Tequila

Jalisco town surrounded by blue agave fields, the historic heart of Mexico's tequila industry.

The town of Tequila sits in the fertile volcanic foothills about an hour west of Guadalajara, surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of spiky blue agave — the plant from which Mexico's most famous spirit is distilled. The blue agave landscape here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the rows of silvery-blue plants stretching across the red volcanic soil are a striking sight.

Every bottle labelled "tequila" must be distilled in a designated region, and the town of Tequila is the historic heart of the industry. The original distilleries of Jose Cuervo, Sauza, Orendain, and other well-known names are all here, and most offer tours and tastings. At Cuervo World you can visit the distillery, tour the old hacienda, and taste your way through the range. The Tequila Museum in town gives a broader overview of the spirit's history and the bewildering variety of tequilas available.

Getting here is easy. Local buses leave Guadalajara's Old Bus Station (near Parque Agua Azul) every 15 minutes and take about 90 minutes. The "Tequila Express" train tour from Guadalajara includes tasting, food, and mariachi music, though note that it actually stops at Amatitán (Casa Herradura's base), not the town of Tequila itself. Driving is the most flexible option — and you can always designate a driver.

Guide

Getting There

Tequila is about 60 km northwest of Guadalajara, and getting there is straightforward.

By bus. Local buses run from Guadalajara's old bus station near Parque Agua Azul every 15 minutes or so throughout the day. The journey takes around 90 minutes and is the cheapest and most practical option for independent visitors.

By car. The drive from Guadalajara on the Guadalajara–Tepic motorway (highway 15D) takes about an hour. Parking in the town centre is available but can be tight on weekends. A designated driver is obviously the sensible approach given the purpose of the visit.

By train (tourist). The "Tequila Express" is a tourist train that runs from Guadalajara on weekends and includes food, mariachi music, and tequila tastings. Note that it actually stops at Amatitán, the base of the Casa Herradura distillery, rather than the town of Tequila itself — enjoyable, but a different experience from visiting the town. Check current schedules with the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce, which operates the service.

Guide

Things to Do

Tequila is a small town with one big reason to visit: the spirit that carries its name. The distilleries here are the main draw, and most welcome visitors with tours and tastings. Beyond the agave fields, the town has a pleasant colonial centre with a baroque church, a main plaza for people-watching, and a dedicated museum that puts the whole industry into context.

A full day is enough to visit one or two distilleries, the museum, and the plaza. If you want to explore the blue agave landscape on foot or by horseback, factor in extra time — the fields stretch for kilometres in every direction.