Guadalajara is considered one of Mexico’s shining stars: a sublime metropolis based within the mid-1500s with grand plazas and historic websites, world class museums and a culinary scene that features the whole lot from connoisseur eating places to taco stands.
Town has grown exponentially over the previous couple many years however it stays a comparatively reasonably priced place to go to. Listed here are some high suggestions to assist budget-conscious vacationers stretch their pesos even additional.
Time your go to effectively for cheaper locations to remain
Guadalajara overflows with guests (and resort charges rise accordingly) throughout the weeks surrounding Christmas and Easter, as effectively in October, when town celebrates its Fiestas de Octubre. In the event you’re ready, go to outdoors of those durations for decrease costs and a wider number of lodging. In the event you’re staying quite a lot of days, ask about reductions.
From overseas, fly into Guadalajara on a Mexican airline
Guadalajara’s Aeropuerto Internacional Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) is the area’s hub and one of many busiest airports within the nation, with direct flights to over 50 locations. A number of worldwide carriers provide flights however you’ll want to try Mexican airways like Volaris and VivaAerobus, which cater to Mexicans overseas and infrequently provide cheaper fares, last-minute offers and even fee plans.
Take an area bus to journey between the airport and city
In the event you’re touring gentle and don’t thoughts a crowd, avoid wasting pesos by taking a metropolis bus to and from the airport and downtown Guadalajara. It’s the most affordable option to make the journey. From the airport, the bus cease is in entrance of the Lodge Casa Grande, about 50m (164ft) from the terminal exit. From there, take both “Ruta 176” (M$9.50), “Aeropuerto” (M$10) or probably the most direct “Arvento/Agaves” (M$13); buses cross each 20 minutes from 5am to 10pm. All run to the Central Vieja (Guadalajara’s second-class bus station), the place you possibly can choose up any of the identical routes for the return journey. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
From inside Mexico, arrive by bus for (sometimes) the most affordable fare
In the event you’re already in Mexico, touring by first-class bus is commonly the most affordable option to get to Guadalajara. A number of bus traces have direct routes to town from nearly in every single place in western, central and northern Mexico. For probably the most comfy rides (and for just some extra pesos), go for the deluxe ETN and Primera Plus, which have wi-fi, air-con, particular person TV screens, totally reclining seats, and free snacks and drinks. They typically provide reductions if you happen to purchase your tickets on-line too. In the event you’re touring from additional afield, crunch the numbers earlier than beginning a cross-country bus journey – a flight could make extra sense, when it comes to time and value.
Use public transportation to get round
Guadalajara has a complete public transportation system, together with dozens of bus routes and three metro traces, all working from 5am to 11pm each day. It’s the most affordable option to get round city – M$9.50–15 a journey (plus M$4.75 for metro transfers) – and covers most of Guadalajara’s sights and transportation hubs. It may well get crowded (watch your pockets), however it’s environment friendly and the quickest option to get round, particularly throughout rush hour.
Moovitapp is a helpful app for navigating town’s complicated bus and metro routes. It offers the most effective choices in your journey, together with price, wait instances and even strolling directions. As soon as on board, the positioning tracks your progress and can remind you when to get off – a pleasant function.
Use ride-shares as an alternative of taxis
For late-night rides or the comfort of door-to-door service, ride-shares are the best way to go. Uber and Cabify are dependable suppliers and are invariably cheaper than taxis, that are recognized for overcharging riders with flat-fee charges. (In the event you should take a cab, agree on a fare earlier than getting in!)
Keep away from renting a automobile on the airport
There’s actually no must lease a automobile to see Guadalajara – ride-shares and a sturdy public transportation system have you ever lined. However if you would like a automobile to discover additional afield, there are many native and worldwide automobile rental corporations to select from. Leases start at M$1100 per day however it can save you a bundle by renting on the town, which cuts the hefty 18% airport tax out of your invoice. Weekly charges typically cut back the each day fee considerably too.
Take DIY day journeys
Taking a day journey from Guadalajara is a straightforward and enjoyable option to see one other facet of the area. However as an alternative of paying M$2000–4000 per particular person to take a guided journey, do it your self for a fraction of the price. Second-class buses service the encircling cities from the Central Vieja for M$60–180 or, for extra flexibility, lease a automobile. Licensed guides may be employed on the entrances to museums, ruins and different websites whereas locations like Tequila have built-in excursions at most of its distilleries. For meals, ask an area for the most effective comedor (easy eatery) or simply search for a spot that’s bustling – it’s a lot extra rewarding than being herded to a restaurant in a tour bus.
Purchase meals at native markets
Although consuming out in Guadalajara isn’t prohibitive, prepping even simply considered one of your personal meals a day can prevent some critical money. Do like locals do and head to the marketplace for fresh-picked fruit and veggies, baskets of grains and spices and all method of meats and seafood. Even if you happen to don’t have a kitchen, you possibly can nonetheless refill on snacks and fruit. Mercado San Juan de Dios, Mercado Santa Tere and Mercado Mexicalzingo are all good choices close to the middle of city.
Keep in a hostel
Guadalajara has a cache of hostels catering to funds vacationers of all ages, many with boho model and trendy facilities. Most are within the Centro Histórico inside strolling distance to the sights, or in Colonia Americana, close to town’s greatest eating places and bars. The bulk provide non-public rooms (with a shared rest room) however dorms provide probably the most bang in your buck, particularly if you happen to’re touring solo. Most hostels additionally embrace breakfast and have shared kitchens for prepping your personal meals, which helps save on meals prices. Some even embrace bikes you possibly can borrow free of charge.
Select an residence over a resort room
There’s no higher option to really feel part of a spot than to dwell amongst locals, even when it’s only for just a few days. Guadalajara has a number of short-term rental flats which you could e book by corporations like Airbnb and Vrbo. Nightly charges typically are just like the price of a mid-range resort room in the identical neighborhood however you’ll have house to unfold out (an enormous plus, particularly for households) in addition to a kitchen, which saves you the expense of consuming out for each meal.
Eat at market meals stalls and purchase snacks from road distributors
Although Guadalajara is thought for its connoisseur culinary scene, consuming at high-end eating places can add up quick. To avoid wasting on breakfast or lunch, head to the markets, the place meals stalls serve tasty specialties like tortas ahogadas (pork sandwiches drenched in chile sauce) and birria (spicy goat or mutton stew) for affordable. The most effective deal is usually a comida corrida, a two-course meal together with a drink, for round M$70. Peruse the choices and seize an open seat at a counter for service.
For dinner or a late-night snack, head to the closest plaza for a number of the greatest road eats within the nation. Distributors arrange carts round sundown, promoting mouthwatering requirements like tacos, tamales, elote (grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise and cheese) and bacon-wrapped scorching canine for round M$20 apiece. Remember to save room for dessert – a great deal of sticky sweets like jericallas (a cross between flan and crème brûlée) and marquesitas (stuffed crepes) can all the time be had. Templo Expiatorio plaza and Tlaquepaque’s most important plaza are native faves.
Go to museums on free days
A number of museums round city are free on sure days, or don’t cost admission in any respect. Verify their web sites and plan forward so it can save you some cash on admission charges. Some, like Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, provides free guided excursions of its collections too.
Benefit from the free appetizers that include your drinks
Most bars in Guadalajara provide free botanas (appetizers) with every spherical of drinks. Usually, the swankier the place, the higher the snack so whereas cantinas (old-fashioned bars) and antros (dive bars) may serve up bowls of popcorn and chicharrones (crispy pork pores and skin), craft breweries and wine bars will current mini-sandwiches and cheese plates. Typically, botanas may be sufficiently big to interchange a meal (particularly accompanied by just a few high-calorie brews)!
Ask about reductions
Mexicans take their reductions significantly, and tapatíos are not any totally different. Youngsters, senior residents, college students and academics typically pay much less for excursions, admission charges, theater tickets and buses – as a lot as half off the common fee. If reductions aren’t clearly posted, ask! Simply be ready to point out your ID.
Each day prices in Guadalajara
Hostel (dorm mattress): M$150-300
Fundamental room for 2: from M$500
Self-catering residence (together with Airbnb): from M$1000
Public transport ticket: M$9.50-15
Cup of espresso: M$30
Torta ahogada: M$40
Avenue taco: M$15
Dinner for 2 (upscale restaurant): from M$600
Bottle of (home) beer: M$35
