Jalisco, located in central-western Mexico, is bordered by other Mexican states including Aguascalientes and Colima and offers significant access to the Pacific Ocean. Jalisco, dating to 1823 with a long history of battles for land, is one of the most developed locations in Mexico. Some of the municipalities of Jalisco offer a standard of living comparable to Italy or Spain.
Jalisco, whose name literally means "sandy plain," yields a variety of vegetable and wildlife. This includes one of the world's original sources of wild turkeys. Visitors will be impressed by the beauty of Lake Chapala and the view from Nevado de "Colima," a snow capped mountain in the east.
The town of Tequila, Jalisco, which provided the name for the famous liquor, is a popular tourist destination. Volcanic soil covering much of Jalisco provides lush vegetation, including the blue agave plant, which serves as the base for making tequila. Many historic churches, including the Church of Santiago Apostol, can be found here.
While there is a wide array of places to visit, those looking for a taste of authentic Mexican tradition will want to go to Cocula, Jalisco, which is considered by many to be the birthplace of traditional Mexican music. Mariachi groups, wearing the traditional large Mexican hats and colorful outfits, can be seen around the town and often perform at parties and festivals.
The capital of Jalisco is Guadalajara. The city is nicknamed the "Pearl of the West" and is home to many weddings and colorful festivals, not to mention festive music and breath-taking views. A philharmonic orchestra and the Teatro Degollado, dating to 1866 and home to several musical and theater productions, can both be found in Guadalajara for those looking for a touch of culture and arts.
Seventy local cultural institutions can be found throughout Jalisco, including 27 theaters (such as the Lakeside Little Theater with works presented in English), 226 library branches, 66 museums (such as Museo Tonallán which features traditional pottery, masks and paintings, The Instituto de las Artesanías Jaliscienses (Arts and Crafts Institute of Jalisco), a museum of paleontology, a museum of science and technology and a wax museum), a planetarium and several beaches and shops.
Those looking for some sports and related activities to relax will find what they are looking for in Jalisco. In addition to fishing, swimming, scuba-diving and sun-bathing, there are also several championship golf courses, including the Vista Vallarta, which was developed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Jalisco has an average temperature of 70 °F, with January the coldest month with temperatures averaging 60 °F and June and July being the warmest months with temperatures in the mid-70s. Average annual rainfall is 53 inches (134 centimeters). Puerto Vallarta, located on the Pacific Ocean, is the warmest location in Jalisco with temperatures in the low 80s.
Puerto Vallarta International-Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Airport and Guadalajara-Don Miguel Hidalgo Airport bring people to Jalisco with international flights daily and buses and taxis are available for tourists, making Jalisco an ideal tourist destination.
