Start your foodie adventure in the state capital, Guadalajara. Visit the San Juan de Dios Market to try local street food such as tostadas and tacos de birria and shop for Mexican spices. Head to La Tequila Cocina Mexicana for dinner and pair your meal with the famous Jaliscan spirit: tequila!
Take a day trip to the town of Tequila, the birthplace of the namesake spirit. Go to the Jose Cuervo Distillery for a tour and a tasting. Have lunch at La Antigua Casona to try dishes made with tequila such as the tequila shrimp. Learn about the tequila-making process at the Museo Nacional del Tequila.
Discover Tlaquepaque, a charming colonial town skillfully blending modern and traditional Mexican culture. Visit the Parian crafts market to admire Mexican handicrafts and enjoy lunch at El Parian while listening to live mariachi music. Wander around the main plaza and admire the colonial architecture before having dinner at La Mata Tinta known for their dishes made from "black" ingredients.
Take a scenic drive to the Pacific coast and arrive in Puerto Vallarta. Start your day with a visit to the Malecon Boardwalk to enjoy some seafood breakfast at the beach. Continue with the Old Town Art Walk and take photos of the colorful houses and charming cobblestone streets. For dinner, dine at the rooftop The Iguana Restaurant and take in the stunning views of the bay illuminated at night.
Spend a day in the laid-back surf town of Sayulita. Have brunch at El Break, known for its extensive vegetarian menu, and then hit the beach for surfing lessons. In the afternoon, head to Orangy Gallery to check out local art before enjoying dinner at Sayulita Cafe specializing in grilled seafood and organic options.
For those with an extra day, explore the city of Ajijic on Lake Chapala or take a cooking class to learn traditional Mexican dishes. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Puerto Vallarta to two days and skip Sayulita, or day trip to Tlaquepaque and return to Guadalajara for dinner.