Introduction
In the following guide we will tell you the details about how the most symbolic drink in Mexico is produced, so attending the Tequila Route is a fantastic opportunity to get it.
You will be able to know which are its most relevant stops and what you can do to get to know it by your own means, so if you are planning a visit to Tequila, Jalisco and want to know more, this is the post you have been waiting for the most.
What is the Tequila Route?
It is a multi-themed tourist route that is part of the Tourist Routes of Mexico and the State of Jalisco. It is made up of the municipalities of Tequila (Magic Town), Amatitán, El Arenal, Magdalena, Ahualulco, San Juanito de Escobedo, Etzatlán and Teuchitlán.
This tour will take you through different towns in the Jalisco region, where you can enjoy the traditions of this region as well as its rich gastronomy and culture.
It was built in 2006 due to the patrimonial declaration of the Agavero Landscape and the Old Tequila Facilities and has 8 municipalities near the Valles de Jalisco Region where there are different tourist attractions.
The route has two roads that surround the Tequila Volcano, which are:
The traditional agave route: it is made up of Arenal, Amatitán, Tequila and Magdalena along Highway 15
The gastronomic cultural route: it is on the other side of the Volcano on Highway 4 with San Juanito de Escobedo, Etzatlán, Teuchitlán and Ahualulco de Mercado.
It has the purpose of promoting tourism in the region and is positioned little by little as one of the most outstanding routes to visit in Mexico.
The Tequila Train
If you want to travel the Tequila Route, one way to go is by train, there are two purely tourist lines and they are the Jose Cuervo Train and the Herradura Express Train. So traveling by train will be an unforgettable and amazing experience for this visit.
Jose Cuervo Train
The train can take you to the Pueblo Mágico Tequila, and usually starts with a visit to the Fabrica Rojeña (one of the oldest distilleries in Latin America with games, agave fields, music and shows).
It includes:
- the trip in the express wagons.
- Get to know the agave fields with a demonstration of jima
- Light food service and cocktails with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila
- La Rojeña distillery tour
- Free access to the Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center
- Free time to visit the Magical Town of Tequila
- A mexican show
- Traditional toast with one of the Premium tequilas of the house.
Rate: $2850 mxn per person
Minors: (6 to 17 years old) $2335 mxn per person
The Premium Plus Wagon is ideal for travelers over 18 years of age and is an exclusive means normally for 4 people. It gives a plus to this experience with fun, food tasting and cocktails.
Rate: $3,215 mxn per person
The Diamond wagon, to travel like an aristocrat and your experience is full of luxuries. The spaces are private, capable of accommodating between 4 and 10 people with a unique decoration.
Rate: $3,590 mxn per person
This is the Jose Cuervo Express Elite experience, it is unforgettable. It has large panoramic windows of the carriage so you don’t miss anything from outside and delight your palate with the exclusive cocktails of Tequila Reserva de la Familia. So it will be an authentic Mexican party.
Rate: $3,885 mxn per person
All the options to choose from have a duration of 11 hours and there is a sunrise and sunset itinerary.
Horseshoe Express Train
Aboard this train is the most interesting way to explore the land of tequila. It is every Saturday, and the hours are from 09:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Includes:
- Exclusive round transportation from your hotel
- Round transportation aboard the Herradura Express Train
- Open bar with tequila drinks
- Live music and mariachi show
- Gourmet food
- Departure to Amatitan, Jalisco
- Transfer by luxury tourist bus to casa herradura
- Herradura Distillery Tour
The first category is Herradura Express:
It is equipped with fresh and youthful seats, a tour by an expert guide through the hacienda and enjoy its exquisite Mexican food.
Rate: $2990 mxn
The second category is Herradura Express Intermediate Wagon:
A comfortable and private experience with four comfortable seats and a table to enjoy, as well as an expert guide.
Rate: $3190 mxn
The third option is Herradura Express Vagón Club Bar (VIP)
It is a luxury car with an exclusive service of mixology, appetizers and drinks with lounge-type rooms and music. You have to attend a tasting of Herradura tequila directly from the Alambique, Ultra and Supreme Selection.
Rate: $3390 mxn
Activities in the Tequila Route
One of the most interesting activities to do is to visit the distilleries along the way, some are:
- Casa Marengo: ideal to start the tour of the Arenal
- Don Valente Tequila: recognized for traditional processes
- Tequila Cascahuín: it is one of the oldest and originates from the year 1904
- Casa Herradura: it is an unforgettable learning and tasting experience
- La Rojeña: it is one of the most famous to visit in tequila, and the Mundo Cuervo distillery
- La Cofradía: It is made up of a distillery, hotel and museum, which is a 100% attraction
- Casa Orendain: is a family factory since 1844 and produces one of the best tequilas.
- La Fortaleza: create the famous tequila los abuelos and includes a visit to the Museo de los Abuelos.
- La Rienda: it has been producing for more than 50 years and this is the Casa Rubio distillery, it includes a ride on the famous mobile chili.
- La Alborada: Apart from drinks, it creates jams, syrups and cookies.
- Casa Sauza: your visit includes a demonstration of how it is produced, planting an agave and tasting what makes it unique.
The magical tequila town, is the Juan Beckmann cultural center and you will hear amazing legends about it.
Opal handicrafts: they are mines and handicrafts that are found in the madeleine
Another of the best kept secrets is the Cascada los Azules, the waterfall is one of the most extreme activities in the area.
Guachimontones: one of the most mysterious archaeological sites and it is believed that it was a ceremonial center for the worship of an Aztec god (Ehécatl).
Recommended stays
Hotel Matices de Barricas: Here it offers you an unforgettable experience sleeping in an authentic barrel
Hotel Solar de las Ánimas: The best for an environment with a restaurant, swimming pool, bar and gym qualified with 5 stars.
Hotel Villa Tequila: It is another of the 5-star hotels in Tequila, has an affordable price and has a pool, whirlpool, spa area and restaurant.
Ranch el carmen: It is between Ahualulco and Tenochtitlan, it is an impressive location surrounded by agave fields.
Additional recommendations
Some additional tips to go to this destination is to find out how you want to go and what the tequila route tours include.
It is important how much you want to invest in this trip and how you will do it on your own or through an agency.
Book everything in advance, that is, hotels, tours, means of transport.
Don’t forget to learn mariachi songs.
Do not forget to try everything that the local and regional gastronomy of the places you visit offers.
If you decide to go on your own, choose a designated driver who is free to drink any type of alcohol.
We hope this article has served you as a guide to show why it is important to know all the details about this interesting route and encourage you to get to know it because it is one of the most important routes in Mexico.