On Day 10 I wanted to use my time to explore Gudalajar and got to Tlaquepaque, which is a district in the southeast of the city, known for its colorful houses and its historical center, being awarded as Pueblo Mágico, as Sayulita and Tequila is.
After having Chilaquiles at Distrito Aguacates, I tried to rent bikes at public bicycle share spots, with my German credit card, which didn't work out, without knowing why. Taking Uber was the next option. I had a blast with the driver talking in half Spanish half English in which he explained to me, why exactly he loves Mexican women, especially 'Mamacitas', but still mentioning, that he is married and has two children.
Arrived in Tlaquepaque, I was impressed by the beauty of small streets, many trees in the streets, lots of small shops, no cars, and just a calm, welcoming vibe. The small central square is really cute and a must-go in Guadalajara.
Strolling through the town, I got some pastry at a really small bakery, being served by an old man, called European Bakery Organic on Google maps, which is a bit misleading in my opinion.
After Samantha joined me later we decided to go to a more chic restaurant which was recommended by my Lonelyplanet and went for a proper diner at ended in Tlaquepaque. I had a taco soup as a starter and afterwardEmpanadas, a filled, fried pocket, called EmpEmpanadaenada. It was filled with a mash of Huitlocoche, which is a parasite that subsists on corn (If you're sensitive, don't google it). As a drink we had again Cazuela, which was served in cut shells. The day ended early because I planned to go on a hike the next day.
I started my next day writing the blog in the library before I brought my laundry to be cleaned and picked Samantha's up. On the way back to the hostel, we finally had Tortas ahogadas at Tortas Danys, a really clean street food stand. Tortas ahogadas are really typical in Guadalajara and are a sandwich filled with meat of your choice and salsa. This was so tasty, that I recommend everybody to go there as well.
Strengthened after this tasty street snack I got my Uber to Barranca de Huentitán, a canyon in the north of the city. From its rim to the floor it has a 500m difference in altitude. So to reach the river at around 1000m altitude it is a good hike down and a very exhausting up. Signs at the rim, when entering the area even state, that one should be in good health condition to go further, and ta womanhat',takethana women told me as well, which I asked for the correct way and how to see the funicular rails, reaching down a steep part of the canyon. She was asking if I have a good stamina to do this. So I was kinda prepared, at least mentally. The way down took me like 1,5h and there were many places with amazing views into the canyon, many animals walking around, different types of nature, and many Mexicans working out, running up and down parts of the path.
Arrived at the bottom, I reached after some minutes a bridge spanning over the river Rio Grande de Santiago. Puente Arcediano is the third oldest suspension bridge on the overall American continent, built in 1894, while the first one was Brooklyn Bridge in New York in 1883. Earlier the bridge connected Guadalajara to the Northern regions, while it's now mainly leading to a viewpoint with some sculptures.
The weather was at this time during early afternoon really sunny and very hot, so I took some minutes to drink, snack some cookies, and sunscreen myself - as well as, definitely took photos for sure, before I started the way back up. Hiking in a canyon is less rewarding than hiking a mountain, I just realized. Having reached the goal and getting the view is a reward that you reach at a mountain after climbing the whole thing up. At the canyon, you already got the view from the top and the riverside before having to walk all this thing up again. It was really exhausting, especially because I took the advanced path up, which was steep and took again more than 1,5 hours. Having reached the city again I got a cold coke and a yogurt drink to refresh myself.
Afterwards, I went to the historic center again to meet Samantha. We visited two Market halls as well as the Plaza de los Mariachis. At this place at night, the typical Mariachi bands gather to play typical songs for you or others who are willing to pay a small tip. After another exhausting search for an appropriate food place, we ended up at La Chata, which is a very tasty, clean, and welcoming place. We had two plates of mixed dishes, which was amazing to try different food. Mine included another chicken breast with Mole, which was definitely the tastiest Mole I had the first weeks.
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