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This time of year you might think that a majority of travelers would flock to Mexico for sun and sand along the resort-lined beaches.
While that’s certainly true to some extent, Mexico is a phenomenal place to visit the further inland you go, where you’ll find beautiful pueblo magicos and vibrant historic towns that are fun to explore.
According to recent statistics published by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, the proof is in the pudding that many travelers crave culture over chic resorts and beautiful beaches.
The fascinating city Guadalajara, with no beach in sight, is seeing a 24.3 percent increase in the number of international tourists this spring, and here’s why:
Feels like real Mexico
The capital of the state of Jalisco tops an ever-shrinking list of destinations in the country that feel truly authentic.
From the sights, sounds and smells of its delicious cuisine that permeate the air, Guadalajara immediately captivates tourists who give this city a try.
Of the three most visited cities in Mexico, only one doesn’t have pristine beaches with all-inclusive resorts.
That would of course be one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City. And while it’s a great place to visit, Guadalajara is second to none when it comes to a vibrant city that feels real.
There is minimal “Americanization” compared to Mexico City, where you will find more and more American chain restaurants, shiny new skyscrapers and easy-to-spot tourists.
Guadalajara has retained its unique charm despite being a very large city with 5 million inhabitants.
Guadalajara is home to beautiful cathedrals and huge markets and surrounded by beautiful small towns. Despite the recent surge, Guadalajara has managed to avoid the pitfalls of oversaturation with tourists.
And the city, or the region in general, has proven that they don’t need crystal clear waters and poolside bars to entice travelers to visit.
Digital nomads love it… for now
2023 was a record year for Guadalajara, with digital nomads coming here in droves as a key component.
In fact, it is one of the fastest growing destinations for digital nomads, not only in Mexico, but in the entire world.
Like everywhere else, overtourism amid sudden growth is a concern for locals and visitors alike.
Some say it’s only a matter of time before Guadalajara loses its luster as an attractive place to establish your base as a digital nomad, but only time will tell.
One thing that’s not going anywhere is the year-round sun, and for now the city is still very affordable, easy to explore and packed with things to do, as digital nomads are certainly as much foodies and culture seekers as anyone else .
Additionally, Guadalajara has embraced the working-on-the-go lifestyle and is well equipped with trendy cafes and over 70 co-working spaces for as little as $15 per day.
The only downside may be its sketchy reputation, but that doesn’t seem to deter travelers, even now that the state of Jalisco has been given ‘Level 3’ status by the US Department of State.
But let’s be honest: That’s not an accurate reflection of the entire state, with Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco both being record-breaking tourist destinations this past year.
Enjoy the simple pleasures
It almost goes without saying that Guadalajara is a foodie destination, because isn’t that the case for all of Mexico?
That said, Guadalajara stands out from the others given their local base Tortas Ahogadas and the nearby town of Tequila, which is appropriately named for obvious reasons.
One of the best ways to experience culture anywhere is through food and Guadalajara has it all, from bustling markets like Mercado Libertad for adventurous street food junkies to the TikTok-worthy Santo Coyote, a classic Jalisco restaurant where it’s impossible to leave hungry to go.
Surrounding Guadalajara are beautiful small towns like Tlaquepaque, but many emphasize Tequila as a must on their itinerary.
The trip itself is fun to make, as you walk through beautiful agave fields to get in the mood for what awaits you.
Of course, it’s always best to drink responsibly, especially since this city truly lives and breathes its name.
This is one of the few Mexican states that produce authentic tequila and tourists can visit distilleries such as Jose Cuervo and Sauza.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
