What and where is the state of Jalisco in Mexico?
Posted on Feb 23, 2026 / Travel
Jalisco is a state in western-central Mexico with a long Pacific coastline and lots of natural diversity, from beaches to highlands and forests. Its capital and biggest city is Guadalajara, which is also one of Mexico’s largest urban centres. The state is bordered by Nayarit, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Colima, making it a really connected spot in the country. Jalisco’s geography includes coastal plains, mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Mesa Central highlands. The climate varies from tropical and humid near the coast to more dry and temperate inland. Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, sits mostly inside Jalisco, though it has been shrinking due to water use and irrigation. Jalisco plays a big role in the nation’s culture and economy thanks to its cities, agriculture and rich history.
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