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Municipality and city in Jalisco, Mexico
Photo: Roberto J. Arceo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Talpa de Allende, universally referred to only as Talpa, is a small rural town in the highlands of Jalisco in Western Mexico. It's a quaint colonial era town with historic buildings, cobblestone streets and a romantic vibe. It's also the focal point of a pilgrimage for religious faithful who come to the town's Basilica seeking cures for incurable ailments. Millions of people come to the town each year to pray for miracles. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.
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Beautiful colonial era church whose construction began in 1782. It is opulently decorated with paintings and statues of saints and angels, particularly a small statue of the Virgin of the Rosary, housed at the back of the church's main altar.
Town Square
The town's main public plaza is an open area paved with concrete blocks with fountains, statues, and iron benches under towering palm trees. The Basilica is nearby as are shops and restaurants.
Small regional history museum that focuses on the pilgrimages to see the town's iconic small statue.
Mural Alley
A 3-block area is covered in colorful murals of fantasy, nature and historical interest.
Traditional Mexican served in an open-air palapa style dining room. The house specialty is grilled meats so stick to dishes like the carne asada accompanied by guacamole and queso fundido. Full bar with delicious cocktails.
Traditional Mexican restaurant with rustic style dining room. Menu has a lot of grilled meats and seafood dishes. Full bar with large cocktails.
Regional Jalisco cuisine with a definite emphasis on the birria. Handmade corn tortillas served hot off the comal.
Eclectic place with a varied international menu. You can get a pizza here, or a grilled ribeye steak, seafood, or some Mexican standbys.
Regional Jalisco cuisine with handmade tortillas, birria (with goat or with beef). Often crowded (because it's good).
Barebones budget hotel with tiny cramped rooms with even tinier bathrooms.
Tidy small moderate hotel with spacious clean rooms that have TV and internet. Parking available in adjacent lot.
Upscale boutique hotel with rustic furnishings and modern touches. Spacious, comfortable rooms include smart TVs and internet. On-site restaurant available.
Budget hotel with small rooms with basic furnishings.
Moderate hotel with traditional decor, clean, comfortable rooms with TV and WiFi (though WiFi is weak in many parts of hotel). Secure off-street parking available.
Cluster of modern cabins for rent on the edge of town. Cabins can accommodate up to 12 guests, so they're a good option for families. Cabins have modern bathrooms, gas grills, full kitchens, and fireplaces in the living rooms.
Basic budget hotel with somewhat small rooms with basic furnishings. No heat in the winter months. No elevators.
Traditional town marketplace with vendors selling fresh produce, meat, candies and other foods. Hall filled with vendors selling prepared foods including regional specialties like birria de chiva (goat stew). Good place for inexpensive wholesome food.
By car
From Guadalajara, drive west on federal highway MEX-70 for 200 km. The drive will take just over 3 hours.
By bus
Talpa is served by frequent buses operated by ATM (Autotransportes Guadalajara Talpa Mascota).
It's a small town and walking or bicycling are the best ways to get around. Taxis are available for further trips.
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