Tlaquepaque Jalisco’s Enchanting Sights: From Artisans to Aromas

Tlaquepaque Jalisco’s Enchanting Sights: From Artisans to Aromas

Welcome to the Magical Town of San Pedro Tlaquepaque Jalisco, just minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport.

Famous for its handicrafts and Mexican ambiance, this beautiful destination has a lot to offer and enjoy. 

Tlaquepaque is in the southern part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone (ZMG), in the central region of Jalisco.

It is 7 km from downtown Guadalajara, 214 km from Leon, Guanajuato; 215 km from the city of Aguascalientes, and 335 km from Puerto Vallarta.

Although depending on the region of the country where you are, generally, it is easiest to get to Guadalajara (by plane, bus, or car) and then take other transportation to Tlaquepaque (cab or local transport).

However, you will also find direct buses to Tlaquepaque departing from Mexico City and other destinations.

Best time to visit Tlaquepaque, Jalisco

Tlaquepaque’s climate is temperate throughout the year, with averages ranging from 15 °C (59 °F) in winter to 30 °C (86 °F) in summer.

The rainy season is between July and September but is not particularly intense.

Therefore, the best season to visit Tlaquepaque is autumn, when the weather is mild and there are several cultural events.

Lodging in Tlaquepaque

Although there are not as many lodging options as in Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque also has excellent hotels of various categories, inns, and Airbnbs.

For example, some of the hotels available are Juana Bautista, Casa Armonía, Casa Campos, Casa de las Flores, Casa del Retoño, Casa Tlaquepaque, Mi viejo Refugio, Villa del Ensueño, Posada de la Media Luna, Posada donde el Indio Duerme, Quinta Don José and Rosa Morada.

Other nearby options are Hotel Tapatío Resort, Posada Virreyes, Holiday Inn Express ITESO, and Hotel One El Tapatío.

Top things to do and see in Tlaquepaque

One of the first things to do here is to walk along the pedestrian corridor of Independencia Street.

Ideal for strolls, it is one of the best places to shop in Tlaquepaque due to the large number of colorful stores and peculiar establishments that this avenue offers.

Here you will find everything from typical handicrafts to trendy Mexican designs, as well as beautiful decorative objects from all over the world.

If you are interested in art, you will also find spaces like the Insurgentes Gallery and the Sergio Bustamante Gallery on Independencia Street.

El Parían: Tlaquepaque’s Landmark

If you want to experience an authentic Mexican atmosphere with typical music, you must visit El Parian. You will find 18 restaurants, bars, and cantinas in this plaza.

Be sure to try (or even prepare!) your own “cazuela voladora,” the typical local cocktail. It is made with tequila, fresh citrus fruits, and grapefruit soda, and served in a clay pot.

There are also the traditional “churros” at the corner of Progreso and Reforma and the tacos at Juárez and Niños Héroes streets.

Visit the Tlaquepaque Regional Museum of Ceramics

The Museo Regional de la Cerámica (Regional Museum of Ceramics) is one of the Pueblo Mágico’s cultural must-sees.

Located in a historic 19th-century estate, it has an interesting collection of handicrafts from the 18th to 19th centuries. Its purpose is to promote and preserve the handicraft tradition of the state.

Inside its rooms, you will find exhibited pieces made with various techniques, ranging from blown and burnished glass to different styles of clay and ceramics.

They come from different parts of Jalisco, especially from the Atemajac Valley.

Take pictures in the Jardín Hidalgo

Another must-stop in Tlaquepaque Jalisco is the Jardín Hidalgo, a beautiful square with a traditional charm.

In this antechamber to El Parián, locals and visitors gather to cool off with an ice cream cone, soak up the sun, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Pueblo Mágico.

Around the plaza are several handicraft stalls, accessories, and food, with options such as esquites, traditional churros, steamed vegetables with cream and cheese, sausages with french fries, crepes, and drinks such as cane and coconut juice, rusas, and micheladas.

Admire the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Built in 1742 when Manuel Caballero promised to build a temple to the Virgin of Soledad for the favors received.

Its architecture is in a neoclassical style. While inside, its paintings and sculptures stand out.

The Parish of San Pedro Apostle

This Parish was built by the Franciscans and was dedicated to the patron saint of the Magical Town to whom it owes its original name.

It mixes Byzantine, Baroque, and Roman styles.

In its interior, you will find neoclassical altarpieces made with quarry stone. In front of it, you will see the small square of Pope Juan Pablo II.

Tlaquepaque Jalisco, famous for its artisan workshops

Again, Tlaquepaque and Tonala are known throughout the country for their beautiful handicrafts, available in countless stores, boutiques, and stalls.

However, a worthwhile experience is getting into the world of handicrafts, seeing their processes firsthand, and meeting the people who make them.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are many workshops to visit, but three stand out in particular.

Manzano Galán Artisan Workshop

First on this list is the traditional clay workshop of Manzano Galán, who has been dedicated to making the famous clay pigs of Tlaquepaque for more than sixty years.

Galan is one of the last artisans dedicated to this craft in the region, with molds and techniques passed down from generation to generation.

He has several models of clay pigs, all handmade, from piggy banks to flower pots, with different sizes, styles, and shades.

If you want to visit the studio or participate in one of their workshops, visit their FB page.

AlebrijArte Craft Workshop

Another worthwhile visit to Tlaquepaque is the studio of César Lucano AlebrijArte, a plastic artist who is revolutionizing the world of handicrafts.

His work uses classic handcrafted elements and gives them a modern twist, making pieces such as clay puppets of La Llorona, colorful pigs with wrestler masks, and figures of traditional characters.

If you like large-format works, you must visit the wood sculpture workshop of Agustín González García, who creates impressive pieces that can weigh tons.

El Refugio Cultural Center

The El Refugio Cultural Center is located inside a century-old building, once a convent and hospital home to several of Tlaquepaque’s most important cultural events.

It is, at the same time, a house of culture, school, cinema, and gallery.

All kinds of activities are held there, ranging from award ceremonies to screenings, exhibitions, convivial gatherings, plays, and concerts, so there is always a reason to visit it.

Museum of the National Ceramics Award “Pantaleón Panduro”

Another of the best things to do in Tlaquepaque Jalisco is to visit the Pantaleón Panduro Museum, an iconic cultural space in the state.

It is dedicated to Mexican pottery and has more than 300 pieces from all over the country.

There is everything from stippled clay from Michoacán to talavera from Puebla, petatillo from Jalisco, black clay from Oaxaca, and much more: a journey through the artisan talent of our country!

In addition, there are modeling workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and concerts.

Visit the regional candy factory “Nuestros Dulces”

To finish with a sweet taste, you should visit the candy factory “Nuestros Dulces.”

In this magical space, you will discover how some of Mexico’s most delicious candies are made, such as cajeta, rompope, marzipan, and guava roll.

You will also learn how the cocoa bean is transformed into chocolate, and you will be able to try surprising combinations, such as chocolate with chipotle and ginger.

I especially recommend the chocolate with serrano chile, but be careful because it stings!

What to eat in Tlaquepaque?

Just as it shines for its art, this Magical Town also shines for its culinary options. Therefore, eating, and again, eating is one of the best things to do here.

For example, if you are looking for Mexican food, you have restaurants like El Patio and El Abajeño.

If you prefer a more contemporary or signature proposal, Casa Luna, Casa Fuerte, and La Mata Tinta never fail; if you are craving comfort food and homemade flavors, Chai is your best option.

Torta Ahogada (my favorite)

What’s more, if you’re strolling around downtown while looking for something to eat, don’t worry.

You will find a variety of stalls and restaurants that offer typical dishes for your enjoyment.

In my case, I was recommended to try the famous torta ahogada, and I can tell you that I was delighted with its flavor. I advise you not to leave Tlaquepaque without trying it.

Tejuino

One of the first things I tried and liked was the tejuino, a fermented corn-based drink.

An interesting fact I would like to share with you is that the Yaquis and Tarahumaras prepare this drink as an offering to sacred figures in festivities that combine their traditions with Catholicism.

Dessert? try a Jericalla

Another iconic dessert from Guadalajara is the jericalla, a type of crème brulée made with milk, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla; very delicious.

Believe me; all these things will fascinate you.

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco: Final Thoughts

As you’ve learned today, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, is a treasure trove of enchanting sights, where the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture comes to life.

From the skilled artisans crafting intricate masterpieces to the tantalizing aromas wafting from traditional eateries, every corner of Tlaquepaque beckons visitors to immerse in its rich heritage and artistic allure.

Whether you’re strolling through cobblestone streets adorned with colorful murals or exploring bustling markets brimming with handcrafted treasures, Tlaquepaque offers an unforgettable experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

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