Things To Do
in San Juan de los Lagos
San Juan de los Lagos is a small town located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, a Catholic pilgrimage site visited by thousands of faithful believers each year. The town has a quaint and charming atmosphere with colorful streets, traditional Mexican architecture, and local markets selling handicrafts and religious items.
San Juan de los Lagos offers visitors a peaceful and spiritual experience in a picturesque setting.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Basilica of San Juan de los Lagos, a beautiful sanctuary known for its architecture and religious significance. Take some time to explore the serene surroundings and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Head to the local markets where you can experience vibrant culture and shop for handmade goods. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, indulging in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Stroll around the central plaza as the sun sets, enjoying the local street performers and lively atmosphere. Consider dining at a charming local eatery that offers regional specialties.
Visit the Parque de los Tijera for a refreshing morning walk surrounded by nature and picturesque views. Enjoy some quiet time by the pond, watching the local birds.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park, crafting a delightful meal with local snacks. After lunch, engage in some outdoor activities like biking or hiking along the designated trails.
Return to your accommodations to rest and freshen up before dinner. Explore nearby street food options for a casual yet authentic dining experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, known for its beautiful colonial architecture.
- Popular pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors seeking spiritual experiences.
- Warm climate, making it a pleasant place to visit year-round.
- Vibrant local markets offering a variety of traditional Mexican goods and foods.
- Friendly and welcoming locals who take pride in their city.
- Limited modern infrastructure compared to larger cities.
- Tourism can lead to overcrowding during peak pilgrimage seasons.
- Potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
- Economic opportunities may be less compared to bigger metropolitan areas.
- Some areas may experience issues with safety and crime, as in many urban environments.
Best Activities in San Juan de los Lagos
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the famous basilica and pay homage to the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary.
Take a leisurely stroll around the main square, enjoy local foods, and soak in the charm of the town.
Explore the historic San Juan Bautista Parish and admire its impressive architecture.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan de los Lagos with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan de los Lagos
Visit one of these nice places.
A major pilgrimage site with stunning architecture and views of the city
A hill offering panoramic views of San Juan de los Lagos and the surrounding countryside
Historic bridge with picturesque views of the San Juan River
Food in San Juan de los Lagos
San Juan de los Lagos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich and spicy meat stew, typically made with goat or beef, and flavored with a variety of spices. One of the best places to try this dish is at Birrieria San Juan, known for serving authentic and flavorful birria.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked pork that is tender and full of flavor. For delicious carnitas, visit Tacos Don Jose, where you can enjoy this dish in tacos or as a main course.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan de los Lagos better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of street food delights, offering a wide variety of local snacks such as tamales, elotes (grilled corn), and esquites (corn salad). It's the perfect place to experience an authentic street food experience in San Juan de los Lagos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
San Juan de los Lagos is a religious center, so it's important to show respect for religious traditions and customs, such as being mindful of church etiquette and avoiding disruptions during religious ceremonies.
Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Mexican culture, so it's important to greet people with respect, use 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you), and be attentive to social hierarchies.
In San Juan de los Lagos, people generally appreciate personal space and may not be as accustomed to physical contact as in some other cultures, so it's important to be mindful of personal boundaries and ask for consent before initiating physical contact.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Juan de los Lagos with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan de los Lagos
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a tip of 10-15% at restaurants and cafes. For other services such as hotels, taxis, and tour guides, a small tip is also appreciated.
In San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, cash is the most commonly used form of payment, especially for small businesses and local vendors. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger establishments, but it is always good to have some cash on hand. ATMs are readily available for currency withdrawal.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Juan de los Lagos.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit San Juan de los Lagos, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant blooming flowers. The annual pilgrimage in February also attracts many visitors, ensuring a lively atmosphere in the town.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather and occasional rain showers. The town is filled with festive events and celebrations during this time, offering a lively experience for visitors.
Fall (September to November) is a quieter time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. It's an ideal period for exploring the town and its surroundings at a more relaxed pace.
Winter (December to February) is a popular time for pilgrimages and religious festivals in San Juan de los Lagos, attracting large numbers of visitors. The weather is cooler during this time, but the festive atmosphere makes it a vibrant and culturally rich experience.
San Juan de los Lagos at Night
Hiking in San Juan de los Lagos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful mountain range with various trails, offering stunning views and a variety of flora and fauna.
An expansive forest reserve located near Guadalajara, featuring diverse ecosystems and a network of hiking trails.
A popular hike that leads to the Tepozteco pyramid, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
A lesser-known trail with moderate difficulty, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds while enjoying nature.
A national park with several hiking options, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, all showcasing stunning volcanic landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Juan de los Lagos through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan de los Lagos by plane.
The main international airport serving Guadalajara and the surrounding areas, located approximately 100 km from San Juan de los Lagos.
An airport serving the city of Aguascalientes, located about 120 km from San Juan de los Lagos.
This airport serves the city of León and the surrounding region, located around 140 km from San Juan de los Lagos.
The airport serving San Luis Potosí, approximately 170 km away from San Juan de los Lagos.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population identifies as Mestizo, a mix of Indigenous and European ancestry.
Various Indigenous groups, including the Nahua and Purépecha, are present, contributing to the cultural diversity.
A smaller proportion of the population consists of individuals of European descent, primarily from Spanish heritage.
A minor segment of the population identifies as Afro-Mexican, particularly in areas with historical African influence.
There are small immigrant communities from Central America and other regions who have settled in the area.
The Soul of San Juan de los Lagos
Discover the essence of San Juan de los Lagos through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in San Juan de los Lagos, with numerous local teams and leagues that engage the community.
Basketball has a strong following in San Juan de los Lagos, with many youth and adult leagues and recreational play.
Baseball is widely played and celebrated in the region, with local teams and a rich history in the sport.
Volleyball is popular, both in schools and local clubs, promoting participation among youth and adults alike.
Track and field events are organized at schools and local competitions, encouraging athletic development in the area.
Cycling is enjoyed by many as both a recreational activity and a sport, with various events held throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan de los Lagos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Mexican cuisine often features meat-based dishes, many restaurants in San Juan de los Lagos offer vegetarian and vegan options. La Cocina de Juana and El Rincon de los Burritos are known for their delicious plant-based dishes.
Travelers with gluten restrictions can find suitable options in various restaurants in San Juan de los Lagos. It's recommended to inquire about gluten-free choices at individual establishments for a tailored dining experience.