Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, has been recognized as one of the top 25 travel destinations in the world for 2025 by National Geographic, ranking #10 on the prestigious list. It is the only Mexican city to earn a spot, further highlighting its cultural richness and tourism appeal.
Famous for its mariachi music, Guadalajara has long been considered a hub of traditional Mexican identity. Mariachi, which originated in Jalisco in the 19th century, is now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The city hosts the annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, where over 500 mariachi bands perform across venues like the Degollado Theater and public plazas. The festival also includes parades, music workshops, and competitions in charrería, Mexico’s national sport.
This international recognition comes after years of work by Jalisco’s Tourism Secretariat and the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area Trust. Their strategies have helped draw 12.1 million visitors between January and September of this year, contributing to an economic impact of 21.2 billion pesos for the region.
Guadalajara’s rich cultural legacy, combined with its growing popularity as a global destination, ensures its place as a must-visit city for travelers in 2025.
More details can be found in National Geographic’s full article online.
