Guadalajara, Tequila & Lake Chapala
Based in Guadalajara, stay overnight in Tequila and visit the circular pyramids and Lake Chapala.
This itinerary includes an overnight stay in Tequila to avoid the daytime tour crowds, followed by a visit to the circular pyramids of Guachimontones the next day. The rest of the time is based in the trendy Colonia Americana, exploring historic murals, Tlaquepaque handicrafts, mariachi music, and finally Ajijic and Lake Chapala. Perfect for foodies and those seeking a relaxed vacation. If you prefer not to change hotels, all excursions can be done as day trips.
Jun–Sep brings frequent afternoon showers; book far in advance for the Tequila Festival from late November to early December.
Day by day
Day 1 · Historic Murals & Markets
Guadalajara（Guadalajara Cathedral、Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco、Teatro Degollado、Hospicio Cabañas、Mercado San Juan de Dios (Mercado Libertad)、Avenida Chapultepec & Colonia Americana）
After checking into Colonia Americana, take a taxi to the historic center (about 15 minutes). Explore on foot, and return to Avenida Chapultepec in the evening.
Hospicio Cabañas is closed on Mondays; try to avoid planning this day on a Monday.
Stay: Colonia Americana
Day 2 · Overnight in Tequila
Tequila（José Cuervo La Rojeña Distillery、National Tequila Museum、Parish of Santiago Apóstol）
Take a bus from the Antigua Central Camionera to Tequila (about 1.5 hours). The distilleries and town center are easily walkable.
Book distillery tours in advance. The Jose Cuervo Express train only runs on select Saturdays.
Stay: Tequila Centro
Day 3 · Agave Fields & Circular Pyramids
Tequila（La Fortaleza Distillery、Agave Landscape of Tequila） → Guadalajara（Guachimontones）
Charter a car to tour the agave fields, head south to Guachimontones (about 1 hour), and return to Guadalajara (about 1 hour).
Guachimontones is only open Thursday through Sunday; plan your departure day accordingly.
Stay: Colonia Americana
Day 4 · Zapopan to Tlaquepaque
Guadalajara（Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan、San Pedro Tlaquepaque、Plaza de los Mariachis）
Take a taxi to Zapopan in the morning (about 20 minutes), then take a taxi or Metro Line 3 to Tlaquepaque.
El Parián and the mariachi plazas only get lively in the evening; take a taxi back to your hotel afterward.
Stay: Colonia Americana
Day 5 · Lake Chapala & Departure
Guadalajara（Ajijic、Lake Chapala）
Take a taxi or bus to Ajijic (about 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, take a taxi from Chapala to the airport (about 40 minutes).
Keep your luggage with you; hiring a private driver or booking a late flight is highly recommended.