Jalisco is a state in Mexico that is divided into 125 municipalities, with its capital being Guadalajara, and features a diverse range of cities and regions that offer unique cultural, economic, and natural attractions.
Quick Facts
How Jalisco Is Divided
Jalisco is a state located in the western part of Mexico, and its administrative structure is divided into 125 municipalities, each with its own government and administration. The state is further divided into 12 regions, which are groups of municipalities that share similar geographical and cultural characteristics. These regions are: Norte, Altos Norte, Altos Sur, Ciénega, Costa Norte, Costa Sur, Sierra de Amula, Sierra Occidental, Sur, Valles, Centro, and Sierra Occidental de Jalisco.
The state government is headed by a governor, who is elected by popular vote, and the municipalities are governed by mayors, who are also elected by popular vote. The state has a unicameral legislature, known as the Congress of Jalisco, which is composed of 39 deputies, who are elected by popular vote. The state government is responsible for providing public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, to the population, while the municipalities are responsible for providing local services, such as public transportation, waste management, and public safety.
Major Cities
Guadalajara (1,495,182)
Role: capital, economic hub, cultural center
Known For: Guadalajara is a city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its historic center, which features many colonial-era buildings, including the stunning Guadalajara Cathedral, and its vibrant arts and cultural scene, which includes numerous museums, galleries, and festivals.
Best For: visitors interested in history, culture, and urban entertainment.
Zapopan (476,739)
Role: economic hub, commercial center
Known For: Zapopan is a city located just northwest of Guadalajara, and is known for its modern infrastructure, including shopping malls, office buildings, and industrial parks, as well as its historic center, which features many colonial-era buildings.
Best For: business travelers, shoppers, and those looking for modern amenities.
Puerto Vallarta (255,725)
Role: port city, tourist destination
Known For: Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city located in the state of Jalisco, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches, bays, and surrounding mountains, as well as its vibrant nightlife, which features many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Best For: tourists looking for beach activities, water sports, and nightlife.
Lagos de Moreno (163,020)
Role: cultural center, historic city
Known For: Lagos de Moreno is a city located in the northeastern part of the state, and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its historic center, which features many colonial-era buildings, and its traditional crafts, such as pottery and textiles.
Best For: visitors interested in history, culture, and traditional crafts.
Tlaquepaque (664,193)
Role: cultural center, artistic hub
Known For: Tlaquepaque is a city located just southeast of Guadalajara, and is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, which includes many galleries, studios, and festivals, as well as its historic center, which features many colonial-era buildings.
Best For: artists, craftspeople, and those interested in traditional Mexican culture.
Key Regions
| Region | Character | Known For | Major City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norte | Semi-arid | Ranching, agriculture | Lagos de Moreno |
| Altos Norte | Mountainous | Traditional crafts, ecotourism | Tepatitlán de Morelos |
| Altos Sur | Mountainous | Traditional crafts, agriculture | Ciudad Guzmán |
| Ciénega | Coastal | Fishing, tourism | Puerto Vallarta |
| Costa Norte | Coastal | Tourism, fishing | Tomatlán |
| Costa Sur | Coastal | Tourism, fishing | Barra de Navidad |
| Sierra de Amula | Mountainous | Ecotourism, traditional crafts | Amula |
| Sierra Occidental | Mountainous | Mining, agriculture | Talpa de Allende |
| Sur | Semi-arid | Ranching, agriculture | Autlán de Navarro |
| Valles | Valley | Agriculture, industry | Ameca |
| Centro | Urban | Commerce, industry | Guadalajara |
| Sierra Occidental de Jalisco | Mountainous | Ecotourism, traditional crafts | Mascota |
Regional Differences
- The northern regions of Jalisco, such as Norte and Altos Norte, are known for their semi-arid climate and traditional ranching and agriculture practices.
- The coastal regions, such as Ciénega and Costa Sur, are known for their tourism and fishing industries, and feature a more tropical climate.
- The mountainous regions, such as Sierra de Amula and Sierra Occidental, are known for their ecotourism opportunities and traditional crafts, and feature a more temperate climate.
- The central region, which includes the city of Guadalajara, is known for its urbanization and industrialization, and features a more modern and cosmopolitan culture.
Getting Around
Jalisco has a well-developed transportation network, which includes domestic flights, buses, and highways. The state has several airports, including the Guadalajara International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in Mexico. The airport offers flights to many destinations in Mexico and abroad, and is a major hub for several airlines. The state also has an extensive network of buses, which connect the major cities and towns, and offer a convenient and affordable way to get around. The highways in Jalisco are generally well-maintained, and offer a convenient way to travel by car. However, driving in Mexico can be challenging, especially for foreigners, and it is recommended to exercise caution and follow local traffic laws.
In addition to these options, Jalisco also has a number of public transportation systems, including buses and taxis, which offer a convenient and affordable way to get around the cities and towns. The state also has a number of bike-sharing programs and pedestrian-friendly areas, which offer a healthy and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Overall, Jalisco offers a range of transportation options, which make it easy to get around and explore the state's many attractions.