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During the 19th century, when wealthy Mexicans wanted to escape the
political unrest in Mexico City, they fled to Guadalajara, and here they
surrounded themselves with a distinctive Spanish culture. The symbols of that
culture—tequila, mariachi music, and the hat dance—have become important to
the entire nation. Today, Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city. Although it
has growing industries, it also still has its stately colonial architecture and fine
museums.
Jalisco’s many villages attract tourists with their colorful markets and quaint
handicrafts. Tourists are also drawn to one of Jalisco’s coastal cities, Puerto
Vallarta. Visitors find here luxurious resorts and wide, clean beaches.
Nayarit
If you make a quick trip north up Jalisco’s Pacific coast, you will enter the small
state of Nayarit, directly south of Sinaloa. Although Nayarit is small, it is one
Mexico’s leading tobacco growers. It also grows more varieties of fruit than any
other state. The state’s mountainous areas are scrubby and dry, but along the coast
are fertile areas with abundant rain. The state also has two volcanoes: Ceboruco
and Sanganguey.
Nayarit’s capital city is Tepic. This city does not attract many tourists, but it
is nevertheless known for its kindness to strangers. Many of the people who live
here are very poor, and they often still wear the traditional clothing worn by
their ancestors.
Although Tepic is a busy urban center, the mountains that surround it are
nearly empty of people. The only residents of these high, wild areas are the Cora
and Huichol Indians, who try to keep their ancient cultures intact. They venture
into the towns and cities only to sell their artwork.
The States of Mexico
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