Your Trip to Guadalajara: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Airport Guide Neighborhoods to Know Best Hotels Top Things to Do Guide to Mariachi Music Nightlife in Guadalajara 48-Hour Itinerary Day Trips From Guadalajara Food to Try Best Restaurants Guide to Tequila Country Your Trip to Guadalajara: The Complete Guide close Overview Destinations Mexico The 10 Best Things to Do in Mexico's Tequila Country By Suzanne Barbezat Suzanne Barbezat Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/01/22 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Instagram Emerson College Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. TripSavvy's fact-checking Ana Alarcon / TripSavvy Whether you're looking to explore Mexican culture or just a super fan of tequila, there's nowhere better to learn about and savor this traditional distilled drink than the blue agave fields spread out over the west-central plains of Mexico. The area known as "Tequila Country" is mainly within the state of Jalisco, where the capital and largest city is Guadalajara. Still, it also spills over into the neighboring states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. But the epicenter is the aptly named town of Tequila, which is just an hour north of Guadalajara. Just like champagne must come from the Champagne region of France, tequila can only legally be produced in the Tequila Country of Mexico. If you're planning a trip to explore the area, there are plenty of great things to do on your travels, ranging from exploring the town of Tequila and touring the Jose Cuervo distillery to spending the night in a boutique hotel or hacienda (ranch or estate) among the blue agave fields. 01 of 10 Try a Batanga at Tequila's Oldest Bar Lara Hata / Getty Images View Map Address Hidalgo 34, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal., Mexico Get directions Phone +52 33 1210 7519 When it comes to enjoying tequila, there's no better place to sample this western Mexico brew than a local bar in the town of Tequila. Locals drink tequila in one of two ways (and taking a shot isn't one of them). They'll either order a fine tequila and sip on it to savor the flavor—much like you would with a good Scotch or whiskey—or drink a batanga. Batangas are a mixed drink of tequila, lime, and Coca-Cola, and it was invented right in the town of Tequila in the typical cantina, La Capilla. Bartenders in La Capilla mix the drink with a knife previously used to cut up limes, jalapeños pepper, and avocados, infusing the drink with the subtle flavor of a Mexican dish. You can drink a margarita anywhere in the world, but when you're in Tequila, don't overlook the batanga. Continue to 2 of 10 below. 02 of 10 Hike to a Waterfall Secretaria de Turismo de Mexico View Map Address Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico Get directions The Cascada Los Azules waterfall is infamously difficult to find, but those who make it all agree it's worth searching for. This idyllic spot is only about 45 minutes to an hour from the town center of Tequila by foot, but you may need to ask locals for some directions to get started. Once you find the path, follow the red markers through tropical groves of mango and chirimoya trees until you reach the falls. It's downhill and relatively easy hike to reach the falls, but make sure you're prepared for the uphill trek on your way back into town. Because of the local climate, the falls flow all year long, and you don't need to worry about them being dried up when you visit. You could start in the morning and be back in town by early afternoon, but it's best to take your time and stay to enjoy this idyllic paradise. Booking a tour is always an option. Continue to 3 of 10 below. 03 of 10 Experience the Magical Town of Tequila Ana Alarcon / TripSavvy View Map Address C. Priv. Oaxaca, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal., Mexico Get directions The town of Tequila was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 for the unique features of its natural landscape and cultural traditions. Due to its cultural and historical significance, it is also one of the few places that the Mexican government has dubbed pueblos mágicos (magical towns). Your visit to Tequila Country would not be complete without a stroll along the cobblestone streets of this charming town, which contains a living, working landscape of agave fields, distilleries, factories, and haciendas. Stop by Plaza Principal de Tequila, the town's main square, to visit its parish church, La Parroquia Santiago Apóstol, which dates back to the 18th century. The church has a stone facade, a bell tower, and inverted, truncated pyramid pilasters that flank the main portal. Inside, there is a statue of Our Lady of the Conception that has stood watch over the church since it was sculpted in 1865. Also, stop by the Municipio de Tequila (Town Hall), which is located across the main plaza and features artwork by Manuel Hernández that highlights the significance of the agave plant in pre-colonial Mexico as well as the Aztec goddess Mayahuel, who is associated with fertility and nourishment. Continue to 4 of 10 below. 04 of 10 See Agave Harvested in the Traditional Way Matt Mawson / Getty Images In Tequila Country, you can see how the drink is produced, from the agave field to the finished bottled product, starting with la jima, which refers to harvesting the agave plant. Agave is harvested traditionally in a very labor-intensive manner wherein the worker, called a jimador, uses a special tool like a sharp, pointed shovel to remove the spikes from the agave and extract the heart of the plant, the piña, which resembles a pineapple when the spines are removed. The best way to fully experience tequila-making is to join a tour that takes you out into the agave fields and the local distilleries. Several tour operators leave Tequila and Guadalajara, such as Tequila Tour by Mickey Marentes or through the Destilería La Fortaleza. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Tour the Jose Cuervo La Rojeña Distillery Hugo Ortu±o Sußrez / Getty Images View Map Address José Cuervo # 73, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal., Mexico Get directions Phone +52 374 742 6717 Web Visit website The oldest active distillery in Tequila Country is known for producing the world-famous Jose Cuervo brand. Known as La Rojeña, this distillery offers tours periodically throughout the day, where guests are invited to witness how this signature drink is made and bottled. During the 90-minute guided tour of La Rojeña, you'll see the agave hearts being chopped up and taken to the ovens, the labs where the tequila is tested to be sure that it meets the factory's strict standards, and the barrels where the spirit is aged, up to one year for reposado (rested) tequila, up to five years for añejo (aged), and up to eight years for the special product, Reserva de la Familia. After the tour, stick around for a tasting of the Reserva brand of Jose Cuervo. Continue to 6 of 10 below. 06 of 10 Enjoy Mariachis, Voladores, and Charros Hugo Ortu±o Sußrez / Getty Images The Mexican state of Jalisco is considered the cradle of charrería rodeos and mariachi music. Visitors to Tequila can witness some of these cultural events and performances at several regional venues, especially in Guadalajara. Charrería is Mexico's national sport, consisting of charros/charras (cowboys and girls) that dress in clothing seen on mariachi bands and do various tricks and maneuvers on horseback or foot. During this Mexican-style rodeo, the charros lead their horses through fancy step work and perform rope work called Floreo de Soga, featuring intricate moves with a lasso. Head to the Lienzo Charro del Tequila near the middle of town to catch one of these shows while you're in Tequila. On the other hand, voladores (flying dancers) mainly originate from the state of Puebla, where the ritual was born. However, they are also a regular fixture in Tequila and often perform their dance in the Plaza Principal. During voladores' shows, the performers spin around a tall wooden pole from which they are attached by their ankles. The ceremony has even been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Continue to 7 of 10 below. 07 of 10 Take a Train Ride Through Tequila Country Luis Davilla / Getty Images View Map Address Av. Circunvalación Agustín Yáñez 11, Moderna, 44190 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico Get directions Phone +52 374 742 6729 Web Visit website Take the tequila train if you want to make your visit to the tequila country a memorable day-long excursion. The Jose Cuervo Express departs from Guadalajara on Saturdays (some Fridays and Sundays). It takes just over an hour to reach Tequila after winding through the beautiful blue agave-covered region. After the ride, you can take a complimentary tour of La Rojeña Distillery as part of your ticket price for the train. Alternatively, the Tequila Express departs Guadalajara and visits the Herradura Distillery but doesn't visit the town of Tequila. Continue to 8 of 10 below. 08 of 10 Visit the Tequila Museum Courtesy of National Museum of Tequila View Map Address José Cuervo 33, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal., Mexico Get directions Phone +52 374 742 0012 Web Visit website Besides visiting distilleries, you can also visit the National Museum of Tequila, located in the town of Tequila proper. Opened in 2000, the museum traces the origins of agave cultivation in the region from pre-Hispanic times to the present. It contains over 300 artifacts on display in five permanent exhibit halls. The National Museum of Tequila is housed in a building from the late Porfirian period, which features stunning archways and a central courtyard where you'll find a pre-Hispanic oven and a mill. You'll learn all about the cultivation of agave dating back to ancient times when the fermented drink from agave was known as pulque. Although there is some question about whether the people of Mesoamerica were familiar with the distillation process before the arrival of the Spaniards, it is likely that the distilled spirit of tequila we know today was not produced until after the 15th century. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Indulge Your Taste Buds at a Traditional Restaurant Courtesy of Hotel Villa Tequila Food is a big part of the cultural landscape of Tequila Country, and there are plenty of restaurants in the town of Tequila where you can indulge your taste buds with some of the finest Mexican cuisines in the region. For lunch, consider stopping by Amor de Mis Amores in downtown Tequila for a family-style dining experience complete with authentic enchiladas and birria, a spicy stew originating in the state of Jalisco made with goat meat and a variety of legumes. For dinner, stop by La Antigua Casona, which features excellent cocktails in a cozy, casual setting, or check out the Hotel Villa Tequila, which features a tequila-themed bar right beside the outdoor pool. Continue to 10 of 10 below. 10 of 10 Spend the Night in a Mexican Hacienda Courtesy of Hotel Solar de las Ánimas As one of the largest towns in the region, Tequila offers plenty of options for places to stay overnight, both in and out of the town. For a longer stay, a good option is the boutique Hotel Solar de las Animas, which is located adjacent to the church of Santiago Apostol in the heart of Tequila and features luxurious rooms, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and stunning views of the town and volcano. Other great haciendas in and around Tequila include Hotel Villa Tequila, Matices Hotel de Barricas, and Hotel Boutique Quinta Tequillan. Those looking for an event space need look no further than the Hacienda El Centenario, a lovely spot for a wedding or any other large event. The hacienda has meeting spaces and beautiful grounds that can accommodate a few hundred guests. Stroll through the gardens, relax by one of many fountains, or tour the estate itself. Article Sources TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy. UNESCO. "Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila." Retrieved March 31, 2021 Chadwick, Ian. "In Search of the Blue Agave: History and Culture". 2004 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email