Tequila Place guide

The Land of Agave

Nestled between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the Rio Grande River valley is an expansive landscape of blue agave, which has been used to produce tequila as an alcoholic spirit since the 16th Century. Named the “Gift from the Gods”, it was actually the Spanish conquistadors that made the alcoholic drink after they ran out of brandy.

Since 2006, the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, representing a part of Mexico's cultural contribution to the world.

Hop on a Tequila tour to see the following:

• The agave fields, which will give you a feel of the terrain. You will encounter jimadores (harvesters) tending to their crops, who can tell you about the history and legend of tequila. To get a better view of the agave plants and harvesting, you can also do this on horseback.
  
  
• Considered one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos (magical towns), the city of Tequila is like a step back in time with its colorful adobe buildings and cobblestone streets. It typically hosts events, fiestas and festivities, but even on normal days, there is traditional Jalisco dancing, mariachi entertainment, and, of course, food. There are bars and cantinas around town that serve tequila, so you can take your time and sample this local drink for a deeper appreciation.
  
  
• Guests get a glimpse of the ins and outs of the distillation process on a visit to one of the many distilleries. Taste-testing is an integral part of the tour, so it’s possible to find yourself a little tipsy by noon. You can also take home high-quality tequila for a reasonable price.

Get around

By bus:

• You can catch a bus marked "Amatitán–Tequila" from the Antigua Central Camionera(Old Central Bus Station).
  
  
• The bus takes 2 hours to reach Tequila.

By train:

• A roundtrip express train from Guadalajara costs about M$1,200; includes an all-day tour.
  
  
• The Tequila Train runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm

By car:

• Head west from Guadalajara along Avenida Vallarta for about 25 minutes until you hit the toll road junction (it will say Puerto Vallarta Cuota). 
  
  
• The whole trip takes about an hour by car.