Tequila

The birthplace of tequila and a 'Magic Town.' Visit century-old distilleries, walk through blue agave fields, and take in a UNESCO-listed landscape at the foot of a volcano.

Tequila lies in the Mexican state of Jalisco, about 60 km northwest of Guadalajara. It sits on the northern slope of the nearly 3,000 m Tequila Volcano, a dormant volcano, at the edge of the Santiago River canyon. This is the origin and heartland of tequila, and the surrounding hills are covered in blue-gray Weber blue agave. In 2006, the 'Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila' was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns). Most sights are within walking distance of the old town. They include the main square and the Church of Santiago Apóstol, the National Tequila Museum, and historic distilleries next to the square, such as José Cuervo's La Rojeña and Sauza's La Perseverancia. Guided tours show you the stone ovens where agave hearts are roasted, the stills and the oak barrel cellars, and end with a tasting. Outside town, you can visit small craft distilleries like La Fortaleza, see the Los Azules Waterfalls, or drive 15 km to the Herradura distillery in Amatitán. Best seasons: October through April is the dry season, with clear skies. June through September brings afternoon thunderstorms, but the fields are at their greenest. The National Tequila Festival is held in early December. Getting there: from Guadalajara, take a bus (about 1.5–2 hours), join a day tour, or take the José Cuervo Express sightseeing train on weekends. Plan one day. If you want to relax with a tasting or watch the sunset over the agave fields, stay overnight. Don't drive after tasting. The high-altitude sun is strong, so wear sunscreen. Book distillery tours in advance during peak season and on weekends.

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