Ep 4. Hidden Gems of Jalisco

The Travel Detective returns for its seventh season with a brand new episode titled "Hidden Gems of Jalisco." This travel series hosted by seasoned journalist and travel expert, Peter Greenberg takes viewers around the world on an exciting journey to uncover the best travel experiences that are often overlooked by tourists.

In "Hidden Gems of Jalisco," Greenberg takes us on a tour of the stunning Jalisco region in Mexico. Located on the western coast of Mexico, Jalisco is known for its incredible food, tequila, and lively festivals. Despite its popularity, however, there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

The episode begins with Greenberg exploring the city of Guadalajara, which is often referred to as the cultural capital of Mexico. Here, he visits the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a cultural center that is over 200 years old and boasts impressive murals painted by Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco.

Another highlight of the episode is the visit to the town of Tequila, which is located in the heart of the Jalisco region. As the name suggests, this town is the birthplace of tequila, and Greenberg takes viewers on a tour of a tequila distillery to learn more about this quintessentially Mexican drink. He even gets to try his hand at the distillation process and sample some of the finest tequilas in the world.

Throughout the episode, Greenberg also showcases some of Jalisco's hidden architectural gems, including the beautiful church of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos in the town of San Juan de los Lagos. This 18th-century church is among the most visited pilgrimage sites in Mexico and boasts beautiful architecture that is steeped in history.

Foodies will love this episode as Greenberg takes a deep dive into Mexico's culinary traditions. He visits small, family-run restaurants to sample some of the traditional dishes of the Jalisco region, including birria, a spicy stew made with goat meat, and pozole, a hearty soup made with hominy and meat. He also explores the Mercado San Juan de Dios, one of the biggest markets in Mexico, where he finds a huge variety of fresh produce and spices to create the local dishes.

In addition, the episode highlights the region's thriving music and dance scene. Greenberg attends an evening of mariachi music at the lively Mariachi Square in downtown Guadalajara and gets a lesson in traditional Mexican dance from a local dance troupe.

Overall, "Hidden Gems of Jalisco" is an exhilarating episode of The Travel Detective that showcases some of the best that the Jalisco region has to offer. The episode not only offers a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes, architecture, and cuisine of the region but also takes a closer look at the people and culture that make Jalisco such a unique and fascinating place to visit. Whether you're an armchair traveler or planning your next vacation, this episode is sure to inspire you.