Day trips

Tequila

About 1 to 1.5 hours west. The trip. The town of Tequila sits among blue-agave fields, and the big distilleries run tours that walk you from plant to bottle with plenty of tasting. Worth it if you like the spirit and want to understand it. Do it by driving, an app car or a guided van tour rather than the pricey, party-heavy tourist trains, which are more about drinking than agave. A relaxed half or full day.

Lake Chapala and Ajijic

About 45 minutes to 1 hour south. Mexico’s largest lake, ringed by the towns of Chapala and Ajijic. Ajijic has a big expat and artist community, cobbled lanes and lakeside restaurants. It’s a gentle, slow day rather than a sight to tick off; worth it if you want to eat by the water and wander, skippable if you’re short on time and want more city.

Tonala

About 30 minutes southeast. A crafts town best known for its huge Thursday and Sunday street market of pottery, glass and furniture. Worth it only if you’re serious about buying; otherwise Tlaquepaque’s workshops give you the same crafts in a nicer setting closer to the center.

Barranca de Huentitan

About 30 minutes north, within the city’s edge. A dramatic river canyon with a steep hiking trail down and a viewpoint at the top. Worth a morning if you want a leg-stretch and a break from streets and markets; the descent is a real workout, so bring water and decent shoes.

Travel times above are approximate and depend on traffic.