Guadalajara - Mexico's Other City

While in Mexico we also visited Guadalajara - Mexico's second largest city and a great destination for tourists. It's also a large city, but it's metropolitan population of 4 million pales next to Mexico City's 20 million.

Founded in 1537 it is one of Mexico's oldest cities. And like the other major colonial cities Guadalajara has a well preserved center. The central point is the cathedral, which was consecrated in 1618. But Guadlajara's cathedral has one unique feature - it's not on the central square. Instead, four squares radiate from it creating a wonderful urban oasis. And in the historic center are many fine sights like the ornate 19th century opera house known as the Teatro Delgado and the Hospicio Cabanas, an early 19th century building with famous murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, including his Hombre Del Fuego (Man of Fire).

Guadalajara has long been known as both the city of roses (for the fine gardens all around the city) and as "the most Mexican of Cities." The latter nickname comes from the city's and it's surrounding province's contributions to Mexican culture: tequila, mariachi music, the Mexican hat dance and the broad-brimmed sombrero. For tourists Guadalajara is a perfect place to soak up Mexican culture.

But Guadalajara is also a thriving modern city with the highest GDP in Mexico, and one of the 10 highest GDPs in all of Latin America. Beyond the colonial center is a growing modern city with tall office towers, ultra-modern shopping malls and comfortable residential areas. Traditionally Guadalajara's economy was based on commerce and tourism, but a third contributor has developed in the last 20 years - high tech. Known also as the Silicon Valley of Mexico, Guadalajara has a young well-educated population that reminds me more of San Jose, California than Mexico.

For medical tourists the city has a lot to offer. Like Mexico City there are non-stop flights from many U.S. cities. Travelers arrive at a modern, well equipped airport that succeeds in providing ample services for travelers and still retain a very manageable feeling. The climate has more variation than Mexico City - average highs in the summer are in the 80s and lows in winter are in the lower 40s. More extreme temperatures are possible, but rare and usually the climate is mild.

Guadalajara has a wide variety of hotels, ranging from luxury hotels in restored colonial buildings to modern chain hotels. Short term apartment rentals are also available. A wide variety of restaurants are available. And for the shopper Guadalajara is a paradise. Two of Mexico's most famous craft centers are near the city - Tlaquepaque and Tonala. A great day trip is to Ajijic on Lake Chapala. Only 30 miles from the city, this artists colony is home to a growing population of American retirees.

Guadalajara may be Mexico's second city, but it's a premier destination for medical tourist. In a later post I will be exploring the hospitals and doctors in this city with many nicknames.