Guadalajara, “La Perla Tapatía”, is the capital of the state of Jalisco, is classified as a metropolitan area and is made up of nine municipalities: Guadalajara, Zapopan, San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Juanacatlán, El Salto and Zapotlanejo.
The Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG) is the state's leading public university and one of the most nationally recognized.
What you need to know about the UDG :
UDG has 15 campuses, divided according to the different teaching disciplines, the main ones being: CUCEI (Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías), CUCEA (Centro Universitario de Ciencias Económico Administrativas), CUCSH (Centro Universitario de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades), CUAAD (Centro Universitario de Artes, Arquitectura y Diseño), CUCS (Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud), among others.
The school calendar is divided into A and B, with the B calendar corresponding to the school year starting in August and ending in December, and the A calendar corresponding to the school year you will join as part of your international mobility, starting in January and ending in June.
Most UDG campuses are located on the outskirts of the city, which is something to bear in mind when looking for accommodation, as you could be very close to the university, but far from the nightlife and city attractions that are closer to the center.
I advise you to find your accommodation halfway between the Chapultepec area (close to downtown and a hot spot for nightlife) and your university campus. The closer you are to the city center, the easier it will be to find the various public transport lines, light rail, Uber and other means of transportation. On the other hand, the further you are from the city, the more limited the public transport lines and frequency, and the more expensive the platform vehicles.
What you need to know about Guadalajara :
Did you know that everything you associate with Mexico (Tequila, Mariachi, partying, warm weather, etc.) is probably most important in Guadalajara? It sounds incredible, but this city offers a true Mexican experience.
Here's some information you might find useful during your stay in Guadalajara:
Transportation
The city of Guadalajara is very well served in terms of public transport networks, the most widely used being the bus, which crosses the entire city and for which you can use Google Maps, rutaguadalajara or Moovit to find out which lines to take and how to get around.
Bus fares in Guadalajara are 9.50 mxn, or around €0.50 per journey.
Don't forget to carry cash with you at all times, as some businesses, including buses, do not accept card payments.
You can also use the light rail, which crosses several of the municipalities that make up the metropolitan area and can help you get to know and move around the city more quickly.
If you're planning to go out partying and come home late, it's best to use platform vehicles - the most popular in Guadalajara are Uber and Didi - and preferably always have someone accompany you.
The weather
The weather in Guadalajara is phenomenal, and you'll be amazed at how pleasant January and February are, despite being the coldest months of the year, with temperatures generally ranging from 10ºC in the morning to 24ºC in the afternoon. Rainy days are also very rare during these months.
Spring, on the other hand, begins in March, with temperatures rising from 13ºC in the morning to 28ºC in the afternoon.
During April, May and June, the heat is present at all times of the day and it's best to wear shorts and light T-shirts, as temperatures can reach up to 32ºC.
It's important to pay attention to the rainy season, which starts in June and ends in September. In some areas of Guadalajara, there is usually severe flooding after several days of rain or during a thunderstorm. In this case, it's advisable to make sure that the areas you wish to visit are not affected by flooding, or that you don't pass through a flooded area on your way back, as this could delay your arrival or cause detours. For example, Avenida Lopez Mateos or Plaza del Sol are areas that locals identify perfectly during rainy periods for their flooding, and which they try to avoid. But don't worry! Everything returns to normal once the rain has passed.
Safety and security
In general, I consider Guadalajara to be a safe city, but of course everything varies greatly from area to area or neighborhood to neighborhood. Like any big city, Guadalajara can have a few dangers to watch out for, for example, don't use your phone in the streets without paying attention to what's around you, it's best to be careful with people who approach you, likewise when you go out partying, I'd advise you to take only your most essential belongings and carry them more discreetly, leave at home what you know you won't need like your passport, credit cards or anything else of great value.
Always use vehicles from platforms like Uber and Didi rather than local cabs, and of course, don't forget to always check that the vehicle you order is actually the one that arrives to pick you up.
Nightlife
Guadalajara's nightlife offers a variety of options for all types of audience, but how do the locals experience it? Tapatíos are party lovers and this is reflected in their customs, I assure you that you won't be bored!
The nightlife district is located on Avenida Chapultepec, one of Guadalajara's most emblematic avenues, full of bars, restaurants and cafés that put the best the city has to offer within your reach.
In this area, I share with you my recommendations of must-visit places to party: El Rey Mezcalería, Bar Américas, Jamaica Gogo, La Lupita, Cervecería Chapultepec, Pimp, Galgo, among many others.
If you're looking for something more upscale, like a nightclub, you'll have to head to the Puerta de Hierro district, where you'll find Guadalajara's best nightclubs, such as Six, La Santa, Margot, Rakata, Dorothy, Aria, etc. You can also visit Torre Mil 500, a building near Chapultepec dedicated to nightlife.
What to do
I recommend a visit to Guadalajara's historic center, with its cathedral, Cabañas museum, UDG “MUSA” museum, Degollado theater, markets and more. I also recommend a visit to the city's zoo or the nearby amusement park, called “Selva Mágica” (Magic Jungle).
Likewise, you can visit its various shopping malls to go to the movies, have a coffee or simply shop, such as Plaza Galerias, Plaza Andares, La Gran Plaza, Punto Sur, La Perla, Midtown, among others.
You can't miss out on a visit to the center of the metropolitan area's municipalities, such as Zapopan and Tlaquepaque, the most emblematic, especially the streets of Tlaquepaque, full of Mexican folklore, craft stores, bars and cafés, and a visit to El Parían, a very typical restaurant where you can enjoy Mariachis and Mexican fiesta.
If you prefer a day of outdoor activities, be sure to visit Guadalajara's largest parks, such as Parque Metropolitano, ideal for jogging, cycling or picnicking. Or Parque Colomos, ideal for strolling, visiting its botanical garden and feeding the hundreds of squirrels that live there.
A must-see part of the Tapatía experience is the guided tour of the town of Tequila, located just 45 minutes from Guadalajara. This city offers a tequila tasting experience and a tour of the most important tequila houses in Mexico. A city and experience loved by locals and tourists alike. And by the way, try the iconic cantaritos of “El Güero”, a tequila-based drink that guarantees an unbeatable afternoon of celebration and friends.
The Food
As Guadalajara is still Mexico, of course all typical dishes must have chili, the most loved by tapatíos is “La torta ahogada” a sandwich filled with pork and bathed in tomato sauce (if you are not a chili lover ask for it without) I assure you you will love it.
Of course, trying tacos is a MUST during your stay in Guadalajara, you will find them everywhere and at an excellent price.
Nearby places
Here are some places that I highly recommend you visit and which are very close to Guadalajara: Ajijic, a magical town located in Chapala, 1 hour from Guadalajara, where you can see the lagoon and walk through its streets, as well as Mazamitla or Tapalpa, forested places located in the mountains and perfect for renting a cabin and spending a weekend with friends. Another must-see is Puerto Vallarta, 3 hours from Guadalajara, one of the most popular tourist destinations with foreigners and Mexicans, where you can enjoy the magnificent Pacific beaches.
Mexico is an extraordinary country and Guadalajara is an impressive city that will never cease to amaze you. You will fully enjoy its beauty, its landscapes, its festivals, its atmosphere and its food!
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about the ALPI Master, the exchange program for semester 10 or, more generally, about one of these articles, you can read the testimonies of former alumni who have already done their mobility! Alternatively write to us, and let us know about your doubts!
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