Things To Do
in Autlán de Navarro
Autlán de Navarro is a small regional city in the Costa Sur region of Jalisco, Mexico, set among low mountains and river valleys with a warm, semi-tropical feel. It serves as a local market and cultural hub for surrounding agricultural and ranching communities, with a relaxed pace of life and traditional town center. The town is a convenient base for exploring the nearby Sierra de Manantlán biosphere and the broader Costa Alegre coastline.
Visitors will find colorful plazas, modest colonial-era buildings, lively markets and friendly, down-to-earth locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the main square, Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, trying traditional dishes like 'chilaquiles' or 'tamales'. Afterward, head to the historic church of San José, where you can marvel at its intricate facade and learn about its rich history.
Stroll through the nearby artisan market, where you can find handmade crafts and local delicacies. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, sampling 'carne en su jugo', a regional specialty. Spend the afternoon visiting the Museo Regional de Autlán, which showcases the cultural heritage of the area.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with a view of the square, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Try traditional desserts like 'jericalla', a local custard-like treat. After dinner, take a walk around the plaza, where you can often catch live music or local performances.
Rise early and prepare for a refreshing hike in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve. After a hearty breakfast, drive to the reserve's entrance and meet with a local guide. Begin your hike through lush landscapes, spotting unique flora and fauna along the way.
Pause for a packed lunch in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Continue your hike to reach breathtaking viewpoints that overlook the majestic mountains and valleys. Take time to capture the stunning vistas with your camera.
Return to Autlán and unwind with a soothing dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring fresh, local ingredients, and reflect on your day's adventure. After dinner, consider enjoying a local drink, like 'pulque', at a nearby bar to end the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or café snack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-50 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly, basic) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Mexican culture and hospitality
- Good base for exploring Sierra de Manantlán and rural landscapes
- Affordable prices and plentiful street food
- Less touristy — quieter, more relaxed pace
- Limited upscale amenities and nightlife options
- Few English speakers—basic Spanish helpful
- Public transportation can be infrequent for remote excursions
- Medical and specialized services require travel to larger cities
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Puede recomendarme un buen lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a good place to eat?
Places to Visit in Autlán de Navarro
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town center scenes with a church, municipal palace and daily life — great for candid street photography and architectural details.
Nearby biosphere reserve and foothills offer sweeping landscapes, forested ridges and cloud/fog photography opportunities at sunrise.
Vibrant colors, produce stalls, textiles and dynamic vendor activity provide strong documentary and food photography subjects.
Quiet rivers, small bridges and country lanes framed by hills capture rural Jalisco life and pastoral landscapes.
Food in Autlán de Navarro
Autlán de Navarro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rich, slow-cooked meat stews served with tortillas and consomé — available at morning markets and specialty stands around town.
Must-Try!
Simple tacos al pastor, carne asada and regional variations are staples of street food; try the local salsas and freshly pressed tortillas.
Traditional breakfast options available at the market and bakeries, with sweet and savory fillings depending on the vendor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central indoor market where you can taste local breakfast dishes, buy fresh fruit and sample tamales, gorditas and regional sweets; great spot for authentic street eats.
Evening taco stands and dessert vendors gather around the main plaza and side streets—try tacos, elotes and local pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'Buenos días/tardes' and a nod or handshake go a long way; use polite forms like 'por favor' and 'gracias'.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and local institutions; public displays of emotion are fine but loud or rude behavior is frowned upon.
If attending a local fiesta, observe traditions respectfully, ask before photographing people in intimate settings and join community events politely.
Safety
Tipping in Autlán de Navarro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip modestly in local establishments: 10–15% in sit-down restaurants if service is good; small change for taxi drivers and 10–20 MXN for porters or bathroom attendants is common. For market stalls and street vendors tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Cash (Mexican pesos) is king in Autlán—most markets, taxis and small restaurants do not accept cards. Larger restaurants and shops may accept cards; ATMs are available in town but carry enough cash for rural trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming trees and pleasant conditions for walking and hiking; ideal time for outdoor activities before the summer rains.
Warm to hot days with frequent afternoon/evening thunderstorms; roads and rural tracks can become muddy—carry rain gear and plan morning excursions.
Stable, comfortable weather with decreasing rainfall and clearer skies—good for photography and visiting markets and festivals after harvest season.
Milder, drier days and cooler nights (especially in the hills); little to no snowfall, but bring a light jacket for evenings.
Autlán de Navarro at Night
Hiking in Autlán de Navarro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Protected biosphere with diverse flora and fauna, offering varying trail lengths, scenic ridges and birdwatching—best with a guide for remote routes.
Shorter hikes and canyon walks along local rivers and tributaries suitable for half-day outings and photography.
Gentle walks along country roads and coffee/fruit plantations that provide cultural insight and easy terrain for casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach Autlán de Navarro by plane.
Main international gateway to Jalisco, roughly 2–3 hours by car depending on route; buses and private transfers connect Guadalajara with Autlán.
Colima (CLQ) and Manzanillo (ZLO) airports on the Pacific coast are options for coastal access; travel times vary (often 2–3 hours) and require renting a car or arranging transfers.
Smaller regional airstrips exist in the Costa Sur region but scheduled service is limited—most travelers use Guadalajara or coastal airports and continue by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are mestizo, reflecting mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage with long-rooted local families.
Surrounding areas are home to farming and ranching families who travel to town for markets and services.
Like many regional towns, younger people often move seasonally or to cities for work, while families and older generations remain locally.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and widely played in Autlán; local matches and informal games are common in plazas and fields.
Ranching culture supports rodeo-style events and equestrian activities, especially during local fiestas.
Secondary sports with community leagues and school competitions, popular among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Autlán de Navarro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited at some traditional eateries—seek out vegetable tamales, quesadillas, chilaquiles or request beans and rice without lard. Larger markets and cafés can accommodate simple vegetarian meals.
Vegan dining requires more planning; fresh fruit, salads, plain tortillas, and beans (confirm cooking fat) are safe bets. Bring snacks or be prepared to ask vendors about ingredients.
Corn-based foods (tortillas, tamales) are widely available and generally safe for gluten-free diets; verify any wheat-based items like bread or certain sauces.