Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
The Basics
Learn more about the Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres—and the people to whom it pays homage—during a walking tour of the historic downtown, combining your visit with stops at other key Guadalajara attractions, such as the Plaza de Armas, cathedral, and Hospicio Cabañas.
Especially look out for the statues of José Clemente Orozco, a key figure in the Mexican Muralism scene; modernist architect Luis Barragán; and Rita Pérez Jiménez, heroine of the Mexican War of Independence and one of the few women honored here.
Things to Know Before You Go
Cat lovers will be charmed by the collection of stray kitties that typically congregate at the Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres.
Even time-pressed travelers will have time to do a lap of the rotunda during a visit to the historic center.
Take coins and small bills if you want to buy a refreshing raspado (snow cone) or snack from the nearby street vendors.
The Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Easily accessible on foot from most central Guadalajara neighborhoods, the Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres is situated in the heart of the city’s downtown, one block north of the Guadalajara Cathedral. You can also arrive by way of light rail—the closest station is Plaza Universidad—bus, or a perhaps more convenient rideshare service.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres is accessible year-round, although you should take care when visiting the area after dark. Instead, visit by day to admire the statues, rotunda, and surrounding attractions in their sunbathed glory, arriving early to avoid the worst of the day’s crowds and heat.
Explore the Legacy of the "Illustrious Jaliscans"
While many of the figures honored at the Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres— including Ignacio L. Vallarta and Manuel López Cotilla—are immortalized in Mexican street names, others have a more tangible legacy. Explore the murals of José Clemente Orozco at Guadalajara’s MUSA, Palacio de Gobierno, and Hospicio Cabañas; visit the houses of Luis Barragán in Mexico City; and admire the work of architect Jacobo Gálvez at the Degollado Theater.
- Guadalajara Wax Museum (Museo de Cera de Guadalajara)
- Tequila Sightseeing Trains
- Plaza de Armas
- Guadalajara Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
- Degollado Theater (Teatro Degollado)
- Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis)
- Hospicio Cabañas
- Guadalajara Cathedral
- Governor's Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)
- University of Guadalajara Museum of the Arts (MUSA)
- Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
- Selva Mágica
- Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan)
- Pantaleón Panduro Museum (Museo Pantaleón Panduro)
- Guadalajara Zoo (Zoológico Guadalajara)