seen; but not very far from there, a long and fun road begins departing from Ajijic. These are must-see sites, San Juan Cosala, because of its excellent thermal water spas; and Jocotepec, in the western side of the lake; also Tuxcueca, where the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe offers a peerless view of the surrounding landscape. Tizapan el Alto, Poncitlan, Mezcala Island, Ocotlan, Jamay and La Barca are on the final leg of the Route through the bank of the Chapala Lake to make up an unrepeatable tour. Cristera Route It consists of four circuits resulting in a multiple tour of adventure, landscape beauty, and cultural, religious and historical wealth. The Northern Circuit includes San Juan de los Lagos, Moreno Lakes–World Heritage Site; and the charming town of Union de San Antonio boasting a singular architecture featuring Moorish elements. The Center Circuit coves the towns of San Julian, San Miguel Alto, the ancient Jalostotitlan –a treasure place founded by the Tecuex, Caxcan and Tolteca tribes showing off such relics as the Sacred Heart Parish, the Guadalupe Sanctuary, Portal de la Unión and the Cultural Center. South Circuit, on the other hand, offers a tour across Atotonilco el Alto, known as the Garden of Jalisco; Arandas, epicenter of an agricultural and stockbreeding area in the green eastern valley of Jalisco; as well as Tetatiplan de Morelos and Acati. Through the West Circuit, Cristera Route leads to Cuquio, capital city of the municipality and also to Yahualica de Gonzalez Gallo, a beautiful urban area with mansions and buildings of rose quarry tiles; and includes stops in Mexticacan, home to the temple where the Moon is worshiped; and Teocaltiche and Villa Hidalgo, widely known for its handicrafts, textiles and tin mines. Mariachi Route It covers Cocula, the cradle of mariachi; Villa Corona, which with its taste for this music is blessed with sounds; San Martin Hidalgo and Tecolotlan, both having a strong influence, this routes unveiled the charms of the land where the most representative musical genre of Mexico was born and developed. Pilgrimage Route It makes it possible to learn about one of the most important religious traditions of Jalisco and leads travelers to the municipalities of Ameca, Guachinango, Mixtlan, Atenguillo, Mascota and Talpa de Allende. Throughout March and until the Holy Week, in procession days, the religious and cultural event adds color to the stunning landscape and everyone is cheered up over the party, with street vendors, branches, bonfires, chants and praying. After this period, everything goes back to normal and calm; and this is when the Route is ideal for trekking, enjoying the place, bird watching, learning about architectural works scattered along the way, walking in the towns and visiting a wide array of interesting places. Juan Rulfo Route Juan Rulfo, one of the greatest Latin American writers from the magical realism of the 20th century, was born and raised surrounded by the natural environment of Sayula, San Gabriel and its neighboring areas. The magic of the south of Jalisco is reflected on the scenery, the dialogues and personality of the main characters in his works which a tourist and cultural tour was outlined featuring dream views, handicrafts, Mexican traditional life, typical food, tranquility and the flavor of small towns. Puerto Vallarta-Costalegre Route This is the friendliest, funniest and most exciting trip along Jalisco’s beach destinations, with parties, top-class gastronomy, adventure and rest for all tastes and ages. Warm sea waters, tropical forests, rich biodiversity and traditional towns are the constant in this route. A luxury complement is Cabo Corrientes, a paradise of beaches, jungles and seducing scenarios spanning from Chacala to the south of Tuito. Tomatlan, La Huerta and Cihuatlan, the furthest region on the southern coast of Jalisco crown the circuit with a tremendous display of natural beauty. Sierra del Tigre Route This route filled with natural attractions along the south and southeastern regions of Jalisco, fosters ecological and rural tourism. The main destination in the trip is Pueblo Magico de Mazamitla; in addition, it includes the municipalities of Atoyac, Valle de Juarez, La Manzanilla de la Paz, Concepcion de Buenos Aires, Gomez Farias, Zapotlan el Grande, Tamazula de Gordiano and Zapotiltic. Wixarika Route It runs along the most isolated region of Jalisco, surrounded by a wide variety of cultural, religious and architectural assets which, at the same time, combine the mysticism of the people with their beliefs. Ancient rituals, traditional medicine, language, handicrafts and even steam baths make up the right setting for the development of alternative activities. In keeping with the scenery, travelers can go horseback riding, walk around, do trekking, go camping, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, rappel, kayak, sport fishing, parachuting, ala delta, ultra light and Tyrolese parapente gliding, among other types of activities. Jalisco circuits and routes include very attractive tours outside the metropolitan area across 80,386 square kilometers; a universe of history, tradition and magic home to more than 7.5 million people.