Delta 2014 - (Page 42)

GUADALAJARA Guadalajara When you dream of Mexico, it's probably Guadalajara that comes to mind. Mariachi music, tequila and charros-colorfully dressed horsemen-have put this city on the worldwide map and bring its history to life. A trolley ride along Guadalajara's historic center, departing from Guadalajara Square, reveals some of the city's architectural and historic landmarks, including its stately cathedral and the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans, with busts of the state of Jalisco's most famous. A more traditional option: Touring the city by carriage, here called calandrias. BEST PLACE TO STAY The Quinta Real Guadalajara is among the best in town-an elegant hotel with classically posh accommodations, ivy crawling up its stone walls and an inviting pool area and gardens. This February will see the opening of the hip and uber-modern Aloft Guadalajara, with an outdoor pool, the re:charge gym and re:fuel, where you can get a bite to eat. BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE Barranca Oblatos Huentitan Park encompasses a 2,000-ft.-deep canyon with a waterfall and hiking trails steeped in greenery. Mirador Independencia Park borders the canyon and offers beautiful views as well. Another option: Visit Lake Chapala, about an hour's scenic drive from the city, for a sail or a swim in Mexico's largest natural lake. Then take a dip in the hot springs of San Juan Cosala, not far from the lake. BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Step into the Government Palace and Cabañas Cultural Institute, a former orphanage designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to take in the magniﬁcent murals by Jose Clemente Orozco that reveal the country's history. Go for a stroll along the small Plaza de los Mariachis (next to the Libertad Market), where bands of local musicians look for their next gig. Then head to the Guadalajara Regional Museum, with artifacts and both European and Mexican artwork spanning centuries. Outside of the city, tour the Tequila Route, where you'll ﬁnd some of the world's most famous tequila distilleries and blue agave crops; one option is to take the Tequila Express, a tourist train that travels the area. For another day of sightseeing and shopping, head to Tonala and Tlaquepaque, both known for its artisans and locally made goods. BEST KEPT SECRET The tortas ahogadas-sandwiches prepared in a special bread and "drowned" in a tangy tomato sauce-and the sweet jericallas for dessert. Degollado Theater in Guadalajara Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo IXTAPA/ZIHUATANEJO Just a few miles apart, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are often lumped together as a grand 2-in-1 destination, but they're in fact a bit different from each other. Ixtapa is home to the more modern hotels and golf courses, while Zihuatanejo holds its laid-back lifestyle a bit closer to heart. This stretch of Paciﬁc coastline is among Mexico's most scenic, with sun-and-sea activities available year-round. BEST PLACE TO STAY Built onto the cliffside, Capella Ixtapa presents the luxurious side of the destination, with a world-class spa, swimming pools that look out to sea and personal assistants at your call. No less charming but more casual is La Quinta Troppo in Zihuatanejo, just a couple of minutes' walk to La Ropa Beach, where coffee makes it to your room each morning and margaritas and guacamole ﬁnd you in the afternoons. BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE Spend a day at La Ropa Beach, a one-in-a-million spot protected by green hills and one of many beaches along Zihuatanejo Bay, to zone out by the shore or parasail. For a leisurely swim, head to Ixtapa's Quieta Beach, from which you can spot Isla Ixtapa. Take a panga to Las Gatas Beach or Isla Ixtapa for several hours of snorkeling and diving; Isla Ixtapa also has a few beaches that are great for swimming. BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Walk along Zihuatanejo's shores for a good couple of miles and indulge in just-caught seafood served under a palapa. Zihuatanejo's downtown area is a fun maze of tiny stores and down-home fondas. Walk the municipal market for baked goodies right out of the oven, fresh fruit juices and the most typical of lunch dishes at incredible prices. The small Costa Grande Archaeological Museum has pre-Hispanic artifacts and other relics that tell the story of the region. BEST SPORTING LIFE Fishing aﬁcionados should head to the Ixtapa marina to charter a day's worth of angling excitement; ﬁshing is tops here, with sailﬁsh, wahoo, roosterﬁsh and other species among the prize catches in Paciﬁc waters. BEST KEPT SECRET The gorgeous colonial town of Patzcuaro is just three hours away. 42 D38-D49.indd 42 12/20/13 9:11 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Delta 2014

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Aloft Hotels
Tour Talk: Swain Destinations
Uniworld's Queen Isabel
Disney Magic
Delta Air Lines Travel Guide 2014
Macau
Egypt Update
Scandinavia Exposed
B Hotels & Resorts
What's New in Las Vegas

Delta 2014