Family-Friendly Adventures in , Jalisco!

Guachimontones

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Guachimontones, Mexico

Morning: Arrival and Introduction to Guachimontones

- Start: Arrive early in the morning to Guachimontones, located just an hour’s drive from Guadalajara. You can rent a car or take a taxi for convenient travel.

- Guided Tour: Begin your visit with a guided tour which starts every hour. The guides are knowledgeable and can engage kids with interesting tales and facts about the site.

Fun Fact: Guachimontones is renowned for its unique circular pyramids, unlike the usual rectangular or square ones seen elsewhere in Mexico.

Midday: Explore the Archaeological Site

- Circular Pyramids: Explore the central pyramid and the surrounding circular complexes. Each complex is thought to have served as a ceremonial center.

- Games and Activities: Engage your kids with a scavenger hunt prepared in advance, looking for specific carvings or structures mentioned during the guided tour.

Lunch: Picnic with a View

- Pack a Picnic: Enjoy a packed lunch in the designated picnic areas. These spots offer a great view of the Tequila Volcano, adding to the serene environment.

Afternoon: Visit the Phil Weigand Interpretive Center

- Educational Visit: Post lunch, head to the onsite museum named after the archaeologist who studied the site. It’s a great way to visually illustrate the history and significance of the artifacts and structures you"ve seen.

- Interactive Exhibits: The museum offers interactive exhibits that are particularly appealing to children, making the learning experience fun and engaging.

Evening: Wrap Up and Return

- Leisure Walk: Before heading back, take a leisure stroll around the site, maybe capture some family photos with the extraordinary circular pyramids in the background.

- Return to Guadalajara: Head back to your hotel in Guadalajara, perhaps stopping on the way for a traditional Mexican dinner.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and hats, as there’s a lot of walking and limited shade! Bring water bottles to stay hydrated throughout your adventure at Guachimontones.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hospicio Cabañas

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early at Hospicio Cabañas, located in the historic center of Guadalajara. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rideshare directly to the entrance, or by using the Guadalajara light rail system stopping at Plaza Universidad. The architecture itself will amaze you as you step into one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in Latin America, declared a UNESCO World World Heritage Site in 1997.

Educational Tour

Begin with a guided tour (available in both Spanish and English) starting at 10 AM. These tours are family-friendly and provide engaging explanations of the site"s history and architecture, making it accessible for all ages. Learn about the building’s foundation by Bishop Juan Cruz Ruiz de Cabañas in the early 19th century and its purpose to provide care and shelter.

Marvel at the Murals

Next, head to the chapel to view the famous murals painted by José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists. His masterpiece, "Man of Fire," is awe-inspiring and offers a great opportunity to introduce children to themes of humanity and social justice. Discuss the vibrant imagery and the stories behind them, sparking a love for art in young minds.

Interactive Activities

After the mural viewing, participate in the workshops often held in the afternoons. These can range from printmaking workshops to storytelling sessions, perfect for keeping the youngsters engaged and entertained while learning.

Lunch and Leisure

Wrap up your visit with lunch at the nearby Mercado San Juan de Dios, just a 5-minute walk away, where you can enjoy local specialties like tortas ahogadas or birria. This is also a great chance to discuss the day"s experiences with each other, fostering a deeper family connection and understanding of Mexican culture.

Departure

Head back to your accommodation by late afternoon, carrying a deeper appreciation of art, history, and Guadalajara’s rich cultural offerings.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Plaza de Armas

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Plaza de Armas, Santiago

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by taking the metro to Plaza de Armas Station. This square is the heart of Santiago"s historical and cultural heritage, making it a perfect starting point. As you step out, the vibrant atmosphere of street artists, musicians, and local vendors will welcome you.

Exploring the Plaza

Take a leisurely walk around the plaza to soak in its bustling energy. The square is surrounded by several significant historical buildings, including the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral. Step inside the cathedral to view its majestic interior and intricate stained glass windows, offering a quiet escape from the busy square. Entry is free, making it a great stop for families.

Interactive Learning at Museo Histórico Nacional

Next, visit the Museo Histórico Nacional, located at the corner of the plaza. The museum is a treasure trove of Chilean history, with engaging displays that are both educational and entertaining for kids. Learn about Chile"s rich history through artifacts and interactive exhibits. Admission is free for children and provides an insightful look into the country"s past.

Lunch Break

For lunch, head to the Mercado Central, just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. This bustling market is famous for its fresh seafood and offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, including delicious empanadas and fresh juices that the kids will love.

Afternoon Stroll and Puppet Show

After lunch, walk back to the plaza and enjoy a puppet show or a local street performance, which often takes place in the afternoons. These shows are not only entertaining but also give you a glimpse into Chilean cultural traditions.

Evening Wrap-Up

Conclude your day with a visit to the nearby Bellas Artes neighborhood. Just a 15-minute walk from Plaza de Armas, this area boasts beautiful architecture and several ice cream shops—a perfect way to indulge and discuss the day’s adventures.

Note

Throughout your visit, keep an eye on personal belongings and stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months. Enjoy your family day in the historical heart of Santiago!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jose Cuervo Distillery (Fábrica La Rojeña)

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Jose Cuervo Distillery (Fábrica La Rojeña)

Morning: Arrival & Guided Tour

Start your day in the charming town of Tequila, Jalisco, easily reachable by car or bus from Guadalajara (about 1.5 hours drive). Head straight to the legendary Jose Cuervo Distillery, the oldest in Latin America, established in 1795. Dive into the world of tequila with the guided "La Rojeña Tour" starting at 10:00 AM. This family-friendly exploration includes walking through the lush agave fields, witnessing the traditional process of tequila making, and exploring vintage distillation equipment. Kids will love seeing the massive barrels and learning how agave turns into tequila!

Lunch: La Antigua Casona

By midday, enjoy a hearty Mexican meal at La Antigua Casona, right within the distillery grounds. The restaurant offers dishes that cater to all ages, ensuring a delightful meal for everyone.

Afternoon: Margarita Workshop & Town Exploration

Post lunch, parents can join a Margarita-making class while kids engage in a non-alcoholic cocktail workshop, both fun and interactive! Later, take a leisurely stroll around Tequila’s colorful town square to soak in the vibrant culture and pick up some souvenirs.

Evening: Sunset & Folklore

Round off your day by watching an enchanting sunset from the distillery gardens. On select evenings, the distillery hosts folklore shows featuring traditional Mexican music and dance, captivating for both kids and adults.

Interesting Facts

- Jose Cuervo was the first producer to obtain a license from the King of Spain for making tequila commercially.

- The distillery manages one of the largest agave holdings in the world.

Tips

- Book your tour in advance, especially during peak seasons.

- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Enjoy a day full of culture, history, and fun at Jose Cuervo Distillery!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Amatitan

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary in Amatitán, Jalisco

Day 1: Discovering Tequila"s Roots

- Morning: Arrival and La Rojeña Distillery Tour

Start your Amatitán adventure by exploring the origins of Mexico’s famous spirit at La Rojeña, one of the oldest distilleries in Latin America, operated by José Cuervo. Located roughly 40 minutes from Guadalajara, you can easily drive or take a taxi. Engage in an interactive tour that explains the tequila-making process from agave harvesting to bottling, which is both educational and fun for kids and adults alike.

- Afternoon: Agave Landscape and Lunch

Post-tour, enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a local restaurant, where dishes like birria (a spicy stew) are a must-try. Next, take a leisurely walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Agave Landscape, an extensive blue agave plantation. It’s a great way for the family to learn about the agricultural heritage of the region and enjoy breathtaking views.

Day 2: Adventure and Culture

- Morning: Hacienda San José del Refugio

Visit the Hacienda San José del Refugio, the home of Herradura Tequila. Learn how this iconic brand crafts its tequila and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property. The hacienda offers a captivating look at 19th-century Mexican architecture and tequila production.

- Afternoon: Amatitán Town Center

Conclude your trip with a stroll through the charming town center of Amatitán. Visit the local market for souvenirs, and don’t miss the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a beautiful church with impressive architecture. The town square is perfect for a relaxed evening, enjoying ice cream and watching daily life go by.

This two-day itinerary in Amatitán offers a perfect blend of education, culture, and relaxation, tailored to be enjoyable for both kids and adults, ensuring a memorable family vacation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.