Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and many of the cultural emblems associated with the country hail from this region. August through October is prime time to see brilliant cultural showcases in the city like August’s International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, which continues into September—a patriotic month with national celebrations galore. October truly steals the spotlight, however, with the month-long extravaganza of Fiestas de Octubre. Dancing, amusement parks, tequila, intimate concerts, and increased hotel rates can be expected.

Guadalajara is the largest cosmopolitan city in the state of Jalisco, which has 12 destinations that have been named "Magical Towns," places with exceptional natural beauty and historical and cultural significance as designated by the Mexican government. Some, like Tequila and Tlaquepaque, are household names, while others, like Cocula, Sayula, and Temacapulín, are new additions with under-the-radar appeal. With Guadalajara as your base, hire a car and escape for a day or stay awhile longer in towns like Mascota which is a four-hour drive away.

Guadalajara’s signature dish, torta ahogada (“drowned sandwich”) is calorific and made with a type of bread that is only found in Jalisco state due to its altitude and climate. Birote is a handmade sourdough loaf with a hardened crust that withstands being “drowned” in oodles of spicy tomato sauce. The bread is sliced in half and filled with raw onions and succulent pork or chicken, refried beans, or shrimp, and locals swear by this sandwich’s ability to cure even the fiercest hangover. Get your fill at Tortas Ahogadas Las Famosas or any branch of Tortas Toño.

The state of Jalisco proudly boasts its status as the birthplace of two of Mexico's most iconic exports: tequila and mariachi music. The wide-brimmed sombrero is also from there as well as charrería, the national sport in which charros (male herders) dazzle spectators with their skillful horseback maneuvers and vibrant artisan-made attire. Charreria has its origins in Guadalajara and was added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List in 2016. It can be enjoyed at purpose-built arenas called lienzos, such as Lienzo Charros de Jalisco, and an even greater spectacle is on offer during the annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival in August.

The Guachimontones archaeological site offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Teuchitlán culture, beliefs, and rituals. Once a spiritual epicenter dedicated to honoring Ehecatl, the god of wind, Guachimontones beckons as an intriguing day-trip destination, around 25 miles west of Guadalajara. The site has meticulously preserved structures arranged in near-perfect concentric circles, including a towering conical step pyramid that dominates the skyline. Now blanketed with grass, this is one of the few circular pyramids in existence. Take a taxi or book a tour to visit these ruins in Teuchitlán.