Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Tapalpa is a mountain town in southern Jalisco, set among pine, oak and ash forest in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word tlapalpan, often translated as land of colors, and its whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs make that easy to believe.
The centre keeps its traditional look, with white facades, red roofs and old public fountains where residents once collected water.
That mix suits several travel styles. You can spend a slow afternoon in the plaza, join a horseback ride, try paragliding or settle into a countryside cabin with a fireplace.
This neoclassical church is easy to spot from anywhere in the centre because its bright white exterior and oversized bell tower stand above the rooftops. Inside, gray granite columns, a large dome, stained glass and colorful murals of biblical scenes make it brighter than you might expect.
Templo La Merced has a bright white exterior and an oversized bell tower. Photo: Alvaro qc Edición:Vtornet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Franciscans built this temple in 1650, and it is known for its large vaulted ceiling.
The Temple of San Antonio was built by Franciscans in 1650. Photo: Alvaro qc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Damage to the older temple led locals to build this newer church, begun in 1950 and paid for by community contributions. It is made almost entirely of red brick, which makes a striking contrast with the white churches nearby.
The church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is built almost entirely of red brick. Photo: Pedro Iván Hernández…, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
This small plaza has a fountain and a wall of relief sculptures telling a historic Otomi tale. According to the story, four women gossiping at the town well were turned into a pile of snakes by an Otomi priest who sprinkled them with water.
A small park with several works of contemporary art and open space where children can play. It is a pleasant break between churches and market stalls, and it takes only a few minutes to walk through.
This small traditional market sells fresh farm produce, plus several stalls serving regional dishes. It is the best place to try local food without a long sit-down meal, and a good spot for a mid-morning snack.
Tapalpa's municipal market sells produce and regional dishes. Photo: Pedro Iván Hernández…, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Also called the Valle de los Enigmas, this hiking area is notable for its large natural monoliths scattered across open ground a few kilometres north of town. You can walk, drive or rent a motorbike to get there, and zip-lining and horseback riding are popular.
Las Piedrotas, also called the Valle de los Enigmas, is known for giant natural monoliths. Photo: RiloProducciones, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
At 105 metres, this is the tallest waterfall in Jalisco, about ten kilometres from Tapalpa. The Presa Salto del Nogal lake lies within the municipality, so you can combine the falls with a lakeside pause.
This hilltop has a paragliding academy where you can strap on a wing and ride the air currents before gliding down toward the valley. It operates mainly on weekends in winter, so check ahead. Even if you do not fly, the view from the top is worth the trip.
Latin America's first paper factory opened in Tapalpa in 1840 and was abandoned in 1923 after the Mexican Revolution. Its ruins are now a local attraction, with weathered stone walls and a quiet setting. Ask at your lodging for the best way to reach them and allow an hour.
Tapalpa is known for outdoor restaurants that specialise in grilled meats, so carne asada is the safe order for a first dinner. Birria, the slow-cooked goat or beef stew from Jalisco, appears on many menus, and torta ahogada, the crusty sandwich drowned in chile sauce, is a Jalisco classic you will find in the region.
Popular dishes to try in Tapalpa
Centro is the easiest base, with small hotels around the main plaza, restaurants and the market within walking distance, so it suits first-time visitors and those without a car. El Parque, around Templo La Merced, is a good fit for travellers who want to be close to the church and the sculpture park. El Fresnito, near the Pila de las Culebras plaza, tends to be quieter and suits couples.
Where to stay in Tapalpa
Tapalpa receives roughly 880 millimetres of rain a year, mostly between June and October, so the hills are lush then but paths can be muddy. November to May is better for hiking, horseback riding and paragliding, with cooler nights when a fireplace is welcome. Weekends are busiest because Guadalajara residents arrive in numbers, so midweek visits are calmer.
Tapalpa lies in southern Jalisco, south of Guadalajara. Most visitors drive, which also makes the outlying sights easy to reach. Second-class buses run from Guadalajara with the company Sur de Jalisco, which has a small terminal in the Cruz Verde area, and a smaller company called Autotransportes Tapalpa operates local routes. Buses also link the town with Zacoalco, Sayula and other places in the region. The centre is walkable, but Las Piedrotas, Salto del Nogal and the paper factory are easier with a car or a taxi.
Arrive and walk the centre, visiting Templo La Merced, Templo de San Antonio and the Pila de las Culebras.
Go to Las Piedrotas in the morning for hiking or a horseback ride, then drive to Salto del Nogal in the afternoon.
Try paragliding at La Ceja or visit the old paper factory ruins, then browse the market for crafts before heading home.
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