We Let AI Plan Our Day in Guadalajara: Here’s What Happened

Or, a day spent looking for missing monuments and phantom cocktails, with no sense of direction

Update: I have added an audio file that was generated by ElevenLabs AI. It’s far from perfect, but I’m pretty impressed with how quickly I was able to generate the audio file! Creepy but cool. Feedback welcome!

To AI or not to AI?

I’ve been very curious about how AI could transform the travel industry, or at the very least make our travel planning just a little bit easier.  I played around with a few programs earlier this year when we were heading to Lisbon and I just didn’t have time to do the kind of research I like to do.  I was impressed with how quickly these programs built itineraries and the details they provided.  But I was underwhelmed with their ability to go off the beaten path and they seemed to think we had the stamina and knees of teenagers considering the routes they plotted for us. We ditched all of these itineraries as soon as we saw the crowds we would have to battle to see many of the things these itineraries suggested were “not to be missed.”

Six months later and we are in Guadalajara.  I’ve been reading loads about how fast AI is evolving, so we decided to give it another go.  This time, we put ChatGPT in charge.  My first prompt was: “My husband is 60 and I am 59.  We are staying in Colonia Americana in Guadalajara. We would like an itinerary for one day of exploring with a total budget of $100 USD.”  ChatGPT immediately generated an itinerary with some pretty solid places to go - strolling around Colonia Americana to see the architecture, murals, and galleries; exploring Guadalajara’s historic center; a traditional Mexican lunch at La Chata de Guadalupe; a visit to San Juan de Dios Market; and dinner at Santo Coyote or Pig’s Pearls in Colonia America.  Sounded good, but we just ate at Santo Coyote last week and we’ve already done a lot on this itinerary on previous trips.   So I tried again.

This time, I prompted: “Can you provide an alternative itinerary that focuses on things to do and places to eat off the beaten path? We like hidden gems and non-touristy discoveries.” Well, now, this itinerary started to look pretty interesting. We decided to do no other planning than putting the itinerary into Google Maps and setting out. And to make things just a bit more interesting, I asked ChatGPT to write a blog post about this day before we even left our hotel. 

Below is a map with ChatGPT’s suggestions and the post that ChatGPT wrote.  What we ACTUALLY experienced is in bold italics.  To emphasize WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Because…. It was interesting. 

Discovering Guadalajara’s Hidden Gems: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Day in Colonia Americana

If you’ve already seen the highlights of Guadalajara and are looking for a more local, authentic experience, this itinerary is for you. Forget the tourist-packed landmarks and dive into a day of discovering the city’s hidden gems. We spent a day exploring lesser-known spots in and around Colonia Americana, a vibrant neighborhood packed with history, local cafes, and creative cuisine. Here’s our full itinerary, complete with cozy cafes, parks, art, history, and memorable food stops—all within a $100 budget.

Morning at Café Correcto: Breakfast with the Locals

We started the day at Café Correcto, a cozy local favorite known for its artisanal coffee and chill vibe. Tucked away in Colonia Americana, Café Correcto draws a steady stream of locals who know they’re in for the best drip coffee in town. The café has an eclectic, artsy feel that’s perfect for a relaxed breakfast. We ordered their traditional café de olla, brewed with cinnamon and served alongside fresh pastries. The coffee was bold and rich, with just the right amount of spice. This was a delicious and affordable start to our day, coming in at around $15 for the two of us.

What to try: Definitely go for the café de olla if you want a truly Mexican coffee experience, or ask about their other specialty beans. Their pastries, too, are made fresh daily and perfect for a light breakfast.

Ok - pretty good start.  This cute spot was about a 20 minute walk from our hotel and on some streets we hadn’t explored before.  The restaurant is down a small alley with some other hip restaurants and a handful of shops. It was quiet by the time we got there, but a few locals strolled through.  The menu is accessible by a QR code and free WIFI is available to make accessing the menu easier.  Sadly, that café de olla was nowhere to be seen on the menu - which was a bummer because I REALLY love café de olla. They also don’t offer pastries, let alone baking them fresh every day.  So instead we ordered STRONG hot and delicious cappuccinos (1 for me 2 for Levon),  I ordered the Serrano toast with salad (a good/solid choice for a savory not-too-heavy breakfast), and Levon had the pan francés made with thick, fluffy brioche and topped with blueberries, strawberries, and grapes drizzled with honey and topped with powdered sugar. The total bill came out to 455 MXN or 20.57 USD with tip.  

Mid-Morning: Tranquility at Parque Alcalde and Monumento a la Madre

After breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll to Parque Alcalde, a peaceful spot that’s often overlooked by tourists. This park offers a scenic little lake, plenty of shade, and a quiet atmosphere ideal for taking a breather. Locals often practice yoga or tai chi here, adding to the serene vibe. We wandered along the pathways, enjoying the greenery and listening to birds—an unexpected pocket of calm in a city as lively as Guadalajara.

Nearby, the Monumento a la Madre is a little-known monument dedicated to mothers, with a simple beauty that makes it worth a quick stop. This area feels removed from the city’s hustle, offering a refreshing side of Guadalajara.

What to look for: If you’re lucky, you might catch a group of locals practicing tai chi. Grab a bench by the lake to relax and enjoy the quiet.

The “leisurely stroll” was closer to a 50 minute hearty walk on some pretty hot streets (not the most scenic) with little shade.  ChatGPT had also estimated that from Café Correcto to Parque Alcalde it was ~1.2 miles (2,400–2,500 steps).  But by this time, we had already hit 11,400 steps.   The park itself would be nice for families with children - there’s a zip line and some paddle boats (neither operational when we were there), nice shade trees with tables for picnicking, a lot of playground equipment, and a small skateboard park.  It is a nice park, but this city is filled with GREAT parks, so we were befuddled over why this one was suggested. 

What was NOT there was the Monumento a la Madre.  ChatGPT was CONVINCED it was there.  It even gave us landmarks to look for around the monument, which it described as a “standing stone monument with inscriptions honoring mothers.” Cut to the chase - THIS MONUMENT DOES NOT EXIST.  We asked people, we checked Google, we scanned the entire area where ChatGPT said it would be.  Even when I told ChatGPT that it wasn’t there, it was quite sure it was.  Our wild goose chase only resulted in finding some domesticated ducks.

We were pretty hot after the park so stopped across the street for an extra large horchata (40 MXN or 2 USD) and a few blocks down, we went for a couple of delicious paletas (55 MXN or 2.77 USD) from one of the many paleterias as we got closer to the historic center.  

Late Morning: History and Printmaking at the Museo de Periodismo y Artes Gráficas

Next, we headed over to the Museo de Periodismo y Artes Gráficas, also called “Casa de los Perros” because of the stone dog sculptures that guard the entrance. This historic building houses a museum dedicated to journalism and graphic arts, with exhibits showcasing vintage printing presses, retro newspapers, and fascinating artifacts from Guadalajara’s media history.

The museum is small and unassuming, but it’s packed with charm. We learned about the evolution of Mexican journalism and saw firsthand the intricate printing techniques used in the past. For history buffs or anyone curious about printmaking, it’s a hidden gem worth visiting.

Budget: Free or a small donation of around $5 per person.

Time: 1 hour is plenty for a walk-through and a closer look at the exhibits.

The museum itself does not have any signs to indicate where it is, but Google Maps took us right there (it is across the street from the large carousel).  It was a nice break from the heat of the day and there was some interesting modern and historical photography, antique printing presses, and a replica TV studio from the 1960s with original equipment.  It feels like a place that is in the process of becoming something interesting.  

Lunch at La Cafetería: Mexican Comfort Food

For lunch, we stopped at La Cafetería, a local gem just a short walk away in Colonia Americana. This spot is beloved by Guadalajara locals for its creative takes on Mexican classics, all served in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. We ordered mole enchiladas, and they were incredible—flavorful, rich, and the perfect comfort food. La Cafetería has plenty of vegetarian options as well, so there’s something for everyone.

Budget: Around $20 for both of us

What to try: Their mole enchiladas and tacos are local favorites. Their menu also changes frequently, so ask the server about any seasonal dishes.

At this point, we realized we were not yet hungry for lunch and the distance back to La Cafeteria (2.3 KM/1.5 miles) was just stupid to walk there and then walk all the way back (ChatGPT must think 3 miles round trip is a short walk!). Plus, we’ve eaten at this restaurant before - a favorite for backpackers and people staying at the nearby hostel for it’s affordable menu del dia. So we decided to skip lunch and head to the next stop.  My new knee was really feeling the walk at this point, so we hopped in an Uber for 37.80 MXN or 1.90 USD with tip. 

Afternoon at Panteón de Belén: Guadalajara’s Historic Cemetery

After lunch, we made our way to Panteón de Belén, Guadalajara’s most famous cemetery. With gothic-style mausoleums, intricate headstones, and plenty of eerie local legends, Panteón de Belén offers a completely different kind of experience. This historic cemetery is off the beaten path, but a favorite for those interested in local history and folklore. The most famous legend here is “El Vampiro,” whose grave is said to be haunted. We spent about an hour wandering the grounds, marveling at the elaborate tombstones and soaking in the atmosphere.

Budget: $5 per person

Time: About an hour is just right for exploring.

I was really looking forward to this stop.  We generally enjoy old cemeteries - particularly those from the 1800s when there was a trend to build cemeteries that also served as parks and green space.  ChatGPT failed to mention that this particular cemetery is open to the public during very specific times.  Another fail.  It does look cool, however, and we do plan to go back and check it out.  We ordered another Uber to take us to our next stop. Total was 100 MXN or 5.03 USD with tip.

Evening at El Terrible Juan Café: A Cozy Spot for Drinks

As the afternoon cooled down, we stopped by El Terrible Juan Café for a relaxed drink. This local favorite combines a hip, artsy vibe with incredible coffee and cocktails. They also offer small bites and snacks, making it a perfect spot to unwind. We opted for a mezcal cocktail that was just right after a day of walking. With its cozy patio and laid-back ambiance, El Terrible Juan was a perfect place to rest our feet and enjoy the end of the day.

Budget: $10–$15

What to try: Their mezcal-based cocktails or specialty coffee drinks are the highlights.

We got to El Terrible Juan around 4pm.  Hot, tired, and now finally hungry, we decided to share the “Terrible Cheeseburger” (their words, not ours!) but there were no mezcal cocktails to be found anywhere on the menu.  In fact, they really only serve a couple of wine-based drinks that fall more into the sangria category.  The burger was good and filling and the drinks cold - they sell Ticus stout - a beer from Colima we’ve really been enjoying on our trip so far.  The food menu has a few small bites, but it is primarily focused on breakfast, sandwiches, and pizza.  We would recommend this place as a good spot for a beer when meeting up with friends…but don’t plan to enjoy any mezcal! Total bill, 590 MXN or 29.68 USD with tip.

Dinner at Xokol: A Unique Twist on Ancestral Mexican Cuisine

For dinner, we chose Xokol, an intimate restaurant near Colonia Americana that emphasizes indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Xokol’s commitment to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients shows in every dish, making each bite a tribute to Mexico’s culinary heritage. We tried a few small dishes to share, including an heirloom corn dish that was unlike anything we’d tasted before.

With rustic decor and a passionate kitchen staff, Xokol was the ideal spot to end the day. It’s a bit more upscale but still affordable when sharing small plates, making it a great way to treat yourself without breaking the budget.

Budget: Around $30 for shared plates

What to try: Heirloom corn dishes and local chile specialties.

This place does look really interesting, but we were pretty tired at this point.  We picked up a slice of cheesecake and a piece of flan at a little spot down the road we’ve been to before - Cafe Luziernega (145 MXN or 7.31 USD) and headed back to our hotel. We’ve put Xokol on our list to try in the future, however.  

Final Thoughts: Exploring Guadalajara’s Hidden Side

This itinerary took us far from the usual tourist hotspots, offering a true taste of Guadalajara’s local life and unique history. From hidden cafes to fascinating museums, tranquil parks, and a memorable dinner at Xokol, we felt like we’d experienced a side of Guadalajara that few visitors see. Not only did we get a taste of the city’s rich heritage and creative culture, but we also stayed within a $100 budget. If you’re looking to explore Guadalajara beyond the guidebooks, this day of hidden gems is for you.

Final thoughts on putting ChatGPT in charge of planning our itinerary - it was interesting.  Hardly accurate and we were shocked with how much it flat out made up (note to those people using ChatGPT to help them with their day jobs!). I asked ChatGPT what exchange rate it used, and it said 17 MXN to 1 USD. The actual exchange rate right now is over 19 MXN to 1 USD. We likely would have come close to 100 USD if we had eaten lunch and dinner as suggested in the itinerary.  Instead our cost for the day was 1376 MXN or just over 69 USD.  We are still laughing about Chat GPT estimating the entire route to be about 5.4 miles or 10,800–11,000 steps and about the missing monument (I mean, who makes up a monument to MOTHERS?!?!?).  All of that said, we were introduced to a few new things and as AI continues to evolve, I could see how it could be a useful travel tool in the future.  But for now, I’ll go back to my trusted guidebooks, websites, magazines, and recommendations from friends and family, thank you very much.  

PS - if you are looking for a great, trusted guide (particularly things to do with kids) to Guadalajara, travel around Mexico, and beyond, check out this blog that our friend is building.