Municipality in the state of Jalisco, Mexico
Photo: Alvaro qc Edición:Vtornet, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tapalpa is a city of 20,000 people (2015) in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. Tapalpa is known for its traditional buildings with white facades and red roofs. Some traditional public fountains where people used to get their daily water are still conserved. The area is a popular weekend destination for residents of nearby Guadalajara.
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Neoclassical church with an oversized bell tower that dwarfs the main body of the church. The building's brilliant white exterior makes it easy to spot from anywhere in the downtown area (centro). The church's interior is bright and colorful with gray granite columns, a huge dome, stained glass windows, and a series of bright murals depicting biblical scenes.
Sculpture Park
Small sculpture park with several works of contemporary art. Open space for kids to play.
Pile of Snakes
Pleasant plaza area with waterfountain and a wall with relief scultpures that tell the historic Otomi tale of the place. The story is that 4 local women were hanging around the town well, gossiping and conspiring amongst themselves. An Otomi priest chastised the women, telling them they should stop spreading vicious rumors and lies. The women laughed at him and the shaman took water from the well and when he sprinkled it on the women, they turned into a pile of snakes, as immortalized in stone on the relief sculptures of the fountain.
Valle de los Enigmas
A popular hiking destination in Tapalpa. It is notable for its large natural monoliths. Zip-lining and horseback riding are popular activities.
Hilltop with a para-gliding academy (parapente). Learn to strap on a parachute and jump off the top of a mountain, riding the air currents before finally steering towards a gentle landing in the valley below.
Traditional downtown hotel under the arches on the main plaza. Eggs, breads, and hot coffee in the morning. Full bar with several artesanal tequilas.
Pleasant colonial style restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine in their open-air terrace dining room. Delicious enchiladas.
Cozy restaurant serving international cuisine including crepes, pizzas, salads, burgers and pastas.
Casual traditional seafood restaurant with an open-air second-floor dining area. Locals recommend the shrimp burgers.
Small brewpub serving local craft beers. Unusual mechanical self-serve system to sample beers. Light food such as bratwursts, shrimp burgers, and homemade crisps (potato chips).
Small economical hotel 2-blocks to downtown area. Rooms are a bit small and minimally furnished but very clean. Free coffee and pan dulce in the morning. Off-street parking available.
Traditional rural hotel with rustic decor and a lot of Mexican art and antigues decorating public spaces. Rooms are comfortable and very clean and have wood-burning fireplaces. Rates include a full-breakfast cooked to order. Off-street parking available. Allows dogs.
Rustic hacienda syle hotel next to main plaza downtown. Rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable and are equipped with wood-burning fireplace (and a supply of firewood). On-site restaurant upstairs. No pets.
Moderate traditional hotel with clean, spacious well-equipped rooms. Some rooms have kitchens, fireplaces, and jacuzzis. Friendly service and a short 2-block walk to town center.
Town Marketplace
Small traditional marketplace with a handful of vendors selling fresh farm produce and several vendors offering prepared dishes, particularly regional specialties.
Tapalpa is served by second-class buses operated by Sur de Jalisco. A smaller company called Autotransportes Tapalpa also operates local second-class buses with a stop located at Ignacio Lopez 10.
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