Things To Do
in Ameca
Ameca is a charming colonial town in the foothills of Jalisco, perched along the Ameca River. The city blends traditional markets, colorful churches, and a welcoming local vibe with meals that showcase regional flavors. Visitors can wander narrow lanes, sip aguas frescas, and use nearby towns as base for day trips to nature reserves.
The surrounding valleys and hills offer a sense of rural Mexico with modern touches in cafes and shops.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ameca and check into your charming hacienda-style hotel. Sip a cup of freshly brewed Mexican coffee on the veranda as you watch the sun rise over the Sierra Madre Occidental. Feel the gentle breeze carry the scent of blooming bougainvillea through the courtyard.
Stroll through the town center, marveling at the colonial architecture and vibrant mural-adorned walls. Pause for fresh tacos al pastor at a local taquería, savoring the authentic flavors. Visit the Parish of Santiago Apóstol to admire its ornate baroque façade.
Dine at a traditional family-run restaurant, sampling regional specialties like birria and pozole. Take an evening walk along the tranquil Ameca River promenade as the sky fills with stars. Listen to mariachi melodies drifting from a nearby plaza performance.
Start your morning at the central plaza where locals gather to chat over café con leche. Explore the vibrant weekly market, browsing colorful stalls of fresh produce, handcrafted textiles, and local snacks. Capture photography-worthy shots of colonial facades and intricate iron balconies lining the cobblestone streets.
Join a local historian for a guided tour of the Parish of Santiago Apóstol and the Municipal Palace, learning about Ameca’s rich colonial past. Stop at a family-run fonda to savor authentic tacos de carnitas served alongside homemade salsas. Wander into hidden alleyways to discover street art celebrating Ameca’s cultural heritage.
Attend a live performance at the Teatro Cine-Ameca, enjoying regional music or a vibrant dance showcase. Relish a dinner pairing traditional dishes with handcrafted mezcales at a cozy restaurant in the plaza. Stroll under the glow of lanterns as musicians serenade passersby.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🍺Local beer | $2-4 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $40-90 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming colonial center
- Affordable food and lodging
- Close to nature with easy day trips
- Warm, welcoming locals
- Limited nightlife
- Smaller town feel can mean fewer large-scale services
- Less English widely spoken outside tourist spots
- Rural roads can be bumpy after rains
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Recomendaciones" - Recommendations
Places to Visit in Ameca
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque church with a classic façade and colorful surrounding streets—great for architectural photos and plaza life.
Scenic riverside views with palm trees and sunset reflections—ideal for tranquil landscape shots.
Historic plaza surrounded by pastel-washed buildings, locals, and daily market activity—perfect for street photography.
A hillside overlook offering panoramic views of town and surrounding countryside, especially beautiful at dawn or dusk.
Food in Ameca
Ameca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked goat meat stew served with tortillas and a rich, spiced broth; best found in local cantinas and mercados.
Must-Try!
A traditional hominy soup with meat, chiles, and garnishes; commonly enjoyed on weekends and special occasions.
Refreshing fruit-flavored drinks such as horchata, jamaica (hibiscus), and tamarindo available at mercados, cafés, and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market offering fresh produce, salsas, tortillas, and ready-to-eat bites from local vendors—great for a quick, authentic meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días; use usted with strangers and seniors until invited to use tú. A small handshake or cheek kiss is common among acquaintances in some circles.
Safety
Tipping in Ameca
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tip about 10-15% if service isn’t included; hand tips to hotel staff or taxi drivers for good service; smaller tips at markets are common but not required.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make outdoor exploration particularly pleasant.
Hot days with higher humidity; expect afternoon showers. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Generally comfortable days with cooler evenings—great for walking tours and market visits.
Mild to cool days and cooler nights; layering is helpful, though temperatures rarely drop severely.
Ameca at Night
Hiking in Ameca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking trail with panoramic views over Ameca and the valley.
Scenic easy trails through orchards and farmland; suitable for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Ameca by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; about 1.5-2 hours by car to Ameca.
Puerto Vallarta airport; longer drive but options for international arrivals; about 3-4 hours by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly families in the town with a mix of rural residents and urban migrants.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local teams and informal play in parks and plazas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ameca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for bean-based dishes, fresh vegetables, and cheese-filled options; request veggie substitutions in meat dishes and avoid lard-based broths or oils when possible.