Guachimontones Archaeological Site

Have you visited Jalisco’s most important archaeological site yet? What are you waiting for? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the unique archaeological zone of Guachimontones—known for its monumental stepped circular structures—and its Guachimontones Phil Weigand Interpretive Center are places you should visit at least once in your life. The best part is that they’re located just an hour’s drive from Guadalajara.

Here’s how to get there by car or bus:

Getting to Guachimontones by Car

If you’re leaving from downtown Guadalajara, take Av. Juárez, which later becomes Avenida Ignacio L. Vallarta. Continue straight, cross Anillo Periférico Poniente, and follow Avenida Vallarta Eje Poniente until you reach the Guadalajara–Tepic highway. Then take the left exit toward Tequila, continue on JAL 4 of Mexico 70, and turn right onto Carretera Libre El Refugio–San Marcos. Next, turn right onto Hilarión Romero Gil Street, continue to Allende Oriente Street, turn right again, and finally turn left onto Benito Juárez Norte Street until you reach your destination.

Keep in mind that you must walk a few minutes from the parking lot to the Guachimontones Phil Weigand Interpretive Center. If you’re traveling with seniors or someone with a disability, you must notify the staff in advance so they can allow you to drive a few meters farther up.

Travel time: Depending on traffic, the trip can take under an hour or up to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Getting to Guachimontones by Bus

Traveling by bus within Jalisco is often easier and more affordable than you might think. The ATE bus line offers daily departures from Guadalajara’s Old Bus Station (Calle Los Ángeles 218) to the small bus station in Teuchitlán (Calle Rogeña 2). Buses depart every 20 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., both outbound and return, and the fare is approximately 100 pesos. This bus also makes stops at Colón and Periférico Sur, as well as Av. Vallarta and Aviación.

Once you arrive in Teuchitlán, right in front of the town’s bus station you’ll find a taxi stand where you can take a cab to the Guachimontones Phil Weigand Interpretive Center. The ride takes less than ten minutes by car or about half an hour on foot.

Travel time: Depending on traffic, the trip takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.

What Else to Do in Teuchitlán?

After exploring the Guachimontones archaeological site and its Interpretive Center, tradition calls for heading to the restaurants along the lagoon at the exit of Teuchitlán. Some of the most popular options include Soky, Montecarlo, Náutico, and Las Cazuelas Grill.

Another activity you can enjoy in the area is visiting the Teuchitlán River recreation zone, where you can rent pedal boats or take a walk along the riverside path while enjoying the scenery and the shaded, tree-lined surroundings.

Lastly, before heading back to Guadalajara, spend some time at Teuchitlán’s Main Square, where you can find a variety of local snacks such as salchipapas, elotes, tejuino, and ice cream.

Now that you know how to get to Teuchitlán, start planning a visit with your partner, family, or friends and enjoy a full day in this town, home to one of Jalisco’s most fascinating archaeological sites.