Located in the state of Jalisco, Zapopan is a metropolitan area of Guadalajara, but is more of a rural outskirt than a busy city. Zapopan is a quiet and reserved people known for its cultural heritage sites with a religious zeal and focus. A very popular tourist destination is the image of Virgin Mary that was seen in the 16th century. Religious groups travel from all over the world on a mecca to visit this statue. Pope John Paul II even made a pilgrimage to this holy site. The altar that houses the statue of the virgin is an ornate gold filigree tower, and is a site to behold by any respective person.
Tourists can visit ancient burial mounds and pyramids in Zapopan. In fact, there are three major archeological sites, Ixtepete, El Grillo and La Coronilla, that are actively searched still today as archeologists continue to look for lost artifacts. Ixtepete has 40 mounds as well as a pyramid left over from pre-Hispanic times, while El Grillo has earth mounds of greater proportion than Ixtepete. Artifacts from around 100 BC such as bowls and tools were found at La Coronilla in shaft mines.
Visitors have the chance to learn about how the science of archeology is applied here in this cultural monument. The Ixcatan geyers, La Cola de Caballo Waterfall, and the Cerro del Diente, rocks suitable for climbing, are excellent outdoors activities for tourists.
Zapopan is home to the Zapopum Festival, a major world renowned cultural festival with all varieties of artists gathering to show their craftiness. There is also the home stadium to the world famous football team of Zapopan, the Chivas. Any visitor to Zapopan can expect to learn a lot about the ancient civilization of the area as well as the modern advancements in civilization.
