Condé Nast Traveler Named Jalisco the Best International Destination in 2026

In a significant achievement for the global travel industry, Jalisco has been named the Best International Destination for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler Spain. This accolade from one of the most prominent voices in travel and lifestyle reflects the collective preference of thousands of readers worldwide.

Each year, the publication gathers insights from a global audience to highlight premier destinations, hospitality services, and travel experiences. This latest recognition solidifies Jalisco's reputation as a versatile location that seamlessly integrates tradition, culinary excellence, and natural beauty.

The Exceptional Allure of Jalisco

The 2026 award highlights Jalisco as a standout destination capable of surprising even the most seasoned explorers with its diverse offerings in culture and leisure.

Jalisco has been recognized as the Best International Destination for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler Spain, one of the world's most influential publications specializing in travel, lifestyle, and tourism. This prestigious recognition comes from travelers around the world.

Every year, the magazine compiles the opinions of thousands of readers to recognize the most outstanding international destinations, hotels, airlines, experiences, and tourism services.

In this edition, Jalisco received one of the most significant honors in the global travel sector, affirming its standing as a destination that can astonish those seeking culture, nature, food, traditions, escapades, and leisure all in one location.

The Unrivaled Appeal of Jalisco

Receiving the award for Best International Destination 2026 is no coincidence. The state of Jalisco is a place with some of Mexico's most iconic landscapes, experiences, and traditions, making it a destination where every trip can be completely different from the last.

Jalisco boasts a rich variety of natural and cultural attractions, from the Mexican Pacific coast's stunning landscapes to the expansive agave fields that have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The state is home to vibrant cities teeming with art, pueblos that are steeped in centuries of history, and a variety of natural wonders, including forests, mountains, lagoons, canyons, and nature reserves. This diversity of attractions is unparalleled among destinations worldwide.

Mexico's cultural richness is expressed through symbols that have defined its identity on the world stage, such as mariachi music, tequila, and charrería. However, the state's cultural identity extends beyond its most recognizable icons.

Guadalajara, A Trendsetting Capital

The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area has solidified its status as a top-tier destination for cuisine and culture within Latin America. The city's architecture seamlessly blends colonial heritage with elegant neoclassical buildings and contemporary spaces, reflecting a city in constant evolution.

Museums, galleries, theaters, international festivals, and an increasingly innovative culinary scene make Jalisco's capital a must-visit destination for those who wish to discover the creativity and talent that set the region apart.

The Land Where Tequila Was Born

Jalisco is synonymous with the birthplace of one of the most celebrated spirits globally. In the Los Altos region and the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila, visitors can immerse themselves in the deep-seated history and cultural heritage of this beverage, which stands as a proud national emblem.

The endless horizons of blue agave fields present some of the most breathtaking and recognizable scenery in Mexico. By exploring historic haciendas and local distilleries, travelers gain an intimate perspective on a storied legacy that has rightfully earned its place as part of the nation's protected cultural history.

The Essence of Jalisco: Its Pueblos Mágicos

Jalisco's twelve Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) are central to the state's international acclaim. These unique destinations serve as guardians of Jalisco's identity, preserving distinctive architecture, traditional cuisine, and local customs within their storied landscapes.

Mountains, Forests, and Surprising Landscapes

Beyond its beaches and cities, Jalisco is also one of Mexico’s great mountain destinations. The state boasts diverse mountain ranges and lush forests, providing a perfect sanctuary for travelers looking to reconnect with the natural world.

Towns such as Mazamitla and Tapalpa serve as the gold standard for mountain-based tourism, featuring a variety of cabins and adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining, cycling, and hiking. Visitors can explore the breathtaking biodiversity and adventurous landscapes found within the Sierra del Tigre, the Sierra Madre Occidental, and the Sierra de Quila.

The Mexican Pacific's Enchantment

Puerto Vallarta stands as one of the Mexican Pacific's most comprehensive getaways, ideally suited for travelers in search of sun, sea, and the natural world. Each year, its unique blend of mountain scenery, pristine beaches, diverse water sports, and world-class dining creates a cosmopolitan draw for international tourists.

The coastal appeal of Jalisco is further enhanced by Costalegre. This region located south of Puerto Vallarta features nearly untouched shorelines, vibrant coastal villages, and protected nature reserves alongside elite tourism infrastructure, cementing the state's reputation as a premier destination for beach lovers in Mexico.

Unique Adventures and Natural Wonders

The Riviera of Lake Chapala is one of Jalisco's most significant environmental gems. As the largest lake in Mexico, it provides a stunning backdrop for a collection of scenic villages, vibrant art, regional flavors, and recreational activities. When paired with the state's diverse canyons, mountain ranges, and pastoral vistas, this area reveals a deeply authentic and captivating side of the region.

A Tribute to the True Spirit of Jalisco

Being named the 2026 Best International Destination by Condé Nast Traveler readers is a distinction that goes far beyond simple tourism. This honor celebrates the genuine nature of Jalisco’s communities, the deep-rooted wealth of its customs, and the superior quality of the adventures it offers to global explorers.

By earning the vote of thousands of travelers from across the globe, this vibrant and multifaceted state reinforces its status as one of the most remarkable places on Earth—a destination that continues to captivate and represent the very soul of Mexico.