The Pearl of the West, Guadalajara, Mexico

The word Guadalajara comes from the Arab word "Wadi-al-Hajara", which means "Valley of stones". The city is named after the Spanish city of the same name, which was the hometown of conquistador Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, who founded the Mexican city in 1531. The city was moved three times before finally settling at its present location in 1542 after the previous locations were found to be inhospitable. Guadalajara was named the capital of the state in 1560.

Guadalajara is renowned for its glass-blowing workshops, its ceramics and leather-work. Tlaquepaque is a village in the area of Guadalajara that has an abundance of crafts studios and shops. You also should not miss the Mercado Libertad, Latin America's largest enclosed market.

Guadalajara is located in the state of Jalisco in the center of Mexico. It is 350 miles west of Mexico City.

Mexico's second largest city is often called "the Pearl of the West" and is known as the birthplace of the Mariachi music. Nearby is tequila country. Guadalajara is a great spot to appreciate traditional Mexican culture.