Cheap flights to Guadalajara, Mexico from $148

The beautiful city of Guadalajara is the largest city and capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Located in the western-Pacific region of Mexico, this popular tourist destination offers visitors an exciting array of natural features, landmarks, tours and adventure activities to enjoy. Many consider this the most enjoyable city and region to visit in Mexico. Popular for Mexican nuptials, natural areas and traditional towns, Guadalajara is also well-known for authentic indigenous cuisine, Mayan history and culture and outdoor activities. If the party scene is more your style, this region offers plenty of tequila and mariachi music. Offering green spaces and colorful public art in Plazas and parks, much to enjoy can be found within the downtown are..

The striking cathedral is the centre of the city and its central dome and pointed towers are worth a visit. Four plazas surround the cathedral. Hospicio Cabanas is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This very elegant city is also a festive one where plenty of fun is to be had in a region which features great nightlife as well as family entertainment. It is located close to Chapala where you will find modern roads and airports. A view of the stars can be found at San Sebastian del Oeste. This small town in Jalisco is high up in the Sierra mountains and offers a view over the striking scenery of Banderas Bay and the Maria Islands, and at night, the star filled sky. During day time hours you can rent a mountain bike, horse, or mule and roam the hills of the Sierra.

Best Time to Fly to Guadalajara, Mexico

The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer rainfall, cool winter nights and hot spring weather. The peak season in the region is during the summer months of June to August, despite the higher rainfall levels.  Temperatures don’t generally rise above 89 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Guadalajara Book Fair takes place during November each year and is the second largest in the world taking place over nine days.

March to June is a great time for warmer nights and cheaper deals and it also avoids the higher rainfall levels of the hot summer months. Spring weather in Guadalajara offers visitors balmy nights and warm days. The drier fall season between September and November is a good time to enjoy the parks, fountains and flower beds which are so much a part of the city and special fall deals are sometimes available.

Getting around Guadalajara, Mexico

The city can be explored by bus, on foot or even in a horse-drawn carriage. The Centro (downtown) can easily be explored on foot as most attractions are located within a small radius. The metro is another option to tour the city and two lines operate, one to the eastern suburbs and the other to the edges of the city.

Guadalajara, Mexico airport overview

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), also referred to as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, is situated 10 miles (16 km) south of the city center of bustling Guadalajara. With almost 7 million passengers in 2010, it is Mexico’s third-busiest airport. Flights to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport come in from Mexico and the US.

In 2007 the airport underwent major expansion and renovation, including the construction of an additional terminal concourse, four new taxiways and a multi-level parking complex; all of which have doubled the airport’s handling capacity and improved operations on all levels. Long queues are still common, but developments are set to resolve the issue.  

Guadalajara International is a relatively efficient airport with friendly and helpful staff and, with renovations taking place, it’s going from strength to strength. Travellers may look forward to seeing it compete with top international airports in the not-too-distant future.