Guadalupe, AZ

Located between Phoenix and Tempe, Guadalupe is a charming desert village at the base of South Mountain. Named after the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, Guadalupe spans only one square mile in area but has some of the richest cultures in Arizona. Self-proclaimed as the place “where three cultures flourish,” this small town is known as the center of Yaqui culture and history. Guadalupe is home to many religious and cultural festivals and ceremonies featuring dances, instruments, masks, and costumes. Some even date back to the early 1600s in Mexico and were passed down through trained instructors for generations. The most important occasions are held in the town’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, an impressive tribute with mission-style architecture and brilliant white-washed walls. El Tienges Mercado de Guadalupe, a Mexican Mercado style shopping center with outdoor shops and a central plaza, is another cultural center in the area.

With South Mountain so close, residents take full advantage of opportunities for outdoor adventure. South Mountain Park and Preserve offers miles of mountainous terrain with trails and a drivable lookout for awe-inspiring views. There are also several amusement parks and waterparks near the town as well