To describe the sexual subcultures and the risk of acquiring HIV among adolescents in Guadalajara, Jalisco The study took place during August 1994. A cross-sectional study design was used; data collection was done using pile sorts of 20 males and 20 females aged between 15 and 19 years. Data analysis was done by means of hierarchical clustering, multidimensional scaling, cultural consensus and correspondence techniques. Males: this cluster presented a sexual subculture pattern of free expression associated to high risk behaviors. Females: this cluster showed a sexual subculture pattern of celibacy, associated to low risk. Correspondence analysis: a correlation was found among adolescents between their sexual subcultures and risk of acquiring HIV. Among males, the free expression sexual subculture included high risk sexual behavior for acquiring HIV. Among females, the celibacy sexual subculture included low risk sexual behavior. Nevertheless, both males and females presented high risk sexual behaviors, since they engage in unprotected sexual practices.