We went on a pottery tour with Fernando of Jalisco Tours. Booking, paying and transportation to and from both tours was flawless. Fernando was communicative throughout the process and picked us up in a nice car right on time. He had organized tours of two potters and their workshops. Fernando clearly has all the right contacts in both towns because these weren’t just potters, they were internationally known artisans. To be clear, this was no pre-packaged commercial tour, this was an intimate look into their world that was done with care and pride of the owners/artists in both Tonalá and Tlaquepaque and arranged by Fernando personally. The pottery was wonderful and the people were exceptional. It really was like meeting friends and family. We even got to do a little pottery ourselves. Along the way, Fernando explained the history of both towns, brought us to a nice café, had lunch at a spot with live mariachi and even did an impromptu mini tasting of several tequilas! None of it was rushed and all of it was well organized and professional. We 100% recommend Fernando and Jalisco tours.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Visit two Pottery Workshops
- Purified water
- Soda or mineral water
- Knowledgeable Local Guide
- Hotel Pickup and Dropoff
Excludes
- Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Visit the workshop of one of the most recognized artisans of Jalisco.
Appreciate the architecture of the Palacio Municipal (Town Hall) as well as a mural inside dedicated to the history of Tonalá. Subject to availability according to the authorities.
Tour the largest craft market in Guadalajara (Only available on Thursday and Sunday)
Local market where you can find greengrocers, butchers, and local food stalls selling dishes such as birria, menudo, chilaquiles, tortas, and tacos.
Construction began in the late 16th and early 17th centuries and was completed in the second half of the 18th century, resulting in the building displaying a variety of architectural styles. There are parts of the Neoclassical style, some Baroque, and also Neocolonial, although it must be acknowledged that the overall structure is cohesive. The interior is harmonious, still in the Neoclassical style; its floor plan is three naves with two rows of Tuscan columns crowned with 21 groin vaults. The current altarpiece was designed in 1954 by the architect and priest Pedro Castellanos.
Make your ceramic piece with the help of a local artisan who is the fourth generation of artisans in her family. The workshop belongs to Eva, Conny, and Pilar Núñez, three artisans who specialize in modeling clay figures and busts.
Stroll through the historic center of Tlaquepaque. You will appreciate the colonial architecture, squares, churches, museums, monuments, art galleries, and local cuisine. Learn the history and traditions directly from your local guide.
Jardín Hidalgo is the main square of Tlaquepaque, in the center is a "Kiosko" or gazebo., and around it are the two main churches (San Pedro and Santuario), street food, and local crafts.
Visit the largest "Cantina" in México and enjoy a typical cocktail (not included) inside this beautiful colonial building.
The parish of San Pedro began construction in 1670, but due to numerous financing issues, its construction wasn't completed until 1813, taking over a hundred years to complete. It was dedicated to the patron saint of Tlaquepaque. It is made of gray quarry stone. Its architecture is a blend of Baroque, Roman, and Byzantine styles.
Its construction began in 1741 at the request of a judge named José Antonio Caballero. During its construction, it encountered problems due to a lack of funding and was suspended for a time during the 19th century, before being completed in 1878. Its architecture is a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Neo-Gothic styles.
Tour the regional ceramics museum with your guide, an old 19th-century mansion converted into a museum where the most essential pottery pieces of Jalisco are displayed. You can also appreciate the representation of a Mexican kitchen 200 years ago (Subject to availability)
Appreciate the gallery of one of the most recognized plastic artists in Mexico.
Visit the only store that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest number of bottles of tequila for sale (more than two thousand). You can also buy typical sweets from the region.
The route ends at the art plaza where the giant Tlaquepaque letters are located. You'll also find craft shops and bars where you can enjoy a drink before returning to your hotel with your guide.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
It was myself and my 14 year old son on this tour. We have traveled the world and we both agree this is one of the best tours ever. Fernando is so knowledgeable, open and friendly.
Tried canceling. A week before and they refuse. Went to Tonalá and was a bust. I love Mexico and I am a fan of all the pueblo but tonala and tequila are everything I cannot stand All young tourist, loud and the food food is what the tourist want. Bad, poor service. Tonala has amazing pottery but you have to be willing to spend $400 for a very small cup (espresso size). Tequila is sa bunch of drunk young peoples annoying.
Our Tour Guide was wonderful!! The artisans that we visited welcomed us like family into their shops and homes.
We really enjoyed learning about the different ceramic techniques of the region. The two studios we visited have been around for generations, and our hosts (Daniel and Cony) were very welcoming and warm. Our private guide and driver were fabulous as well, we felt spoiled.
My husband and I had an amazing tour of Tónala and Tlaquepaque with our guides Fernando and Polo. We learned so much about the history of both areas and went to a famous ceramic studio where we learned how the process involved with these world famous ceramics. We also visited a ceramic studio where we were shown how to make a clay perrito. Walking the streets of Tlaquepaque was so interesting and has an abundance of beautiful artwork, crafts and excellent restaurants. It’s a must visit!
Fernando was such a great guide! The explanation and history was fantastic! He stayed at my mom pace which was really nice. Vicente our driver also was an addition to the service. Definitely would recommend booking this tour!
Fernando treated us to a great day in these two towns. He was very knowledgeable on the local history and art scene. The two workshops we visited were very different and both wonderful experiences.
David was an engaging guide for me and my wife. He asked about our specific interest and did his best to accommodate. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would book a different tour with David the next time we are in Guadalajara.
This was our first trip to Guadalajara and we weren't sure what to do. We saw great reviews for this tour with Diego Hannon so we decided to book it. From the minute we met Diego everything about the tour totally exceeded our expectations. He was so knowledgeable about the area, as well as the people and customs. He was totally attentive to our needs and we learned so much from him. I would highly recommend this tour with Diego. It is not to be missed.
The Tonalá and Tlaquepaque Tour with David was the best we could have had. We saw two Handicraft shops which had alot of family tradition (5 generations). They gave us alot of information and insights in their art, craftsmanship and history. They were so friendly and welcoming it was a pleasure to meet those two families. Also we walked and enjoyed the Town Tonalá & Tlaquepaque. David was very friendly and knowledgeable and was attending all our wishes. He went out of his way to make sure all of our needs were met, including stopping by a nice restaurant to get us some delicious micheladas to enjoy with the hot weather. I highly recommend this tour!
We had an amazing time with our tour guide David. He took us to visit churches, markets and galleries. We met the best artisans like Bernabe family and made a clay figurine with Conny. Enjoyed lunch in Tlaquepaque. Had plenty of time to visit wonderful art galleries.
This tour has a good amount of variety which makes for a fun day. The best but is meeting and learning the difference artesians. You even get to make your own clay figure! On top of this you are given a guided tour of Tlaquepaque and Tonala by Fernando who is an excellent guide in how he coordinate everything. The tour is a great pace, time for sightseeing and shopping as well as a lovely lunch in a local restaurant. Highly recommend this tour with Fernando.
This tour had so much variety which made for a great, fun day. Meeting five generations of artesians and hearing their stories, seeing how they work and then getting to make your own clay figures was amazing! On top of this you are given a guide tour of the towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonala by Fernando who is an excellent guide. Tour was a great pace with a lovely lunch in a local restaurant. I highly recommend taking this tour when in Guadalajara as you learn so much and have so much fun too with a great guide.
First time we've done a private tour and now we're a big fan. Loved having lots of options and the abiity to dictate how our day unfolded. Loved meeting some of the local artists and seeing the pride in their work and their legacy. David was a delightful, chill host. 100% would do again.
Our guide, David Arce was the perfect ambassador to these art districts of Tonala and Tlaquepaque. We visited studios, received a private ceramic lesson and strolled the streets on market day. Among the finest guides we have encountered, anywhere. Highly recommended. Yes, it's expensive - but it's a day that will live on in your memory, forever.
We went to 2 artists shops. It was awesome! The artists took time were friendly and very informative. I would definitely do that part again. The day guide was just ok. We went back to Tonola and Tclaquepaqe. So glad we did because we saw so much more. The tour could have included this. Guide was very nice but just not into it
Fernando was an amazing guide! We learned a ton during this trip about the histories of Tonalá and Tlapenaque, as well as about Guadalajara in general. The artisans we met at the pottery places were very friendly and informative, and they were excited to teach us about their techniques and family traditions. I’d highly recommend anyone to join a tour with Fernando and to visit these places.
Loved the artisan tours. We learned so much about the processes of clay crafting and the families’ legacies.
Had an amazing day with Fernando visiting with artisans and seeing true craftsmanship in action. Loved walking through the marketplaces and learning of the rich history of the region. Would recommend to anyone and everyone visiting Guadalajara!
This was a great trip, very informative & well worth the cost. Fernando was an excellent guide during the tour as well as helpful before & after. The visits with the artisans making the pottery was extremely interesting. The lunch and Mexican gelato later were very good.
This is a must do! The opportunity to meet and visit world renowned artisans is one of the best cultural experiences I've had in 20+ years of traveling the world! It deserves more publicity and should be a top of mind -go to destination when in Guadalajara! Fernando is very knowledgeable - knows the history, is aware of current social implications but most of all - it is transparent that the Artisans appreciate and value the extended education he offers visitors and keeping the cultural art alive!! The passion and love for the history and art transcends.. we even got to make our own piece of art...shockingly enjoyable, relaxing and now a very cherished piece of art in our home..made by us with the help of a professional!! All in the group approved this review!! Can't wait wait to go back!!
Our tour guide Fernando was very knowledgeable on every area we asked him about, from the artisans to the history to the current economy.... You name it, and he knew about it! We enjoyed meeting and talking with the artisans, watching them work, and hearing their stories. We had a delightful lunch in beautiful Tlaquepaque and then fun shopping. The night before our tour I injured my ankle (later found out it was broken) and asked Fernando if we could stop on the way to purchase a cane for me. He did better than that and brought his Abuella's wheelchair for me to use! It was a life saver. If I could rate this tour 10 stars I would!
Ask for Fernando he is a great guy, and very knowledgeable! we definitely recommend this tour, well be back for sure.
Once again Fernando has out down himself! He was our tour guide for these amazing locations. He took us to galería Bernabé where you will learn about 4 generations of petatillo artistry, a tortillería de flor, how Lupita are made, and all along the way we learned amazing history about both cities. A great way to spend a day!!! Highly recommend. Gracias Fer 😁
This is the ideal tour for anyone who wants to see how Tonolá and Tlaquepaque artisans work to create their beautiful ceramics and more. Your can be customized to meet your interests. We saw three workshops, the center of Tonolá and more. Very knowledgeable guides!!
David was an excellent tour guide! Very pleasant and peaceful and helpful!! Very mindful of what we wanted to do not him. Ha e us options and helped out a lot.
I took this tour on a whim. I had only heard a little bit about Tlaquepaque but had no idea it was so beautiful and rich with history. Fernando took the time to explain the history of the city’s beautiful streets, explore the important sites, and show us the best places to eat. I can’t wait to go back now.
Our tour guide, David Arce, was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and helpful in navigating around Mexico. It was my first time in Mexico without my Mexican parents and he made me and my American husband feel so safe and welcome in Mexico. He explained a lot of history and catered to our interests. I can not recommend him enough. When we return to Mexico I will not hesitate in seeking him out to guide us around.
The tour guide was very professional and took me and my cousin all over the places. I really recommend this trip with Fernando- tour guide. I would definitely come back and enjoy this experience.
Excellent tour, our guide really knew a lot of history. Meeting with the two artisans was an experience that we will never forget.
Superb recommend David more than a guide was a friend. very pleasant. He guided us and gave us very useful recommendations. The very nice place very typical and with many crafts that you can give when returning to your country. If I come back safely I'll look for David.
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