The second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara is located 540 kilometres northwest of Mexico City in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.  It is the capitol of the state of Jalisco, one of the largest and wealthiest states in the country.  The city was founded in the Atejemajac Valley on the 14th of February, 1542.  The 2005 census placed the population of Greater Guadalajara at 4,000,000 but locals believe it is over 7,000,000.  Greater Guadalajara includes 6 boroughs or municipalities – Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonala, Tlajomulco and El Salto.

The birthplace of some of Mexico’s best-known cultural exports: tequila, mariachi music, charros (cowboys) and charreria (Mexican rodeo), and the sombrero,  Tapatíos will tell you that just about everything good about Mexico comes from Guadalajara. 

Known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico”, Guadalajara is home to several high tech firms’ manufacturing facilities including Hewlett Packard, Sanmina and others.

Guadalajara has also been described as the “Florence of Mexico” by art aficionados because of its wealth of art throughout the city.  A Tapatio, Gerardo Murillo (known publicly as Dr. Atl) is credited with developing muralism in Mexico and mentoring many of the most well-known of the early 20th century muralists. 

Las Cabanas Cultural Institute	Los Arcos

The magnificent architecture of historical buildings is a treat for visitors.  In the Downtown one can’t miss the Cathedral with its symbolic towers, the Teatro Degollado, the Cabanas with their renowned murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, and throughout the city, the fabulous public sculptures and art in the “glorietas” (traffic circles) and parks.

A blend of old-world charm and modern efficiency, Guadalajara has something for everyone.  Large, modern shopping plazas co-exist with neighborhood iron works and mechanics’ shops.  Elegant estate homes are not far removed from walk-up apartment buildings.  University and college campuses are sprinkled throughout residential and business neighborhoods.  Everywhere there seem to be excellent restaurants and bistros as well as numerous parks, markets and museums.