A Day Trip from Guadalajara is just what you need to experience the rich culture and diverse landscape of Jalisco, Mexico and neighboring Nayarit. My family has roots in Guadalajara, so I have traveled here often in the past few years. I know the best nearby towns from Guadalajara that will round-out your travel itinerary.
You can read my Guadalajara Travel Guide for things to do in Guadalajara metro, but if you want to get out of the city, this blog post is for you.
This blog post shares the beautiful towns that I visit near Guadalajara. I am so excited to share these gems with you because these towns are so worth visiting and they give you a truly authentic Mexico experience. My family travels to Guadalajara often and these are the getaways we visit time and time again when we’re there.
The best day trips to take from Guadalajara includes Mazamitla, Lake Chapala, Cocula, Guayabitos, Sayulita and more. This blog posts lists my top destinations near Guadalajara, the places that my family and I love to go to, so you’re getting recommendations from locals here.
Day Trip from Guadalajara by Car
I fly into Guadalajara and usually stay in the metro area as my home base. From there, I travel by car to these nearby destinations. To drive in Mexico, you need to be a confident, experienced driver. Some of these destinations require you to drive through highways like the new Jala-Puerto Vallarta highway, and winding roads. These day trips from Guadalajara can be a few hours by car depending on the destination.
Traveling by car is my usual method of transportation when visiting small towns near Guadalajara.
Lake Chapala in Jalisco Mexico
Lake Chapala is Mexicos largest freshwater lake and the source of water for the region, including the Guadalajara metro.
Due to increased rain, Lake Chapala’s water level is at 70% of its capacity. This is great news for the local community and a significant increase from previous years. The local government is also investing to introduce Tilapia to the lake as a way to stimulate the fishing tourism economy.
There are tons of towns that along the perimeter of the lake that will benefit from increased tourism. The Lake Chapala towns I’m listing in this blog post are great day trips from Guadalajara, about an hour away by car and within 20 minutes of each other.
The draw for visiting Lake Chapala are the stunning views that you get of the large lake and the mountainous landscape along its perimeter.
Guide to the Best Lake Chapala Towns to Visit on a day trip from Guadalajara
Chapala is where the locals will take you
The town of Chapala is about an hour out from Guadalajara by car. It’s a destination with incredible views of the expansive lake surrounded by mountains.
The first thing I like to do when I arrive in Chapala from Guadalajara is get myself a fresh coconut! I love watching street vendors cut open a coconut with a machete, and there’s nothing better than drinking coconut water straight from the source and eating the skin with salt, limon, and hot sauce.
After grabbing refreshments, I enjoy walking along the Malecón de Chapala, a waterfront promenade that stretches along the shore of the Lake.
Ajijic is a Lake Chapala town popular with expats and American retirees
Ajijic, Mexico is another town along the perimeter of Lake Chapala that makes a short day trip from Guadalajara. I have not spend too much time in Ajijic myself. My family will usually pass by Ajijic on the road to other destination and when we do, my Guadalajara relatives comment that Ajijic is full of American retirees.
They’re right. Ajijic is a popular expat destination. According to International Living, the Lake Chapala area sustains 20,000 expats, most from the U.S. and Canada, and the vast majority are retired. Chapala and Ajijic is where you’ll see most of the expat population, but Ajijic takes the claim to fame.
Since I haven’t spent too much time in Ajijic, I’l leave you with this – one white-americas blogger, Adventures of the 4 Ls, visited Chapala and then Ajijic and said about Ajijic, “I took a big sigh of relief. This town is about 50% expat, and the cleanliness of the town reflected this. Everything was just a little cuter than Chapala. The boardwalk was nicer, the restaurants were nicer, the shops and market stalls were nicer. Of course, the prices were also a little bit nicer…”
The takeaway being that if you’re more comfortable in an American-expat influenced environment then Ajijic is for you. Chapala is more popular with the Mexican locals.
The two towns offer a similar experience – a charing lakeside promenade that’s perfect for a leisurely walk and stunning views of the mountains and lake.
Visit the blog, Fabs Culture, for an Ajijic weekend-trip blog, to read about this foreign traveler’s weekend trip to Ajijic.
San Juan Cosalá is for a relaxing spa day
San Juan Cosalá is another notable town around Lake Chapala. It seems to be on the map in large part because of a hotel-spa that’s popular with travelers, foreign and local, looking for a relaxing retreat.
Hotel Balneario San Juan Cosalá’s Spa Termal Tlalocan is nestled on the shores of Lake Chapala in San Juan Cosalá. The spa offers a rejuvenating escape unlike any other. Upon arrival, the first thing that took my breath away were the property’s stunning views of the mountainous landscape around it. It felt therapeutic just being there in that beautiful natural space.
The things I liked most about Spa Termal Tlalocan are the natural thermal pools, hydrotherapy, mud treatments, and steam caves infused with healing minerals. I’ve never been to a spa like this before, and it was unforgettable.
I enjoyed soaking in the bubbling hot spring tubs, gazing at panoramic views of Lake Chapala and the surrounding mountain. The unbelievable, breath taking backdrop elevates the entire wellness experience at Balneario san Juan Cosalá.
The spa also offers massages and I highly recommend you get one. After my massage, I felt relaxed, pampered, and in a dreamy state. I found relaxation, therapy, and indulgence at Spa Termal Tlalocan in San Juan Cosal, making this Lake Chapala town a worthwhile day-trip from Guadalajara.
Tequila, Jalisco is a Mandatory Day Trip from Guadalajara to Agave Fields and Distilleries
When you’re out in Guadalajara, you have to make time to take a day trip to Tequila, Jalisco.
Today, Tequila is recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic distilleries and the surrounding blue agave landscape. It’s the official birthplace of tequila and the heart of tequila production in Mexico.
A great photo-op is at the UNESCO-recognized agave fields.
The charming town of Tequila, Jalisco sits just about 60 kilometers (around 1 hour by car) from Guadalajara, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips from the city.
Visitors can choose to drive on their own for a flexible schedule or join a group tour, which often includes drinks, guided visits to distilleries, tastings, and the added bonus of not worrying about drinking after sampling tequila.
Mazamitla, Mexico is A Family Favorite Mountain Town Getaway
Just two hours south of Guadalajara (about 120 km by car), Mazamitla is a charming mountain town that makes for an unforgettable day trip—or even better, an overnight escape.
Nestled in the Sierra del Tigre, its cool pine-filled climate offers a refreshing change from the city’s warmth. Visitors can wander cobblestone streets lined with white-stucco buildings accented by red-tile roofs and wooden balconies, giving Mazamitla a unique aesthetic.
My favorite activities to do in Mazamitla include hiking to waterfalls, exploring forest trails, horseback riding, riding ATVs, and enjoying local artesanias and restaurants in the central plaza.
I’ve been to Mazamitla as a day trip from Guadalajara, and I’ve also stayed overnight in a cozy cabin rentals tucked into the forest.
Mazamitla is my favorite place to visit near Guadalajara. I love a mountain getaway for relaxation and being out in nature.
The Guachimontones Archaeological Site in Teuchitlan
About an hour west of Guadalajara near the town of Teuchitlán lies Los Guachimontones, one of Jalisco’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Famous for its unique circular pyramids—the only ones of their kind in Mesoamerica.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the ancient Teuchitlán tradition that flourished over 2,000 years ago. Although the site had long been known locally, formal excavations began in the 1970s, and it has since become an important center for research and preservation. Visitors can explore the pyramids, ball courts, and terraces, then stop by the on-site Interpretive Museum of Guachimontones, which provides context about the culture, daily life, and rituals of the people who once lived here. Archaeologists continue to study and restore parts of the site today, making it not only a striking place to visit but also a living window into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past.
Cocula, Jalisco is the Birthplace of Mariachi and makes a great day trip for Guadalajara
Just under an hour southeast of Guadalajara, the town of Cocula is famously known as the birthplace of mariachi. Cocula, Jalisco was recognized as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos in 2023.
The town center has a charming, old-town Mexico feel. There are restaurants and shops to explore and you can take a seat on a bench in the town square to rest and enjoy your surroundings.
La Sauceda, Jalisco is a small rural community that hosts a crazy annual party
Just a few minute drive from Cocula lies La Sauceda, a small rural town off-the beaten path. Really, the only people that would know about La Sauceda are the local families, like mine, who have ancestral roots and own property there.
Each year during Easter weekend, La Sauceda comes alive with the Fiestas del Rancho. This lively celebration features religious traditions, live music performances like banda, mariachi, and the bright neon lights of a fair that takes over the town square.
Las Fiestas del Rancho are a community celebration that’s been going on for generations. I grew up hearing about La Sauceda as the setting for my grandparent’s ranch home and this annual party where my parents, aunts and uncles made unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning to visit the Sauceda, do so during Las Fiestas del Rancho, which is when it’s most tourist friendly. If you go on any other occasion, you might stick out like a sore thumb and have a hard time finding things to do besides walk around and explore the quiet, calmness of a small rural town in Mexico.
Together, Cocula and La Sauceda offer a mix of history, music, and tradition. These towns are a memorable and uniquely-authentic destination, a great day trip from Guadalajara.
Guayabitos is My Grandpa’s Favorite Beach Town near Guadalajara
Guayabitos is a charming beach town on the Riviera Nayarit, about a 4.5-hour drive northwest of Guadalajara. This coastal get-away is less of a day trip from Guadalajara and more like an overnight stay.
This coastal getaway is my grandpa’s favorite. He’s been coming to Guayabitos his whole life, and he continues to choose this as his preferred beach destination near Guadalajara. It’s a lesser-known beach compared to Sayulita among foreign tourists. A true hidden gem reserved for those that have local, insider knowledge.
If you’re looking for a place to stay the night or a day-pass to a resort in Guayabitos, I recommend the Casablanca Resort.This resort is my grandpa’s top choice. He’s a loyal guests here, so much so that the front desk workers know him by name and he likes to bring the whole family to this resort. I like this resort because they’re accommodating, have great service, and great ammenities like the beach front access, pool, restaurant, beachside service, chairs and umbrellas.
My family has done the day-pass option and I highly recommend it for a quick day trip from Guadalajara to a beach getaway.
When I go to Guayabitos I enjoy swimming in the ocean and in the hotel pool, with ocean front views and a swim up bar. There are water activity rental readily available, too. I like to rent jet skis and a banana float ride. I recommend you do both!
Sayulita is a Beach Town Popular with the Expats, Digital Nomads, and Surf Crowd
Sayulita, just a short drive north of Guayabitos, and another beach stay-cation option near Guadalajara.
Sayulita is a vibrant surf town with a bohemian spirit. Its colorful streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafés, attracting both travelers and digital nomads.
My family rented an Airbnb in Sayulita, Nayarit that had a tree-house bungalow aesthetic, a private pool, and stunning views for the terrace. We rode to and from the town center in a tennis cart provided my the airbnb hosts. It’s a cute town with lots to see and do and a lively nightlife, which is a solid point for Sayulita over Guayabitos.
Sayulita is famous for its consistent waves, making it a hotspot for beginner and experienced surfers alike. When I visited Sayulita, there was a surf competition going on, and so I had to share the water with the surfers, which I did not love.
Chacala, Mexico is a Smaller Beach Town For Those With Local, Insider Knowledge
Located further north along the Riviera Nayarit, Chacala is a quieter, more secluded beach destination, ideal for travelers seeking less of a touristy-feel than Sayulita and even Guayabitos.
My family rented a comfortable airbnb in town, a short distance walking from the beach.Keep in mind, the town of Chacala is small. so there’s less to do and see in Chacala than the previous two beach towns. Chacala is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Mexico beach town, quiet-comfort, and a budget friendly getaway.
Small Towns Near Guadalajara Are So Worth Visiting
You’re already in Guadalajara, Mexico, you really should consider adding a one day trip from Guadalajara or some weekend trips from Guadalajara to your itinerary.
Mazamitla, Tequila, Lake Chapala, and the beaches of Nayarit like Sayulita and Guayabitos are beautiful destinations you don’t want to miss.These small towns near Guadalajara offer an escape from the cit. They’re an opportunity to get out and experience the mountain, rural, and coastal landscapes that make Mexico so rich.
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