Ciudad Guzmán

Ciudad Guzmán is a city in Jalisco situated between the Sierra Tapalpa and Cerro del Tigre mountains at about 1,500 meters elevation. It functions as a commercial hub for the region with local markets and trade facilities positioned near Lake Zapotlán.

Spanish conquistadors took control of the area in 1526, transforming the pre-Columbian kingdom of Zapotlán into a colonial settlement. This transformation set the foundation for later development as a trade center.

The city earned the nickname Athens of Jalisco because it produced renowned artists and musicians who shaped Mexican culture. This artistic legacy remains a source of pride for local residents today.

The city sits on main highways connecting Guadalajara to the north and Colima to the south, making regional travel straightforward. The elevation keeps the climate cool and mild throughout the year.

The Cathedral of San José shows visible traces of rebuilding after the 1985 earthquake, with its towers reconstructed at a lower height. This change remains clearly visible to visitors and tells the story of how the city recovered from this natural disaster.

Location: Zapotlán El Grande Municipality

Inception: 1533

Elevation above the sea: 1,535 m

Website: http://ciudadguzman.gob.mx

GPS coordinates: 19.70016,-103.46394

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:20