Ahuacatlán

Ahuacatlán is a small town in Jalisco lying at the foot of the Ceboruco volcano. It is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.

Ahuacatlán

Understand

Ahuacatlán was historically an important stop along the Camino Real (Royal Road) between Guadalajara and the port at San Blas. The town has a population of about 7,500 people (2020).

Get in

The nearest large commercial airport is Guadalajara (GDL ^IATA).

By bus

Omnibus de Mexico operates several daily buses from Guadalajara to Ahuactlan, leaving the main bus terminal about every 2 hours. The 1 hour and 45-minute trip will cost about M$400.

• 1 Terminal Omnibus de Mexico, Av. 20 de Noviembre. Older but functional bus terminal with waiting room, baggage check, ticket sales, and restrooms (M$7). (updated Dec 2024)

By car

From Guadalajara, drive northwest on federal highway MEX-15D. This is a toll road in good condition. The 140 km trip will take about 2 hours.

See

• 1 Plaza Principal, Centro. Traditional main plaza with manicured gardens, towering palm trees, and iron benches along paved walkways. The plaza features a large kiosco (bandstand) and statues of Mexican heroes. There are usually taco stands or other food vendors on the sidewalks next to the plaza. Scenic and tranquil place that's a central landmark and a great place for people watching. (updated Dec 2024)

• 2 Parroquia San Francisco de Asis (Saint Francis of Assisi Church), Libertad 3. The town's main church is a beautiful neoclassical style colonial-era church built in the 18th century with a pink granite facade and six belfries. The facade includes a number of sculptures, most prominently a large statue at the main entrance depicting St. Francis taming the wolf of Gubbio. Inside the church are a number of Sculptures, paintings, and an impressive mural on the ceiling above the altar. (updated Dec 2024)

Do

• Volcan Ceboruco. El Ceboruco is an active stratovolcano whose last major eruption was between 1870 and 1875. The volcano is 2,280 meters high and has a large caldera containing a second caldera. The volcano is a popular spot for hiking and backpacking. Tour guides are available, particularly in the town of Jala. A loop trail goes to the summit and around the caldera and can be completed in about 3-4 hours. (updated Dec 2024)

Festivals

• Bullfighting Festival - each year on October 4, the town celebrates its Bullfighting tradition

Eat

The town is known for producing mango cajeta, a traditional sweet candy.

• 1 Carnes y Mariscos "Varela", Río Amazonas 82, El Llano. Daily 11:00 - 22:00. Casual Mexican seafood restaurant where shrimp is king. The shrimp empanadas are excellent and the ceviche orders are planty large enough to share. Beer and micheladas available. Cash only (no credit cards accepted). (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Mariscos "Juanitos", Rio Amazonas. Casual Mexican-style seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp dishes. Try the molcajete, a large stone bowl filled with mixed seafood in a spicy seafood broth. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Boutique Ibarra, Carr. Amatlán de Cañas - Uzeta 31, Centro, ☏ +52 374 182 4829. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, comfortable traditional hotel in the town center, one block from the Plaza Principal. On-site restaurant with room service available. WiFi available. (updated Dec 2024)

• 2 Hotel Quinta Valentina, Aldama 167, Centro, ☏ +52 324 170 6120. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Upscale boutique hotel with immaculately clean, spacious rooms that include mini-fridge, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Manicured gardens with outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. Secured off-street parking is available (gates close 10pm to 6am). (updated Dec 2024)

• 3 Hacienda El Ceboruco, Leona Vicario 89, La Otra Banda, ☏ +52 324 105 6883. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Modern hotel with traditional styling, small but comfortable, clean rooms. Off-street parking available. M$700. (updated Dec 2024)

Go next

• Ixtlán del Rio
• San Blas
• Islas Marias