Avenida Vallarta on Sundays

The Avenida Vallarta is arguably Guadalajara’s signature boulevard, cutting through the west side to expose a time-stamped cross-section of the city.

From its starting point at Avenida Juarez and Del Federalismo (there’s a subway station there) to the Minerva Fountain is about four miles, and there’s no better day – or way – to see it than Sundays, when it’s closed to vehicular traffic and given over to bicyclists, joggers, and walkers.

On the Avenida Vallarta

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Avenida Vallarta was a residential boulevard lined with the

On the Avenida Vallarta

elegant townhomes of Guadalajara’s well-to-do, and many of these structures still remain.

My plan is to travel the avenida east to west, beginning with the smaller, older homes that become progressively newer and larger as I go.

I start with the public architecture near the intersection of Avenida Enrique Diaz de Leon.

 

Templo Expiatorio, Guadalajara

 

University of Guadalajara

A block away on Lopez Cotilla stands the Templo Expiatorio and not much further on Vallarta the old University of Guadalajara.

On the Avenida Vallarta

Many of the grand old homes have been converted into restaurants.

If you’re not inclined to walk, run, or cycle you can pick out one with curbside dining and people-watch the passing promenade.

On the Avenida Vallarta

On the Avenida Vallarta

Chai restaurant, Guadalajara

Restaurants are plentiful along the route, and most have menus posted.

Chai restaurant, Guadalajara

Chai is a favorite of mine for a great latté, but the place also serves a Sunday buffet brunch that always draws a crowd, so it’s a good idea to grab a table early.

On the Avenida Vallarta

In one stretch of the avenida the old homes are now occupied by shops featuring bridal and quinceañera gowns.

Centro Magno shopping mall, Guadalajara

As the route nears its end it passes the Centro Magno urban mall (there’s a large and inexpensive parking garage there), which is full of specialty shops and restaurants.

Minerva Fountain, Guadalajara

The Sunday promenade ends at Los Arcos, on the back side of the Minerva Fountain.

Los Arcos, Guadalajara

The Los Arcos double arches were built in in 1942 to commemorate the city’s 400th anniversary. The arches clear 14 feet high and stand on the avenida just before the Minerva Fountain glorieta.

Los Arcos, Guadalajara

See my related posts on Guadalajara:Guadalajara south centro

Fishy in Guadalajara

Guadalajara’s heartbeat

Guadalajara’s Merado Libertad

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