Uncovering Jalisco’s rich history and modern vibe
Tourism officials from the Mexican state of Jalisco say their jurisdiction is unrivalled when it comes to offering a particularly Mexican vacation experience.
Ekaterini Kolorizos of the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism told a recent Toronto audience that her state is the home of two products synonymous with her homeland.
“We are proud to say Jalisco is the most Mexican state,” Kolorizos said of the “cradle” of mariachi music and tequila, with the state – best known in this country for its popular seaside destination of Puerto Vallarta – actually having an interior town called Tequila, in which visitors can visit tequila distilleries and participate in tequila tastings.
“Jalisco is the perfect summary of Mexico.”
Kolorizos said Jalisco has a “diversity of ecosystems,” with some of the state being jungle and other parts mountainous.
Wintertime whale-watching is available, while those visiting coastal Jalisco during the July-December period can participate in sea turtle releases. Jalisco beaches are all swimmable and free of the sargassum that plagues much of the Caribbean.
The evening was also told by Paula Guerrero of the Guadalajara Conventions & Visitors Bureau that Guadalajara is a “beautiful, beautiful city” that has historic structures and a cathedral with catacombs. The walkable city hosts the Gala de Mariachi, a showcase for that distinctively Mexican music.
Another Guadalajara highlight is the Tequila Lab, a museum dedicated to tequila and which demonstrates how the alcohol is made and its importance to Mexico. Guerrero said her “culturally rich city” is also home to the trendy Colonia Americana district, known for its restaurants, museums and nightlife.
A new highway enables people to travel by car between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in 3 hours, with tourism officials stating that those staying in Puerto Vallarta should visit the interior city.
Jalisco tourism official Braulio Flores reported that Jalisco has 12 Pueblos Magicos, towns recognized by Mexican officials for being of particular interest to tourists, including the Jalisco community of Cocula, known as the birthplace of mariachi.
Flores noted the town of Tequila’s agave landscapes and industrial facilities have received UNESCO World Heritage Site status and the town can be visited on tequila-themed train trips. Jalisco has routes showcasing the state’s wine, tequila and racilla industries, with racilla being a type of mezcal.
Kolorizos said the Costalegre area has almost 300 kms of coast and enables tourists “connect with nature in harmony.” Luxury stays are available in Costalegre, with a Four Seasons property being one option.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Arrizon of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism office said that destination is good for those who are in love and those who are no longer in love. “You can get married or you can get divorced, depending on your vacation,” he joked.
Those visiting Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone will find cobblestone streets and bars and stores, with Arrizon comparing the district to an “open-air art gallery.”
He praised Puerto Vallarta’s setting: “We have the best of both worlds — the best of the mountains and the best of the ocean,” with the destination flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Cirque du Soleil has a year-round show — Ludo — in the Puerto Vallarta area, he continued. The Puerto Vallarta area is also home to River Park, which caters to thrill-seekers, offering the likes of ziplines, a swing that sends people over terrain that’s far below and a glass platform that enables peer down at ground that’s far below
“If you are a lover of extreme experiences, I would suggest you go here,” Arrizon said.
Those vacationing in Puerto Vallarta can “get to a hidden beach” that will provide seclusion, he continued. Arrizon also praised Puerto Vallarta’s diverse culinary scene.
“If you go to Puerto Vallarta and don’t like the food, call me and I owe you,” he said.
