There’s a lot more to Mexico than the Cabo beaches I call home. If you’re heading toward Guadalajara, Tequila, Chapala or Ajijic, this guide can help you put the pieces together without racing from one stop to the next — or spending money on detours you don’t really want.
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Four destinations, one memorable getaway
- Guadalajara: Historic center, cathedral plazas, markets, mariachi traditions, museums and regional Jalisco cuisine.
- Tequila: Blue-agave landscapes, distillery experiences and the town’s central plaza. Book tastings and transportation in advance; don’t drink and drive.
- Chapala: Lakeside malecón, relaxed cafés and waterfront views.
- Ajijic: Art, murals, colorful streets, galleries and lakeside dining.
A flexible five-day Jalisco itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Guadalajara: Check in, walk the historic center, and enjoy a traditional Jalisco dinner.
Day 2 — Guadalajara culture and food: Explore plazas, museums and a local market. Leave the evening free for live music or a neighborhood restaurant.
Day 3 — Ride the Tequila Train: Make the scenic train journey from Guadalajara to Tequila the highlight of your day! Choose between Tequila Express and José Cuervo Express, depending on your travel date and preferred package. Some experiences include a distillery visit, agave landscapes, tastings and cultural activities. Check whether your selected itinerary travels by train in one direction or both, and confirm departure locations and return transport before booking.
Day 4 — Chapala and Ajijic: Head to the lake for waterfront views, galleries and a relaxed lunch. You can visit both towns on the same day, or stay overnight for a slower pace.
Day 5 — Your choice: Enjoy another Guadalajara neighborhood, revisit a favorite lakeside spot or allow time for your flight home.
Featured experience: Take the Tequila Train 🚂
Travel through Jalisco’s agave country by rail instead of driving yourself. Tequila Express offers train journeys and packages with optional distillery experiences; José Cuervo Express offers a different, hosted excursion with tasting and cultural activities. Options, schedules and inclusions vary. Reserve early and arrange your itinerary around the operating date.
See Tequila Express packages and reservations · Explore José Cuervo Express
Booking links above are operator websites, not confirmed Mexitara affiliate links. Verify current dates, prices, train-versus-bus legs and what is included before purchasing.
Plan and book your experiences
Compare Guadalajara-area experiences from our travel partners. Check current ratings, recent reviews, exact meeting locations, cancellation policies and availability on the provider’s booking page before paying. We do not label an experience “five-star” without checking its current rating.
Affiliate disclosure: Mexitara may earn a commission from qualifying partner bookings at no additional cost to you. Listings, prices and ratings are controlled by the provider.
Before you go
- Guadalajara makes a convenient base for the city and a Tequila day trip.
- For a slower trip, consider an overnight stay near Lake Chapala.
- Confirm driving times, operating hours and tour schedules for your dates.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and sun protection; temperatures and weather vary by season.
Already planning Los Cabos instead? Try our free Cabo & San José Trip Planner. A dedicated Jalisco itinerary generator is a future project—not a feature of the Cabo planner yet.
Where to stay: Prefer a condo, apartment, villa or entire home? See our vacation rentals across Mexico guide to compare Airbnb and Vrbo options, fees and booking tips.