Tequila
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◈ It’s the heart of the tequila industry, but this town is much more than just distilled agave. It’s all the friendly culture around its flavor, history, and preparation and it’s also a series of wonderful landscapes that you can explore while in town.
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◆ Checking out at least two tequila factories with tastings.
◆ Galloping among the tequila fields.
◆ Spending the night at La Cofradía, the only hotel with a tequila distillery.
Photograph the agave landscape and its emblematic spirit.
❖ Downtown
Around the main square or Plaza Principal there are many restaurants, as well as handicrafts shops and stalls.
Some of the products that stand out are the liqueur bottles, tequila glasses, leather flasks, decorations made from the agave core and leaves, as well as saddlery workshops. Additionally, there’s a gazebo in the middle of the plaza, surrounded by benches that are just perfect for enjoying the evening.
❖ Tequila Factories
Learn about the history of the old tequila factories, the processes and different types of tequila.
Check out tequila factories such as José Cuervo, Casa Sauza, La Fortaleza, Auténtica Tequilera, Orendain, La Cofradía, and others for an unforgettable and fun experience.
Don’t miss the Paseo del Río pedestrian walkway and Los Lavaderos—wash basins built in the early 20th century.
❖ Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo
From the entrance you can see everything this cultural center has in store: a series of 17th to 19th-century carriages. Inside the building, there is a collection of over 1,500 miniature pre-Hispanic faces, a very complete charrería exhibit showing Tequila’s identity and culture; an abstract art and Mexican folk art masters exhibition that can be seen inside the cultural center. As you walk around the center, you’ll see the works of José Luis Cuevas in the hallways.
Once you’ve toured downtown, check out the venue’s architecture while you chill out in the cafeteria.
❖ Take In the Agave Landscape from the Tequila Volcano
Climb the volcano for a chance to enjoy nature and take in the agave landscape which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore this extinct volcano that last erupted 22,000 years ago. It has an altitude of 9,613 feet above sea level, is made up of microclimates and was considered a “sacred mountain” by pre-Hispanic cultures. Get in touch with a specialized tour agency to go hiking, camping or rock climbing around the area.
❖ Gallop Among the Agave Fields
Enjoy the tequila route on horseback. You’ll see what it was like back when that’s how they got around. On the way, you’ll find the stunning agave landscapes that have been recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Book a tour with Aventúrate por Jalisco and start your ride from the cobblestone streets of the heart of the Magical Town of Tequila.
❖ Shop for Tequila and Handicrafts
Naturally, there are hundreds of tequila bottles you can buy. Make sure they have their official seals and logos. There are also tons of tequila accessories: little barrels, mugs, shot classes, leather-coated flasks, etc. The local saddlery is highly recommended. If you want some jewelry made with regional materials, you’ll also find it here.
❖ Check Out the Guachimontones Ruins
With their history, peculiar architecture, and location on the skirts of the Tequila Volcano facing the Vega dam, Guachimontones is one of the most stunning archeological sites in western Mexico.
Its name refers to its large conical structures. As a city and ceremonial center, it was the largest of the Teuchitlán people.
It is famous for the tumbas de tiro (shaft tombs), el palo del volador (a flying pole with a single sacred dancer that imitates the flight of the soaring bird), intense obsidian exploitation, anthropomorphic figurines, and circular-structure architecture. Recent investigations have revealed that this culture developed between the year 350 B.C. and 350 A.D.
❖ Day of the Holy Cross
This is one of the biggest feast days in Tequila. Each year, there are pilgrimages and traditional dances accompanied by drums, bells and fireworks.
When: May
❖ Feria Nacional del Tequila
As a way to celebrate Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin of Guadalupe, the National Tequila Fair was born, commemorating the state’s most representative elements: tequila, charrería, cockfights, floats, livestock exhibitions, mariachi presentations, rides, street theater, food fairs, fireworks, crowning of the queen, and tequila tastings.
When: late November to early December.
❖ Mexican Independence Day Festivities
What better place to find mariachis, tequila, and your favorite Mexican foods than this town? In addition to light shows, games of skill, and fireworks, next to the church they put up a stage where musical groups perform. At 11 p.m. they give the famous “grito” or “shout” of Independence.
When: September 15
