Cocula

Cocula is a fantastic little town in the Jalisco mountains southwest of Guadalajara. The legendary birthplace of mariachi music, it's a fantastic weekend getaway, and a favorite for travelers from all over the world. People come to stroll the center streets, to visit the nearby former haciendas, and for the stunning historic architecture that's everywhere lining a famous city center with all the extras thrown in to boot.

The town is actually quite ancient. Modern Cocula dates to the arrival of the Franciscans in the early 16th century. They were able to convince war-weary local peoples to come down from the surrounding mountains to re-found their beloved Cocollán as it had been named. The place of undulations has never stopped undulating since then. In fact, the region is criss-crossed with rivers and streams. Some of these emerge from hot springs. Still others are lined with swimming holes and places for relaxation. 

The La Sauceda Hacienda is about 20 minutes north of town in a little village named the same way. This and other historical tours and points of interest just deepen any visitor's understanding of the area. But there are natural wonders too. The Laguna Atotonilco is popular for boating, fishing and a couple swimming areas. 

The town itself, with just under 30,000 permanent residents, is hardly a metropolis. But it does offer every comfort. The municipal market is just south of the San Miguel Arcángel complex, the main church at the center of town. Here, and in the surrounding streets, just about every regional dish is on offer to the hungry and the curious. Tamarind sweets, frankly a bit sour, are for sale everywhere. But likewise, so are the creations of the local artisans. And those take the time for a sit down meal will likely do so accompanied by the local musicians. 

Cocula is about 90 minutes from Guadalajara. As a popular weekend getaway, it's unmatched. The Flecha Amarilla bus line makes the trip multiple times each day from the Nueva Central Camionera in Tlaquepaque.