Blue Pepper Backpackers

Guadalajara in western Mexico is the country's second largest city and is also known as the Pearl of the West and Mexico's Silicon Valley. It's filled with traditions, such as charrería (a national sporting event similar to rodeo) and historical sites like the ornate Basilica de Zapopan in the city centre. It also has interesting architecture, such as the twin golden spires of the cathedral. Guadalajara is well known for its tequila and cheery mariachi music, and has a contagious party spirit seen in the many bars and clubs of the Cultural Quarter and Chapultepec.

When in Guadalajara, live like a Tapatío (local) in a brightly painted house or go for contemporary chic in a Guadalajara hostel with its own rooftop terrace and bar. You can even have a luxurious stay (like the city's governors once did) in a French-style chalet full of local history and plush new furnishings. Some Guadalajara hostels offer free bikes to help you explore the districts, as well as modern touches like Wi-Fi and air con and even tasty free breakfasts.

Guadalajara's neighbourhoods are divided into east and the wealthier west. Sociable Chapultepec is one of the best areas for nightlife, culture and meeting people. Its streets are lined with restaurants, bars, cafés and bookstores along the Avenue, where crowds mingle on a Saturday to watch live concerts. One of the oldest areas in the city is Mexicaltzingo, which has temples and a local market selling spicy tortas ahogadas (soaked bread rolls filled with meat) and homemade ice cream.

Things to do in Guadalajara range from taking in its rich heritage and culture to tasting local treats in Latin America's largest market, Mercado Libertad. This three-storey marketplace is packed with almost 3,000 stalls selling everything from food to music to magic potions. Marvel at the metallic spires and majestic architecture of the cathedral and visit the Biblioteca Iberoamericana Octavio Paz – a 400-year-old temple-like building that's now a library. Instituto Cultural Cabañas, previously an orphanage and barracks during the Mexican revolution, is now a museum housing famous murals by painter José Clemente Orozco.

Guadalajara International Airport is around 20km from the city centre and can be reached by bus or taxi in 25 minutes. To travel around the city, you can take the metro, which has two lines – blue running north to south and green going east to west. Every Sunday, take part in the city's Vía RecreActiva day, where the main roads are closed and everyone takes to walking, skateboarding and cycling around the city.