Lagos de Moreno
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◈ The architecture in Lagos de Moreno is so refined as to be on par with that of many of the state capitals. It’s not for nothing it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from that, it’s also where you can find the rich culture of the Mexican countryside, the beauty and grace of Los Altos de Jalisco.
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◆ Slowing down to check out the Parroquia and its unique facade.
◆ Catching a charreada (Mexican display of ranching skills) at Hacienda de Cantera or Rancho Verde.
◆ Taking a horseback ride around the nearby ranches.
The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, construction of which began in 1741, constitutes a superb example of Mexican baroque art.
❖ Museo de Arte Sacro
Lagos de Moreno
You have to go to this museum to see all its different treasures in the form of sculpture, painting, and liturgical garments.
In its five galleries, you can see the region’s rich artistic and religious heritage. You’ll see novohispanic paintings, wood-carved ritual items, and religious images dating from the 17th to 20th centuries.
❖ Templo del Calvario
Sitting atop Cerro de la Calavera, this church is one of the most emblematic in the region thanks to its superb architecture inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Several churches, both in town and in nearby communities, make for an excellent excuse to look around. Templo del Calvario is the most spectacular of them all.
It’s one of the most spectacular churches in the region, with a frontispiece inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Further, its location atop Cerro de la Calavera affords delightful panoramic views of the town.
❖ Teatro José Rosas Moreno
This theater is representative of Porfirian architecture. Note its colossal design.
The building is an example of the Frenchified neoclassic style, typical of the architecture of the Porfirian period. Construction began in 1867 and it opened in 1907 with Verdi’s opera, Aida. Here, you can see plays, operas, musical performances, and variety and other shows.
❖ Tour the old haciendas and soak up charro culture
The best kept secret of the Altos de Jalisco are the old haciendas around Lagos that we can today check out and enjoy thanks to the number of tourist services they offer.
Among haciendas, there’s El Jaral, dedicated to social events, whereas Hacienda la Cantera, under the Pedrero family, also receives groups, offers charrería shows and bull riding.
Rancho San Rafael is a quiet rural house offering lodging. Hacienda San Cirilo of the Serrano family has lodging, horseback riding lessons, and horseback rides through the area. The nearby Hacienda Sepúlveda offers first-rate spa and hotel service.
Most offer horseback tours along part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Heartland). Additionally, you can have experiences like arreadas (round-ups), elotadas (corn parties), lunadas (moon-lit parties), and cowboy meals. Other activities include a guided tour of minas El Horcón and through the ghost town of Comanja de Corona. In turn, Real Hacienda La Ferrería has a camping and kayak area available.
❖ Hacienda Tour
There are several haciendas nearby, most of which offer tourism services. El Jaral is focused on social events, while Rancho San Rafael and Hacienda San Cirilo offer lodging and horseback rides. La Hacienda Sepúlveda has its spa, and Rancho Verde and Hacienda de la Cantera offer charrería shows and bull riding—don’t miss it!
❖ Shop for local products and handicrafts
Lagos is one of Mexico’s main dairy regions, which explains why its cheeses are legendary. There are also plenty of sweets and milk candies that go by the name of jamoncillos, rompope, pepitorias, and more.
If you like antiques, check out Casa Montecristo, a couple of blocks from the church. It’s got furniture, sculptures, and all kinds of items large and small.
