Tlaquepaque

Despite being a city of 600,000 people, Tlaquepaque is honored as one of Mexico’s official Pueblo Mágicos—a “magical town.” The city earned its designation thanks to its preservation of cultural traditions and rich, notable arts.

Discover what makes Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico an unforgettable place.

What Does “Tlaquepaque” Mean?

The city’s name, Tlaquepaque, comes from Nahuatl, the Aztec language. It has two meanings: “the place above clay land,” and “the best of everything.” The “clay” meaning is a nod to the rich, natural clay deposits in Tlaquepaque.

The easily-accessible clay empowered local artisans to hone and evolve their potterycraft for thousands of years. Today, Tlaquepaque’s ceramics are internationally renowned.

Where Is Tlaquepaque?

Tlaquepaque is a city in Jalisco, Mexico. Officially designated San Pedro Tlaquepaque, it’s close enough to Guadalajara that it’s sometimes considered its suburb.

Both cities are located in the Atemajac Valley—a cozy vega in the Jalisco Highlands. Thus, the climate is temperate year-round.

Best Things To Do In Tlaquepaque

There are several alluring attractions and exciting experiences worth seeking out in Tlaquepaque. Here are a few that travelers often praise.

Independencia Avenue

Independencia Avenue, also called Calle Independencia, is a lively, pedestrian-only road in the heart of Tlaquepaque. It’s an open-air hub of culture, food, and commerce.

Stroll down the street and find beautiful pottery, artisan garments, and handcrafted housewares. The street’s food vendors sell ice cream, savory bolillos rolls, and refreshing tepache—a semi-fermented drink made with locally-harvested fruit and brown sugar.

The street’s culture allows for haggling, so the atmosphere is filled with the sound of pleasant barter-banter, street music performances, and sizzling griddles.

Noches de la Ronda

Noches de la Ronda are Friday night celebrations in downtown Tlaquepaque.
After sunset, displays of colorful lights create a magical atmosphere. Mariachi bands play, and elaborately costumed acrobats perform on stilts.

Mariachi Music & Folk Dance At El Parían

First built in 1878, El Parían is a cantina and cultural hub in the Santa Maria district of Tlaquepaque. Locals gather in its well-tended gardens illuminated by lamplight. Mariachi musicians and folk dancers perform live nightly.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude Sanctuary)

The baroque architecture of the historic Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is breathtaking. The cathedral’s interior features ornate gold filigree, lifelike sculptures of saints, and well-preserved, centuries-old tapestries.

Devout visitors recount profound spiritual experiences here. Many write of renewed faith or restored inner peace, often after resting in the sanctuary or praying with the monks.

Centro Cultural El Refugio

Centro Cultural El Refugio is a cultural center in the heart of Tlaquepaque. The converted chapel hosts cultural events, folk dances, the Jalisco ballet, art shows, workshops, and festivals.

Centro Cultural El Refugio is also the permanent home of hundreds of iconic ceramics. The center’s displays highlight the best pieces by Tlaquepaque artists over centuries.

Is Tlaquepaque, Mexico Safe to Visit?

Yes, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco in Mexico is a safe destination. Tourism is a popular industry, and the city’s officials and businesses are invested in giving visitors a positive experience.

Visitors are also significantly safer from heat stroke here than elsewhere in Central America, thanks to Tlaquepaque’s temperate climate.

Experience Tlaquepaque With Caravan

At Caravan, we create all-inclusive tours to extraordinary destinations. Our Tours of The Colonial Cities of Mexico offer guests eight days of rich, authentic cultural experiences, immersive guided history tours, and authentic local cuisine.

For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826). Or, call 1-312-321-9800 to book your spot.