We love the beautiful historic area of Tlaquepaque, which is almost an independent town within Guadalajara. It is rich with colonial buildings, historic atmosphere and absolutely full of wonderful life. If you hang around the main square area on any evening it’s always abuzz with wonderful people, vendors, music, food and fun.

This is a beautiful picture of the pool and atmosphere at Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel. For more information visit www.quintadonjose.com

We stayed at a different hotel this time called the Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel. We loved it. This hotel is right in the center of Tlaquepaque, one block from the main square where the 2 gorgeous cathedrals are, and one block from the Mariachi square (for more inspiration, read the post about The Mariachis in Tlaquepaque). We got the last unit which was actually a little one bedroom suite, right across the road, nicely appointed and comfortable for only $85. It was like having your own apartment right in the town and an added bonus is that they have free telephone to USA and Canada.

Quinta Don Jose have a great 2-for-one happy hour with fabulous margaritas, which hit the spot after the 4 hour drive from Villa Estrella. We met up with our friend Ollie and his gang, who happened to be staying there as well and had a great time. Our villa renters who only know Puerto Vallarta are amazed to find how close Guadaljara really is, and what a genuine Mexican experience this city is. Puerto Vallarta is an overpriced tourist town, whereas Guadaljara and Tlaquepaque are a genuine experience in Mexican urban life and history.

The trip from our Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental to Guadalajara is also a wonderful adventure. Its an easy drive on great roads. The scenery and landscape are as beautiful as anywhere in the world. The small towns along the way include the town ofTequila, the center of the tequila distilling industry, that is set in a gorgeous tapestry of teal blue agave plantations.

Going to Tlaquepaque to see the Mariachis and submerge ourselves in Mexican culture is a favorite activity when visiting Villa Estrella.

On occasion we will travel to Guadalajara to do some shopping. The trip takes only a short amount of time and it gives us and opportunity to explore other areas in the Jalisco province of Mexico. One of our favorite places we have discovered is a city called Tlaquepaque, which is just east of Guadalajara. Instead of making the drive home the same day we will often spend the night in this charming town to take in the authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Our absolutely favorite thing to do in Tlaquepaque is to attend the Saturday night Mariachi show in the mariachi square inside the big square donut restaurant complex that occupies a whole city block beside the main town square. It starts at 9:30, so don’t get there too soon – grab a seat on one of the park benches, or settle into one of the many restaurants and enjoy the atmosphere.

The mariachis in Tlaquepaque set up on the big central gazebo bandstand. Pure classic Mexican mariachi music, 15 men dressed sharp in tight metal studded mariachi suits, sometimes with sombreros, fabulous trumpets, violins and guitars. And then the singers!!!! Beautiful women in sleek long traditional mariachi dresses with superb big sombreros and powerful voices that will curl your toes. The male singers also have incredibly powerful voices and huge sombreros. Imagine, if you can, a group of handsome men in classic Mexico attire brandishing pistols and singing their hearts out. The show goes on for a couple of hours. The action around the bandstand is about as good as the show itself. Watch families, children, pigeons, dogs, and street vendors – its all part of the show. Chances are you won’t see too many tourists attending the mariachis in Tlaquepaque. This is real Mexico and we love it. We make the pilgrimage every year and this is one of the exciting Mexico activities that can be planned when you stay at Villa Estrella.