Tequila, colourful town full of cheerfulness- Day trip from Guadalajara

08.02.2021.

Who didn’t hear for tequila, a popular mexican drink? Did you know that it actually originated here within agave fields surrounding this lovely and vibrant town?

It’s actually located one hour or 60 km from Guadalajara, the third largest mexican town. Officially known as mexican magic town Santiago de Tequila is nestled under the mountain Chiquihuitillo (now named volcan Tequila) and river Rio Grande. I strongly advise staying few days as Tequila is quite a charming town. A stunning coastal city of Puerto Vallarta is also an incredible place to visit in this part of Mexico.

A bit of history

The ancient people of Teuchitlan started growing blue agava, the unique to this area, which was utilised in producing fabric, paper and even the building material. The ancient tradition of this drink that made agava fields much cultivated is the reason to be signed as UNESCO heritage site.

Once agava was a source of richness as it contributed to the wide buildings. Actually, production as it exists now started around 1800.

Can you imagine what would happen if agava fields would till serve the ancient production? I would certainly cheer it up as alcohol drinks are not my favourite, especially not the strong one’s like tequila.

Day trip from Guadalajara to Tequila

Taking a tour from Guadalajara means going in the big bus with plenty of various touristic agencies, I just took mine from the lovely central hostel I was staying in. We started in one big bus, then changed to another bus and within little more than one hour arrived to Amatital. It’s such an awesome village just before Tequila, where we visited agave fields.

What to expect

Buying the local hats was pretty attractive, counting the affordable prices and various colours. We enjoyed the snack with the colourful orange cocktails. Beyond the tequila degustation, honey from agave was such a pleasant surprise. It was perfect for kids, but also for me as tequila is pretty strong for me. We learned about the production and afterwards visited the cellars for the visual element. The souvenir shop was a fun place to hang out.

What follows was the funniest part- mariachi! Traditional music of this area truly adds to the charm of visit. Everybody dances like it’s not the time of Covid, cheerful music easily gets absorbed.

The buffet lunch

After visiting the buffet lunch we’re heading towards Tequila town. Pretty disappointed with the buffet lunch as there was nothing veggie and the price was very high (250 pesos=little more than 10 euros) so I skipped the lunch.

Only one guy joined me from the hostel, evening before randomly announcing it when I said I go to Tequila. Anyhow, this gave me the feeling that I miss the small group tour. It was so funny that everybody in the bus thought it was my husband and we just met quickly in the hostel.

Houses in the shape of barrel

Houses in the shape of barrel among agava fields were enticing element to visit but nowhere in the sight. They’re actually a part of the hotel which is about 40 minutes walking from the town.

Tequila town- colourful and cheerful

Now comes Tequila town. Cheerful, colourful, people we’re dancing in the centre- soft and very charming. Just made me wish to stay longer.

From the lovely main Cathedral (amazing stain glass inside) with the sign Tequila where there’s a large line for photos. A few steps further you’ll see this colourful mural at one backyard. It’s the Town hall. This amazing mural by the artist Manuel Hernández shows the envolment of tequila plant in pre-collonial Mexico. The female Aztec deity Mayahuel charasterises the importance of fertility and nourishment,

Museum of Tequila

Again in Tequila music awaits me where people dance and buy cocktails with tequila, ice-cream with tequila was a temptation but not having it. Colourful street was a discovery, such a peaceful and elegant feeling with the view od local hill. Still one building upon entrance doesn’t give peace, it was a Museum of tequila with the free entrance.

Seeing people in the vehicles with the shape of the barrel seems so funny.

Final thoughts

Sweet little town Tequila will just impress you, definitely express one of the images we have of Mexico.

Don’t miss if you’re around.