Guadalajara on a budget – Lonely Planet

Guadalajara is certainly one of Mexico’s shining stars: a chic metropolis based within the mid-1500s with grand plazas and historic websites, world class museums and a culinary scene that features all the things from connoisseur eating places to taco stands.

Town has grown exponentially over the previous couple many years nevertheless it stays a comparatively reasonably priced place to go to. Listed below are some high ideas to assist budget-conscious vacationers stretch their pesos even additional.

Time your go to effectively for cheaper locations to remain

Guadalajara overflows with guests (and resort charges rise accordingly) throughout the weeks surrounding Christmas and Easter, as effectively in October, when the town celebrates its Fiestas de Octubre. If you happen to’re ready, go to exterior of those intervals for decrease costs and a wider choice of lodging. If you happen to’re staying various days, ask about reductions.   

From overseas, fly into Guadalajara on a Mexican airline

Guadalajara’s Aeropuerto Internacional Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) is the area’s hub and one of many busiest airports within the nation, with direct flights to over 50 locations. A number of worldwide carriers provide flights however you should definitely take a look at Mexican airways like Volaris and VivaAerobus, which cater to Mexicans overseas and infrequently provide cheaper fares, last-minute offers and even fee plans.

Take an area bus to journey between the airport and city

If you happen to’re touring gentle and don’t thoughts a crowd, avoid wasting pesos by taking a metropolis bus to and from the airport and downtown Guadalajara. It’s the most cost effective method to make the journey. From the airport, the bus cease is in entrance of the Lodge Casa Grande, about 50m (164ft) from the terminal exit. From there, take both “Ruta 176” (M$9.50), “Aeropuerto” (M$10) or probably the most direct “Arvento/Agaves” (M$13); buses move each 20 minutes from 5am to 10pm. All run to the Central Vieja (Guadalajara’s second-class bus station), the place you may choose up any of the identical routes for the return journey. The journey takes about 45 minutes.  

From inside Mexico, arrive by bus for (usually) the most cost effective fare

If you happen to’re already in Mexico, touring by first-class bus is commonly the most cost effective method to get to Guadalajara. A number of bus strains have direct routes to the town from nearly in all places in western, central and northern Mexico. For probably the most snug rides (and for only a few extra pesos), go for the deluxe ETN and Primera Plus, which have wi-fi, air-con, particular person TV screens, absolutely reclining seats, and free snacks and drinks. They typically provide reductions should you purchase your tickets on-line too. If you happen to’re touring from additional afield, crunch the numbers earlier than beginning a cross-country bus journey – a flight could make extra sense, by way of time and price.

Use public transportation to get round

Guadalajara has a complete public transportation system, together with dozens of bus routes and three metro strains, all working from 5am to 11pm every day. It’s the most cost effective method to get round city – M$9.50–15 a journey (plus M$4.75 for metro transfers) – and covers most of Guadalajara’s sights and transportation hubs. It will probably get crowded (watch your pockets), nevertheless it’s environment friendly and the quickest method to get round, particularly throughout rush hour.

Moovitapp is a helpful app for navigating the town’s complicated bus and metro routes. It offers the very best choices to your journey, together with value, wait occasions and even strolling directions. As soon as on board, the positioning tracks your progress and can remind you when to get off – a pleasant function.

Use ride-shares as an alternative of taxis

For late-night rides or the comfort of door-to-door service, ride-shares are the way in which to go. Uber and Cabify are dependable suppliers and are invariably cheaper than taxis, that are identified for overcharging riders with flat-fee charges. (If you happen to should take a cab, agree on a fare earlier than getting in!)  

Keep away from renting a automobile on the airport

There’s actually no must lease a automobile to see Guadalajara – ride-shares and a strong public transportation system have you ever lined. However if you would like a automobile to discover additional afield, there are many native and worldwide automobile rental corporations to select from. Leases start at M$1100 per day however it can save you a bundle by renting on the town, which cuts the hefty 18% airport tax out of your invoice. Weekly charges typically scale back the every day charge considerably too.

Take DIY day journeys

Taking a day trip from Guadalajara is a simple and enjoyable method to see one other aspect of the area. However as an alternative of paying M$2000–4000 per particular person to take a guided journey, do it your self for a fraction of the fee. Second-class buses service the encircling cities from the Central Vieja for M$60–180 or, for extra flexibility, lease a automobile. Licensed guides could be employed on the entrances to museums, ruins and different websites whereas locations like Tequila have built-in excursions at most of its distilleries. For meals, ask an area for the very best comedor (easy eatery) or simply search for a spot that’s bustling – it’s a lot extra rewarding than being herded to a restaurant in a tour bus.

Purchase meals at native markets

Although consuming out in Guadalajara isn’t prohibitive, prepping even simply certainly one of your individual meals a day can prevent some severe money. Do like locals do and head to the marketplace for fresh-picked vegatables and fruits, baskets of grains and spices and all method of meats and seafood. Even should you don’t have a kitchen, you may nonetheless replenish on snacks and fruit. Mercado San Juan de Dios, Mercado Santa Tere and Mercado Mexicalzingo are all good choices close to the middle of city.

Keep in a hostel

Guadalajara has a cache of hostels catering to finances vacationers of all ages, many with boho type and trendy facilities. Most are within the Centro Histórico inside strolling distance to the sights, or in Colonia Americana, close to the town’s greatest eating places and bars. The bulk provide non-public rooms (with a shared rest room) however dorms provide probably the most bang to your buck, particularly should you’re traveling solo. Most hostels additionally embrace breakfast and have shared kitchens for prepping your individual meals, which helps save on meals prices. Some even embrace bikes you may borrow at no cost.

Select an residence over a resort room

There’s no higher method to really feel part of a spot than to stay amongst locals, even when it’s only for just a few days. Guadalajara has a lot of short-term rental residences that you may ebook by way of corporations like Airbnb and Vrbo. Nightly charges typically are just like the price of a mid-range resort room in the same neighborhood however you’ll have area to unfold out (a giant plus, particularly for households) in addition to a kitchen, which saves you the expense of consuming out for each meal.

Eat at market meals stalls and purchase snacks from road distributors

Although Guadalajara is thought for its connoisseur culinary scene, consuming at high-end eating places can add up quick. To avoid wasting on breakfast or lunch, head to the markets, the place meals stalls serve tasty specialties like tortas ahogadas (pork sandwiches drenched in chile sauce) and birria (spicy goat or mutton stew) for affordable. One of the best deal is usually a comida corrida, a two-course meal together with a drink, for round M$70. Peruse the choices and seize an open seat at a counter for service.

For dinner or a late-night snack, head to the closest plaza for a few of the greatest road eats within the nation. Distributors arrange carts round sundown, promoting mouthwatering requirements like tacos, tamales, elote (grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise and cheese) and bacon-wrapped scorching canines for round M$20 apiece. Make sure to save room for dessert – a great deal of sticky sweets like jericallas (a cross between flan and crème brûlée) and marquesitas (stuffed crepes) can at all times be had. Templo Expiatorio plaza and Tlaquepaque’s predominant plaza are native faves.

Go to museums on free days

A number of museums round city are free on sure days, or don’t cost admission in any respect. Examine their web sites and plan forward so it can save you some cash on admission charges. Some, like Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, gives free guided excursions of its collections too.

Benefit from the free appetizers that include your drinks

Most bars in Guadalajara provide free botanas (appetizers) with every spherical of drinks. Usually, the swankier the place, the higher the snack so whereas cantinas (old skool bars) and antros (dive bars) would possibly serve up bowls of popcorn and chicharrones (crispy pork pores and skin), craft breweries and wine bars will current mini-sandwiches and cheese plates. Generally, botanas could be large enough to interchange a meal (particularly accompanied by just a few high-calorie brews)!

Ask about reductions

Mexicans take their reductions significantly, and tapatíos aren’t any totally different. Kids, senior residents, college students and academics typically pay much less for excursions, admission charges, theater tickets and buses – as a lot as half off the common charge. If reductions aren’t clearly posted, ask! Simply be ready to indicate your ID.

Each day prices in Guadalajara

Hostel (dorm mattress): M$150-300
Primary room for 2: from M$500
Self-catering residence (together with Airbnb): from M$1000
Public transport ticket: M$9.50-15
Cup of espresso: M$30
Torta ahogada: M$40
Road taco: M$15
Dinner for 2 (upscale restaurant): from M$600
Bottle of (home) beer: M$35