Guadalajara, Mexico, USA
Airing Date: Oct 14th, 2002
Most Mexican traditions started in Guadalajara, including the famous fashion of sombrero hats. Liberty markets are the biggest markets in Latin America and the perfect place to kit yourself out in the local attire. There are no cheap souvenirs here, though - the sombreros at the markets are authentic products of Mexico and cost over $100.
Another local invention is mariachi music. With the music playing and a sombrero in hand, the Mexican Hat Dance is popular with buskers all over town.
The best way to get around Guadalajara is by taxi. The taxis have meters to calculate the cost of your journey, but some of the drivers don't use them, so make sure you negotiate a price before your trip. A taxi ride around the city centre will usually cost you around $8.
Mexico's national sport happens every Sunday at stadiums around the city. Charreada is the forerunner to the North American Rodeo. The best way to pick it up is to get some tips from a junior charro, or cowboy. It takes seven or eight years to become a charro. The first thing to learn is how to ride a horse. After that, the charro must become an expert at using the lasso. The main difference between the Mexican and north American versions of the rodeo is that the modern version is an individual sport and Charreada is a team event.Just outside of Guadalajara is a town called Tequila. The town is surrounded by Agave plants and as the name suggests it is the home of tequila. With more than a dozen distilleries in town the air is thick with the smell of tequila and nearly everyone in town is involved in its production. Those who don't work in the factories grow the Agave plants that make tequila. Each plant produces about seven or eight bottles.
For an insight into the production process join a $5 tour at Jose Cuervo, the oldest and biggest distillery in Tequila.
El Patio restaurant is home to Guadalajara's only all-girl mariachi outfit. It's a great meal option, but if you want to eat like a Mexican you'll have to wait until about four in the afternoon. Fifteen dollars buys a traditional five or six course meal, and no matter what you order you'll receive guacamole, beans, tortillas and salsa absolutely free.
The facts:
Air New Zealand flies to Los Angeles daily with connection to Guadalajara on Air Mexicana. Return prices start from $2862 from Sydney and $3717 from Perth.
Air New Zealand
Tel: 13 24 76
Adventure World offer two night Guadalajara packages including four star accommodation and a city tour from $438 per person.
Adventure World
Tel: 1300 363 055
