Guadalajara

Guadalajara truly is the heart of Mexico...both culturally and geographically. And the best way to see Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and largest city, is to start in—where else?—the center aka Centro Historico, which is anchored by one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the world, the Guadalajara Cathedral. (Although, its massive Neo-Gothic golden spires can be seen from virtually anywhere in the city.) While there, try the local specialty: tortas ahogadas. Enjoy one of these delicious fried pork sandwiches drenched in sauce while you listen to the mariachi bands play. After all, Jalisco is the birthplace of modern-day mariachi music. It’s also the birthplace of tequila. Make sure you make the trip to the nearby town of the same name to visit the agave fields and distilleries!