Guadalajara, the former capital of new Galicia and current capital of Jalisco, is the essence of traditional Mexican culture. The city is characterized by nearly 500 years of history seamlessly combined with contemporary structures and cultural activities. It is located in the lush Atemajac Valley in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains – and has the second-largest population in Mexico. Today, Guadalajara’s growing manufacturing business and industrial nature has made it one of the richest cities in Latin America with enormous avenues, elegant monuments, more than 200 museums, dozens of squares, colorful markets and crowded malls. Its vibrant cultural and intellectual life has made it a magnet for foreign students and expatriates from the U.S. and Canada.

Interesting places to visit in Guadalajara include the Government Palace, first occupied by the governors of New Galicia during the colonial period. The palace later served as a residence for Miguel Hidalgo, who, from that very palace passed a law abolishing slavery in 1810. Other must-see attractions include the Institute of Jalisco Handicrafts, the Museum of Archaeology of Western Mexico, the Jose Clemente Orozco Museum, the Museum of Huichol Indian Handicrafts and the Museum of Journalism and Graphic Arts.

Guadalajara is also home to the largest enclosed market in Latin America: the Liberty Market. More than 1,000 vendors sell local blown glass, leather goods and other handicrafts the city and its surroundings are famous for. Other popular towns nearby that are known for their handicrafts are Tlaquepaque and Tonala.

For outdoor recreation, Jalisco offers two large parks ideal for hiking and extreme sports. Barranca de Huentitan, located just seven miles northeast of Guadalajara, is a favorite for adventure sports, and the Tequila Volcano, a 9,580-foot-high peak near the town of Tequila, is most frequented by hang-gliders. Chapala Lake is Jalisco’s, and Mexico’s largest lake. With such a prime location southeast of Guadalajara, many have found Chapala to be the perfect place to retire. Subsequently, Chapala is home to one of the largest expatriate communities and retirees. The area features excellent fishing, two golf courses, a variety of restaurants and many other activities for visitors or residents of the lake and its surrounding area. Within the region, there are several other small colonial towns such as Ajijic, San Juan Cosala, Jocotepec, Ocotlan and Barca. One of Lake Chalapa’s greatest attractions occurs annually in February with Carnaval celebrations featuring parades, feasts and festivals.

About 30 miles northwest of Guadalajara is the famed town of Tequila, declared a "Pueblo Magico," where the legendary and national liquor of Mexico is produced. One can climb aboard the Tequila Express train in Guadalajara and in about two hours, riding through the breathtaking desert landscape, arrive to Tequila. Some have described the actual train ride as a party as there is an unlimited supply of beer, tequila, margaritas and other refreshments, as well as an eight piece mariachi band serenading passengers throughout the journey. Several top distilleries can be found in Tequila, offering tours to visitors who want to learn more about how the native agave plant is transformed into Tequila.

On the Pacific coast of Jalisco State, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s premier beach destinations. Located on the Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags), the second largest bay in the American continent, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, perfect for ecotourism, and also offers 25 miles of golden beaches. “PV” or “Vallarta” as it is fondly referred to is characterized by its beautifully blended colonial and cosmopolitan features, complete with cobblestone streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, deluxe hotels, shopping malls and golf courses.

Puerto Vallarta is also an important indigenous handicrafts center for the Huichol indigenous group, who has preserved its traditions in an ever-changing and highly touristy city. The pottery and blown glass pieces are very characteristic of Jalisco and some of the most renowned crafts in the area.

Located between the Port of Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta is the Costalegre or “happy coast.” This ecologically protected region of Jalisco is a popular tourist destination due to its gorgeous beaches. Spanning 60 miles, Costalegre boasts a number of beautiful beaches such as Careyes, El Tamarindo, Las Alamandras, Cuastecomates, Quemaro, Perula, Playa Blanca, El Tecuan, La Manzanilla and Melaque. A range of accommodations are available, from youth hostels to luxury resorts.

Although much of Jalisco’s fame is due to its beautiful coastline, the state’s landscape is extremely varied and actually features a region known as the Zona de Los Altos, or the “high zone.” This region includes the mountainous region of Jalisco with elevations of up to 7,500 feet. The Zona Alteña is famous for its beautiful blue skies and cool weather. Additionally, the regional cuisine is known as some of the best in Mexico for its unique Spanish influence. The main cities of this region include San Juan de Los Lagos and the colonial city of Lagos de Morenos. Another mountainous region of Jalisco lies to the south of Lake Chapala. La zona de Montaña features the most dramatic landscapes in Jalisco. This area has a number of beautiful and charming towns such as Tapalpa, also declared a "Pueblo Magico," and Mazamitla.

Festivals abound in the state of Jalisco. Highlights include the annual International Mariachi Festival held in Guadalajara in September; the International Book Fair held in November, as well as the Tequila Fair, also held in November. Puerto Vallarta also features several festivals, including a gourmet festival in November and a Tequila festival in December.

Travelers will find more than one way of cleverly spending their time in the land of Tequila. Before long, visiting tourists will understand the true meaning of “Mexicanness” – a word synonymous only with the state of Jalisco.