Three Essential Facts About Guadalajara

1. Scale & Status: Capital of Jalisco; Mexico's 2nd-largest metro area (~5.3M); "Pearl of the West."
2. Historic Core: UNESCO-listed center—Guadalajara Cathedral (1561–1618), Palacio de Gobierno (Orozco murals), Teatro Degollado, Plaza de Armas.
3. Mariachi Birthplace: The genre originated here (19th c., Cocula/Techaluta region). Plaza de los Mariachis, International Mariachi Festival (Aug/Sept), UNESCO Intangible Heritage (2011).

Bonus: Tequila (town) is 60 km away—namesake spirit, distillery tours. Hospicio Cabañas (Orozco's "Man of Fire" mural) = UNESCO site.