The Pacific Coast of Mexico is that country's southern rim.

States

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Chiapas

Colima

Guerrero

Jalisco

Michoacan

Nayarit

Oaxaca

Cities

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Acapulco

Guadalajara

Ixtapa

Playa Troncones

Puerto Vallarta

See

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Itineraries



Guadalajara (Spanish pronunciation ɡwað̞alaˈxaɾa) is the capital city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of this state and in the western-Pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,600,940 it is Mexico's second most populous municipality.. The Metropolitan area of Guadalajara includes other adjacent municipalities and has a population of 4.1 million inhabitants, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico as well. The city is situated at an altitude of 1600 meters (5200 feet), favoring it with a mild, springlike climate. Guadalajara is one of the principal centers of culture, economy, history, industry and religion in the country and exerts significant influence on the rest of Mexico. Guadalajara is known as La Perla Tapatia ("Pearl of the West") and Ciudad de las Rosas ("City of the Roses") for its architecture and environment.

The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara, whose name originates from the Arabic ( وادي الحجرة) wadii al-Hajara, which may mean "river of stones", "valley of stones", or "valley of the fortress".

In its 2007 survey entitled "Cities of the Future", FDI magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities,
and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city behind Chicago. FDI Magazine also ranked the city as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.

Guadalajara’s youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals are good indicators that Mexico’s second largest city has a bright future.

History

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Early History
The original town of Guadalajara was founded on January 5, 1532 by Crístobal de Oñate, who had been commissioned by Nuño de Guzmán. It consisted of 42 inhabitants settled on the Mesa del Cerro, near the border with Nochistlán in the province of Teúl, known today as San Juan. The name Guadalajara was taken from the birthplace of Nuño de Guzmán in Spain.

The laura lasted for only a short time at this site of Gualadajara. Guzmán, Crístobal de Oñate, decided to relocate to a place with more water, fewer dust storms and better transportation. They began the project on May 19, 1533, and by August 8, 1533 they had moved the town to its second location, near Tonalá. Two years later, in March 1535, they again moved the town to a new location.

On November 8, 1539 the emperor Charles V granted a coat of arms and the title of City to Guadalajara.

After a large attack by natives on September 28, 1541 during the War of the Mixtón, they decided once more to relocate the city and founded it again on Atemajac Valley.
The current city of Guadalajara was founded at this site by Crístobal de Oñate on February 14 1542, by Royal decree of King Charles V.

During the Colonial era, Guadalajara became the capital of Nueva Galicia and prior to the...