18 replies to this topic

[the.ronin]

I realize GDL is not in Baja but didn't know where else to post this.

Anyone got any recommendations for a quick holiday in GDL? Might be visiting Puerto Vallarta too but likely spending most of our time in GDL.

[bigbiceps]

Go to the Hilton it's right next to the World Trade Center of GDL....no, no, no, nothing americanized. :wink: The Guadalajara metro area is very big so you need to decide what area you want to be close to. Buy a map at a Sanborns as soon as you get there. Guia Roji is the best. You can find good deals for rental cars and drive to Puerto Vallarta without paying for any mileage. Guadalajara is great! I don't know if you've been there before because within the last 5 years there are several new malls, underground freeways the loop freeway is finally finished the metro is still the metro(nothing like Mexico City's metro). There is a new development called puerta de hierro on avenida de la patria 2 miles east of the Universidad Autonoma before acueducto with very luxurious condominiums, golf courses and homes and sites. I'm sure you want to go to all of the museums and tlaquepaque's shopping though. If you like tequila there is a train ride called tequila express that takes you to the factory where the make it. There is mariachi playing and servers serving you drinks in the train ride and at the town of Tequila order Herradura. Well, hope you have a great vacation.

[JimLane]

If not in the historic center mentioned previously, I would stay near Tlaquepaque, sorta the arty part of Guadalajara. Or you could go to Lake Chapala outside the city. A bit further pakes you to Mazamitla - a small town in the mountains.


jim

[the.ronin]

Thanks for the feedback guys ... quick holiday is 5 full days. Puerta Vallarta is definitely on the plan and may even end up becoming most the stay! I just can't get enough of the beach. If we do it, we'll likely take a bus out to PV. Unfortunately the cheapie flights all go to GDL and not PV.

[BajaGringo]

I have spent some time in Guadalajara and made the trip to Puerto Vallarta both by bus as well as driving. Based on personal experience I would suggest you take the ETN bus line out of Guadalajara which is a very comfortable ride. As I recall it was about a 4 and a half hour bus ride. The bus terminal is quite modern and about a half hour taxi ride from the airport (longer in heavy traffic).

[JimLane]

I find PV too touristy for me. Much prefer Mazatlan, especially the old section of town, not the Gold Coast. I think the water quality is higher in Mazatlan. PV can really suck.


jim

[BajaGringo]

Jim, you are right that they are different. When I go to PV I prefer to stay in areas outside the main tourist area but the city does have a certain charm if you know where to go and where to avoid. I definitely agree with your point about staying away from the Gold Coast of Mazatlan. You will have a much better experience in the older section of town, especially if you speak Spanish. I am heading to Mazatlan in November for a golf tournament and really looking forward to it...

[BuenaOnda]

How can you not like PV? It is one of the greatest places to go as long as you avoid the summer months. My family has a house there and I wish I could go more often. I think it has better scenery than Mazatlan.

[JimLane]

Easy answer: crappy water and contaminated beaches. They have been cleaned up some, but, on the whole, I would rather go swimming in Lake Chapala.


jim

[BuenaOnda]

That is true and I suppose it is a cultural thing. Have you noticed in Mexico that it is mainly the foreigners that go into the water? It is a funny thing but Mexicans generally don't go to the beach to swim. We go to tan, relax, let our kids play in the sand and maybe get our feet wet. The water in Acapulco is much worse than Puerto Vallarta but it doesn't seem to keep tourists away. I don't go to a coastal vacation spot because I want to get into the water. I go for the views, cliimate, shopping and nightlife. But that is just the opinion of this latina. :wink:

[JimLane]

I cannot enjoy a beach if it stinks - be that beach in Greece, Italy, the US or Mexico. I also like body surfing and the contaminated water is a definite detriment and deterrant to getting wet.

jim

[bigbiceps]

How can you not like PV? It is one of the greatest places to go as long as you avoid the summer months. My family has a house there and I wish I could go more often. I think it has better scenery than Mazatlan.

"El malecon" of Mazatlan is very long and nice to cruise by. The local people and specially the women are very attractive. The state of Sinaloa has the best looking women of Mexico. That's another reason people prefer Mazatlan over the other beach resorts.

Here's a link to Mazatlan http://www.allaboutmazatlan.com/

[TJDave]

So ronnie... How was GDL??? we're all waiting...

[the.ronin]

GDL was incredible. Very European like in my opinion. Wouldn't be surprised if that city had more catherdrals per block than any other city.

We spent half the week in Puerto Vallarta. Hot hot hot hot!!! And just as humid. Beautiful beaches and great food on and off the beach. Centro is basically right on the beach which is nice.

I'll try to post up some photos later.

[stanthebajaman]

"GDL was incredible. Very European like in my opinion. Wouldn't be surprised if that city had more catherdrals per block than any other city."

I understand that Puebla is the cathedral capital of Mexico, but I'm not sure. It might be Guadalajara. Glad you had a good time.

[the.ronin]

Here are some photos of Guadalajara ...

[the.ronin]

... and some of Puerto Vallarta ...















Enjoy.

[Chiquito]

When we spent the weekend in Guadalajara we could see the golden church steeple out of our hotel window. Historic city center where about everything in the GLD photos above is within a few blocks.

[TJDave]

Very nice Ronin... Looks like you had a great time...