Private Art Pottery Tour: Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Clay Workshop
Description
Immerse yourself in the vibrant artisan traditions of Jalisco. This private tour takes you beyond souvenir shops, connecting you directly with the legacy of master potters in Tonalá and Tlaquepaque. Highlights of the experience: ✨ Be a Potter for a Day: Visit private family workshops and craft your own clay piece with guidance from a skilled artisan. Route of Tradition: Discover markets, colonial churches, and hidden art galleries while learning about the region's rich history. Walk through Tlaquepaque: Stroll along its lively pedestrian streets, enjoy live music, and sample top local cuisine. VIP Benefits: ✅ 100% Private Tour: Personalized attention for you and your group. ✅ Local Experts: Knowledgeable guides passionate about Jalisco's history and art. ✅ Full Logistics: Includes round-trip private transportation from your hotel.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick you up at your accommodation in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara (Hotel or Airbnb). You need to notify us of your location at least 24 hours before.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(31)
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.
Hi there. I'm so sorry to hear that. We always try to provide you with a unique experience in our country. I'd like to clarify that you made the wrong reservation date. Cancellations are possible, but since this is a private tour exclusively for you, there are no refunds. We tried to reach you to explain and compensate you with a gift card or reschedule another date, but we received no response.
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!
