Fernwayer’s Guadalajara Tours

From a bustling center packed with beautiful Churches to the wide streets of Colonia Americana, full of unique Modernist architecture, Guadalajara has something for everyone. As Jalisco’s capital, it is close to popular tourist destinations such as the town of Tequila, is home to Latin America’s largest indoor market, and boasts a world-class cultural scene. Examples of work by artistic figures such as Luis Barragán and José Clemente Orozco can be found here. Whether as a way to find out more about Mexico’s religious spirit or a place to try famous regional dishes such as birria, Guadalajara is a great example of Mexico’s diversity.

Fernwayer's experiences forego the mass-market approach, and instead allow you to enjoy the city and its surroundings in style. This isn't about consuming stereotypes, it's about discovering the city and its region informed by the perspectives of those who are from here, and coming to appreciate the complex history of its land and peoples.

Context is provided by subject experts. An anthropologist explains the spiritual and historical importance of natural and built monuments. A charro invites you into his world, to explore the equestrianism particular to the are. A fashion designer is your host to explore Guadalajara's contemporary culture.

In the city itself, the stories of Orozco's visionary murals are brought to life, as is the region's religious character, as you tour the city's history through the architecture of its churches. Find exciting contemporary arts, fashion, and cuisine in the city's Americana neighborhood. The city acts as a great base to explore Jalisco's diversity, from the bohemian, artistic towns on Lake Chapala, to the pyramids of Guachimontones.

Explore our essential Guadalajara tours below or see all Guadalajara experiences here.

Arts & Architecture Tours

The birthplace of two of Mexico's most famous names in art and architecture, José Clemente Orozco and Luis Barragán, it's perhaps no surprise that Guadalajara offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy contemporary culture and great works. Join a local historian on a tour through three sites, one of them UNESCO listed, where you'll find some of Orozco's most famous murals. An expert in fashion and contemporary culture in the city guides you through the city's most vibrant neighborhood, one full of great cuisine, studios and galleries.

Local Life & Heritage Tours

Many of the stereotypical icons of Mexican culture, such as mariachi, originated in Jalisco. However, that doesn't mean that Guadalajara can be reduced to what you expect of it. Take an evening tour through the city to enjoy some of its greatest monuments lit up in inventive ways, and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's bustling nightlife. Religious identity is incredibly important to the region, and a day time tour to the city's oldest churches provides a chance to witness not just history in motion, but the passions of its citizens.

Day Trips

Jalisco is full of ample treasures to discover, and Guadalajara acts as a great base from which to go and explore further. In the Pueblo Mágicos that sit alongside Lake Chapala, your professional local guide takes you to workshops and galleries where you'll see the area's best examples of arts and crafts, and a boat ride to an island in the middle of the lake adds a sense of adventure. An anthropologist takes you to Jalisco's Sierra, where world-class coffee is cultivated, artisans work with obsidian, and the pyramids are round. In the Sierra, legends of spirits and giants have been inspired by the giant stones at the Enigma Valleys.

Guadalajara Neighborhood Guide

Americana

Americana offers a dynamic, creative energy while maintaining a high standard of comfort. Known for its historic mansions, galleries, cafés, and design-forward spaces, it attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and travelers looking for a sense of Guadalajara’s modern cultural life. It is well located for exploring the city while remaining stylish and lively without being overwhelming.

Lafayette

Lafayette is one of Guadalajara’s most polished and self-contained neighborhoods, ideal for high-end travelers who value walkability and a refined local atmosphere. Its leafy streets are lined with restored early-20th-century homes, contemporary restaurants, wine bars, and boutiques. The area feels calm yet sophisticated, with excellent dining and cultural options within easy reach, making it a comfortable base for first-time visitors.

Providencia

Providencia is a more residential, upscale district favored by locals, offering wide avenues, green spaces, and a quieter, more polished environment. It is home to some of the city’s best dining and shopping along major boulevards, and it appeals to travelers who prefer space, discretion, and a contemporary feel. While less historic, it provides comfort and easy access to key areas.

Where should I stay when visiting Guadalajara for the first time? Guadalajara is a sprawling metropolis with distinct districts, but for a first visit, certain areas stand out for their blend of culture, safety, convenience, and refined atmosphere. Neighborhoods such as Lafayette, Americana, and Providencia each offer a different balance of style and accessibility, yet all ensure that the city’s most compelling experiences are within easy reach. Staying in any of these areas provides access to Guadalajara’s essence — a city where tradition and contemporary life coexist effortlessly, and where mobility, safety, and refined experiences are part of your daily routine.

What is the best way to travel within the city, and also to travel around the region? Guadalajara’s urban scale is larger than many visitors initially expect, and while its core neighborhoods are walkable, understanding how to move comfortably and efficiently will make your stay more enjoyable. Within the city itself, taxis and ride‑hail services such as Uber or local equivalents are the most convenient and reliable means of getting from place to place, especially for travelers who value ease and time efficiency. These services are widely available, relatively affordable, and ideal for reaching museums, restaurants, and evening destinations without the need to navigate unfamiliar streets. For journeys beyond Guadalajara into the wider state of Jalisco — whether to explore the tequila region around Tequila, the lakeside beauty of Chapala and Ajijic, or historic towns such as Tlaquepaque and Tonalá — private drivers or chauffeured tours provide both comfort and local insight.

What’s the easiest way to arrive in Guadalajara from abroad and other parts of Mexico? The city is served by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), one of Mexico’s busiest and best‑connected airports. From many major cities in North America, Central America, and occasionally Europe, you can find direct flights that bring you into Guadalajara with minimal fuss. The moment you step off the plane, options for private transfers or pre‑booked cars make the onward journey to your hotel simple and efficient.

If you are arriving from elsewhere in Mexico, the airport remains the most convenient hub, with domestic flights arriving frequently from Mexico City, Cancún, Monterrey, and other key destinations. Once on the ground, choosing a private transfer ahead of time is a smart way to ensure that your first moments in the city are smooth and stress‑free.

How long should I spend in Guadalajara? Determining the right length of stay in Guadalajara depends on the depth and pace at which you wish to experience the city and its surroundings, but for most first‑time visitors, four to five days provides a balanced and rewarding itinerary. Guadalajara is rich in cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhood life, and world‑class gastronomy; it is also the gateway to the surrounding region of Jalisco, which includes equally compelling destinations.

Beyond the city, the heart of the tequila region — including towns such as Tequila — is an essential extension of your visit. A dedicated day or two to explore distilleries, agave fields, and hacienda estates adds a compelling dimension to your trip, particularly if you appreciate cultural and gastronomic richness. Other attractions, such as the lakeside communities around Lake Chapala, the pyramids at Guachumontes in the Tequila Valley, and the giant stones of the Sierra, can be woven into a relaxed itinerary that reflects not just places but rhythms of life, craftsmanship, and regional diversity.

Are there any “off‑season” periods where I could avoid large crowds? Guadalajara enjoys a temperate climate year‑round, but like many vibrant cultural centers, there are fluctuations in visitor numbers throughout the year. If your priority as a high‑end traveler is to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace with fewer crowds — particularly at popular sites, restaurants, and tours — the spring (March through May) and autumn (September through November) months are often especially pleasant. During these periods, the weather is comfortable without being extreme, and travel demand is moderate relative to peak vacation windows. Choosing a shoulder season for your visit lets you enjoy Guadalajara’s cultural vibrancy, architectural richness, and regional excursions with a sense of space and calm that complements a refined travel style.