Salud!

In the Mexican state of Jalisco endless fields of blue agave meet a stunning mountain backdrop. Here La Ruta del Tequila, or Tequila Trail, winds through these fields of blue connecting over 150 registered tequila distilleries in the towns of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitán. All trails lead to Tequila, Jalisco which is not only the birthplace and namesake of Mexico’s national spirit, but also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Set at the base of the Tequila Volcano, this vibrant town boasts sunny skies, temperate weather year round, art, history, culture, and por su puesto, tequila! Explore the colorful cobblestone streets of this pueblo magico, cantarito in hand.

Getting there and around

Guadalajara is a great jumping off point to explore the Ruta del Tequila. Located just an hour outside of Guadalajara, Tequila is a short, easy and scenic drive on well-maintained roads through the countryside. Rent a car or hop on a Tequila Plus bus. The Tequila Plus bus is an easy and cheap way to get to tequila country with busses running regularly between Tequila and Guadalajara seven days a week, including holidays. You can book your tickets in advance online, or in person at the Zapopan bus station.

Although it does not go directly to the city of Tequila, the Tequila Express is a great option for a day trip to the Tequila Trail. This train ride from Guadalajara to Casa Herradura in Amatitan, Jalisco includes abundant tequila tasting and drinks, a traditional lunch, live music, dancing and a tour of the historic Herradura distillery and hacienda.

Tequila is a small and easily navigable town that can be explored on foot. Taxis are also an inexpensive option for getting around town or visiting distilleries, such as Herradura, that are located outside of the town. There are multiple options for tours around the city and to local distilleries aboard comically shaped busses. Hop on El Chile bus for a tour of Tequila and La Rienda Distillery, followed by tequila tasting. It’s not the best tequila you’ll try, but it will be the most fun ride you’ll take. Bus tours can be easily arranged in town.

Tequila Tasting

It is not uncommon for those who have suffered the consequences of one too many cheap Jose Cuervo shots to swear off this Mexican spirit altogether. But if your tequila drinking experiences stem mostly from two for one house margaritas, you have not really tasted tequila. Not unlike wine, tequila varies greatly in taste, smell, character, and quality based on the production process. Everything from where the agave was grown, the age of the agave at harvesting, the cooking and fermentation processes and the aging process affects the taste and character of the tequila. Some tequilas are best enjoyed in cocktails while others are better sipped and savored. Many novel tequila drinkers are amazed at how smooth a well-made tequila can be.

Whether you get there by train, bus, car or foot, Casa Herradura is well worth a visit. Arrive at the impressive grounds in the morning to beat the crowds of the Tequila Express train, and enjoy a personalized tour of the distillery and hacienda. The tour will take you through the historic grounds of the hacienda, demonstrate the tequila making process from start to finish, and provide tequila tasting of multiple varietals. Herradura also has one of the best preserved original factories, allowing guests to experience the original cave-like buildings and traditional methods for producing tequila.

Casa Orendain is the oldest continuously family run distillery in Tequila. “La Mexicana” as it is known today is rich in tradition dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors will be rewarded with a tour of the distillery, a close-up look at the production process and tequila-tasting. You can also explore the historic grounds surrounding the distillery for free. On the cobblestone road leading to La Mexicana you pass the town’s historic public baths, and a short walk around the grounds will take you past ruins of the original factory.

La Rojeña Distillery produces the famous Jose Cuervo tequila, and is considered the first tequila factory and oldest distillery in Latin America. Guests to the impressive grounds of el Mundo Cuervo can tour the production facility, view the distillation process and taste Cuervo tequila. Those who opt out of a paid tour can still explore some of the elaborate grounds for free.

If tequila tasting seems a bit overwhelming or you don’t know where to start, try a tequila flight at La Cata. La Cata’s tasting room boasts a knowledgeable staff and vast selection of tequilas, mezcals, and sotols. Tequila newbies and aficionados alike will enjoy tasting flights designed to highlight the many nuances of tequila based on production, region and other variables.

La Capilla is the oldest bar in town. Here you will find a mix of locals and tourists. Try the Batanga, the bar’s signature cocktail of tequila, cola, and lime. Skeptical? I was too. Just try it and you’ll surprise yourself by ordering a second round.

Dining

As Tequila is a popular day trip destination, there are abundant dining options during the day but fewer options for dinner, so plan accordingly. Start your day with breakfast at el Mercado de Comidas “Cleofas Mota.” While it can be a bit overwhelming when you first walk in, this indoor food market offers a food court-like dining experience with delicious, traditional meals. Certain tables are assigned to certain establishments- look for the menus on the tables or just ask for clarification. Try the fresh squeezed fruit juices and enchiladas at Dona Carmen. You will also find taco trucks during the day and evenings just outside the Mercado. Alternatively, for an inexpensive typical lunch, order a torta at Lonche Loraina. For dinner Restaurante Real Marinero has an extensive menu of seafood and non-seafood dinner options. The Pina Real is a delicious melange of seafood and cheese stuffed in a pineapple half. Que Rico!

History and Culture

Tequila has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for over 2000 years and was founded by the Spanish in 1530. With it’s winding cobblestoned streets, colonial architecture, and colorful street art, one could easily spend a day wandering through the town’s historic barrios. The Plaza Principal is the perfect launching spot to discover the small town. During the day this plaza comes alive with vendors, artists, tequila stands, and street food. Your first order of business should be to grab a Paloma from one of the tequila stands, and savor this delicious blend of tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, and grapefruit soda served in a clay cantarito.

The Plaza Principal is surrounded by various attractions, including the famous Restaurante Fonda Cholula, tasting rooms, the Tequila Museum, and the town’s baroque church, La Parroquia Santiago Apostle. You won’t want to miss the Danza de los Voladores, when flying dancers perform their ritual dance atop a 30 meter high pole. This indigenous ceremony consists of five Voladores climbing up a wooden pole, then launching themselves from the pole and performing a stunning and elegant spinning descent.

As you explore Tequila’s streets you will come across markers for La Ruta del Tequila, connecting over 150 registered tequila distilleries in the towns of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitán. Keep an eye out for these markers to guide you to the distilleries in the hills of Tequila. In addition to visiting the distilleries mentioned above, if you want to get up close to the scenic agave fields, take a guided horseback riding tour. You can book a private tour at La Cofradia shop located on the Plaza Principal. The riding tour will take you directly from the center of town to trails that wind behind the town’s factories, into the countryside and along the blue agave farms.

Production of tequila is limited to the entire state of Jalisco and defined regions of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila production is proudly integrated in the culture and spirit of Jalisco, and learning about the art and history of this famous spirit will leave you thirsty for more. Otra tequila, por favor!

Where to stay

If you’re willing to splurge a little, Hacienda La Cofradia offers the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in tequila country. Here you can stay adjacent to La Cofradia’s distillery and agave fields in boutique rooms shaped like oak barrels. Indulge your adventurous spirit with hands-on tours and day excursions, followed by the opportunity to relax with a good meal and a dip in the pool. La Cofradia is located just outside of the town of Tequila.

A less pricey and more centrally located option is Hotel Plaza Jardin, located directly on the Plaza Principal. The hotel rooms are simple and clean with friendly and helpful service. A rooftop patio provides a comfortable spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the spectacular view of the Plaza and town.

While there are limited Airbnb choices, there are some cozy options at amazingly inexpensive prices both in town and a short walk from the town’s center.