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 University de Guadalajara (UDG) is the main public university in the state and one of the most nationally recognized.
What you need to know about UDG:
The UDG has 15 campuses, distributed according to the different teaching disciplines, the main ones of which are as follows: 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 Design), CUCS (Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud), among others.
The school calendar is divided into A and B, calendar B corresponds to the school year starting in August and ending in December, and calendar A corresponds to the school year you will join as part of your international mobility, starting in January and ending in June. UDG campuses are mostly located on the outskirts of the city, something to consider when looking for accommodation, as you could be very close to the university, but far from life nightlife and city attractions that are closer to the center.
I advise you to find your accommodation halfway between the Chapultepec sector (close to the city center and a mecca for nightlife) and your university campus. The closer you are to the city center, the easier it will be to find various public transportation lines, light rail, Uber, and other transportation options. On the other hand, the further you go from the city, the more limited the lines and frequency of public transport, and the more expensive flatbed vehicles are.
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 unbelievable, but this city offers a true Mexican experience. Here is some information that could be very useful to you during your stay in Guadalajara:
Transportation
The city of Guadalajara is very well served in terms of public transport networks, the most used being the bus, which crosses the entire city and for which you can use Google Maps, rutaguadalajara, or Moovit to know which lines to take and how to get there. move. The cost of the bus in Guadalajara is 9.50 mxn, or approximately €0.50 per trip. Remember to always carry cash with you, as some businesses, including buses, do not accept card payments. You can also use the light rail, which passes through 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 plan to go out to a party and return late, it is better to favor the use of platform vehicles, the most popular in Guadalajara are Uber and Didi, and preferably always be accompanied.
The climat
The weather in Guadalajara is phenomenal, you will be surprised how pleasant the months of January and February are, although they are the coldest months of the year, temperatures usually vary from 10ºC in the morning to 24ºC in the afternoon. It is also very rare for there to be rainy days during these months. Spring, for its part, begins in March and is accompanied by an increase in temperatures, which range from 13ºC in the morning to 28ºC in the afternoon. During the months of April, May and June, the heat is present at all times of the day and it is best to wear shorts and light t-shirts, as temperatures can reach up to 32ºC.
It is important to pay attention to the rainy season, which begins 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 is advisable to ensure that the areas you wish to go to are not affected by flooding or that you do not pass through a flooded area on your way back, as this could delay your arrival or cause disruptions. detours, for example Lopez Mateos Avenue or Plaza del Sol are areas that residents perfectly identify during rainy times for their flooding and which they try to avoid. But don't worry! Everything returns to normal once the rain passes.
Safety
In general, I consider Guadalajara to be a safe city, but of course, everything varies a lot from one area to another or from one neighborhood to another. Like any big city, Guadalajara may have some dangers to watch out for, for example, do not use your phone in the streets without paying attention to your surroundings, it is better to be careful with people who approach you, also when you go out to party, I advise you to take only your most essential things and carry them more discreetly, leave at home what you know you won't need like your passport, credit cards or anything of great value. Always use vehicles from platforms like Uber and Didi rather than local taxis, and of course, remember to always check that the vehicle you order is the one that arrives to pick you up.
Nightlife
Guadalajara's nightlife offers diverse options for all types of audiences, but how do locals experience it? Tapatíos are party lovers and this is reflected in their customs, I assure you that you will not be bored! The nightlife district is located on Avenida Chapultepec, one of Guadalajara's most iconic avenues, full of bars, restaurants and cafes that put the best the city has to offer within your reach. In this area, I share with you my recommendations of unmissable places to party: El Rey Mezcalería, Bar Américas, Jamaica Gogo, La Lupita, Cervecería Chapultepec, Pimp, Galgo, among many others. If you are looking for something more classy, like a nightclub, you have to go to the Puerta de Hierro neighborhood, where you will find the best nightclubs in Guadalajara, like Six, La Santa, Margot, Rakata, Dorothy, Aria, etc. You can also go to Torre Mil 500, a building located near Chapultepec dedicated to nightlife.
Activities
I recommend that you visit the historic center of Guadalajara, with its cathedral, the Cabañas museum, the UDG “MUSA” museum, the Degollado theater, its markets, etc. I also recommend going to the city zoo or the nearby amusement park, called “Selva Mágica” (Magic Jungle). Likewise, you can visit its different shopping centers to go to the cinema, have a coffee or simply go shopping, such as Plaza Galerias, Plaza Andares, La Gran Plaza, Punto Sur, La Perla, and Midtown, among others.
You cannot miss visiting the center of the municipalities of the metropolitan area like Zapopan and Tlaquepaque, the most emblematic, especially the streets of Tlaquepaque, full of Mexican folklore, craft shops, bars, cafes, and visit 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 a picnic. Or the Parque Colomos, ideal for walking, 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.
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 that 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 always amaze you. You will fully enjoy its beauty, its landscapes, its festivals, its atmosphere and its food!
Vous voulez en savoir plus?
Suppose you want to know more about the ALPI Master, the exchange program for semester 10 or, more generally, about one of these articles. In that case, 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!
Blog written by Alejandra Padilla.
Comments