10 Beautiful Places to Reflect in Guadalajara

A popular tourist spot might not seem like the best choice if you’re looking for silence and tranquility, but this beautiful neo-gothic church is large enough to offer visitors a quiet corner to reflect. Inside, the Catholic church contains huge and beautifully detailed stained-glass windows, Italian mosaics, and a peaceful inner courtyard.

Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, Calle López Cotilla 935, Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco, +521 3338253410

Templo Expiatorio, Guadalajara | © Catedrales e Iglesias / Flickr

What better way to quieten your mind than by pulling up a chair in a cozy café and sipping from a steaming cup of tea? The Darjeeling Tea Room offers visitors a warm drink and an escape from the busyness outside. With a wide selection of artisanal teas from dozens of countries and a great menu, this makes for a great spot to unwind.

A popular place to escape from the daily grind, the Barranca de Huentitán is situated in the northern portion of the city, near Guadalajara’s Zoo. Also known as the Barranca de Oblatos, the canyon has a depth of nearly 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) and an impressive biodiversity that attracts both national and international investigators. A great place for hiking, running, or simply taking in the views.

Barranca de Huentitán, Periférico Norte Manuel Gómez Morin, Tetlán Río Verde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, +521 3336068645

Barranca de Huentitán, Guadalajara | © Zamzara / Flickr

This stunning church in the heart of midtown Guadalajara offers the perfect environment for visitors looking to escape the mid-afternoon rush of the city. Formerly part of a convent, the interior of the church is splendidly decorated with detailed and colorful ceiling paintings and an ornate altar. The temple is famously the most requested church in the city for the celebration of weddings and baptisms, with a wait time of well over a year for services.

Templo Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Carmen 116, Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco, +521 3336144316

If you’re looking for a quiet oasis in the heart of Guadalajara, look no further than El Chante Spa. The destination offers a wide range of treatments, including manicures, chocolate and coffee massages, and aromatherapy sessions. El Chante is a day spa, and the company also owns a stunning hotel located in the town of Jocotopec, an hour from Guadalajara.

Widely prized for its serenity, this vast forest to the west of the city is a popular place to hike, bike, or ride a horse. The large forest contains varied plants and wildlife, fresh water, and thermal springs. This tranquil forest is also vital for the surrounding area, bolstering air quality throughout the state.

Bosque de la Primavera, Guadalajara, Jalisco

A local favorite for relaxing strolls, the Parque Metropolitano is also a great place to picnic, read, or sunbathe. On Sundays, the park comes alive with all manner of life, as dog walkers, loved-up couples, and families take to the park for some much-needed recreation and relaxation. This is the largest recreational park in the city, and entrance is free.

Parque Metropolitano, Beethoven 5800, La Estancia, Zapopan, Jalisco, +521 3336739489

Parque Metropolitano | © Mofi Moonchild / Flickr

This retreat center in northwest Guadalajara is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhist teachings or meditation. The organizers follow the principles of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama. Founded in 2006, the center is maintained solely through the donations of students and visitors. Events, conferences, and retreats are run by the center throughout the year, and are publicized on its website.

Centro Khamlungpa, Río de Janeiro 2675, Providencia 3a. Secc, Guadalajara, Jalisco, +521 3331221052

Situated in the wealthy neighborhood of Providencia, the Parque Colomos is particularly popular with a young crowd of fitness and Instagram enthusiasts. A clean, safe, and orderly park, on weekends the location attracts Frisbee throwers, yoga practitioners, and even the occasional wedding. The highlight is without doubt the Japanese garden and turtle inhabited ponds – you won’t find a better spot in Guadalajara for a breath of fresh air.

Parque Colomos, El Chaco 3200, Guadalajara, Jalisco, +521 3336413804

This tiny island can be reached by boat from the town of Mezcala de la Asunción, which nestles the shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake. The uninhabited island contains a small fortress and became famous as the site for several battles during the War of Independence. The destination is sacred to the indigenous Cocas, who are fighting to preserve their ancestral territory from property developers who are determined to move in.

Isla de Mezcala, Guadalajara, Jalisco