ONE DAY EXCURSIONS

Guanajuato

Guadalajara and nearby places of interest Guadalajara is known as the "Pearl of the West" or the "City of the Roses" and is agreed to be the place where mariachis originated. The old center is the heart of the city. There we can find wonderful examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

This tour includes visits to places of special interest, such as the Cathedral, the Central Square, the State Government Palace, Cabanas Cultural Institute with its famous murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, the Degollado Theater and the colorful Libertad Market. This excursion ends with a visit to the nearby town of Tlaquepaque, famous for its pottery and handicrafts.

Tequila

Tequila is the town that has given its name to the traditional Mexican drink, known throughout the world. On this trip, visitors will see parts of the town and the Blue Maguey plantations. The Blue Maguey (Agave Azul) is a plant that only grows in this region and it is the plant used to make tequila. Students can visit some tequila distilleries and see how the drink is made. Tequila is about 60 minutes from Guadalajara.

Chapala Just 45 minutes away from Guadalajara, Chapala is the biggest lake in Mexico. The average daily temperature is 25 degrees centigrade. Visitors can take trips on boats, bathe in natural hot spring waters and go horseback riding. On this excursion also a short visit is made to Ajijic, which offers a wide range of handicrafts for those who like to go shopping for bargains.

WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

Weekend excursions include the following services: transportation by bus, hotel, breakfast, guided tour and entry to museums. To obtain more information about places you can visit at the weekend, please ask at the Student Services Coordination. We require a minimum of 15 students to be able to organize a weekend excursion.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a colonial city with a rich past. It is one of the most important cities of the colonial period and is famous as the cradle of the independence movement in Mexico. It is also an ancient mining city of considerable importance. Its buildings reflect the splendor of times of abundance. Visitors to Guanajuato can experience its underground streets, the Granaditas Corn Exchange, the Juarez Theater and the Mummy Museum. Guanajuato is five hours from Guadalajara.

Zacatecas

The city of Zacatecas gives its name to the State. Picturesque and unspoiled, its palaces of pale, pink stonework and its paved streets are a beautiful sight to see. The facades and towers of the cathedral in baroque style are especially worth a visit. Zacatecas is a mining town and among the first in the country for silver production. For a panoramic view, try the overhead cable car that takes you up to the highest point of the city, the Bufa mountain. There are two excellent museums that illustrate the history of Mexico. Zacatecas is five hours from Guadalajara.

Michoacan

Michoacan is a green and fertile state. On the tour, visits will be made to Patzcuaro, Janitzio, Zirahuen, Tzintzuntzan, Camecuaro and Uruapan. Michoacan is the land of the Tarascan culture and well known for the handicrafts produced in each of its towns. It is five hours from Guadalajara.

Puerto Vallarta

This is one of the most important tourist venues in Mexico. With its beaches, mountains, marinas, night clubs, pleasant walks and the charm of its people, Puerto Vallarta delights all who visit it. It is about four hours from Guadalajara.

Oaxaca

This state has a wide variety of flora and fauna. It was the land where Benito Juarez, one of Mexico's most famous presidents, was born. It is essential to visit the ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla, vestiges of the ancient Zapoteca culture, as well as visiting museums, colonial buildings and experiencing indigenous festivals. Oaxaca is about 10 hours from Guadalajara.