Tequila, Mexico: A Pueblo Magico Experience
Tequila, Mexico lives up to its Pueblo Magico designation, showcasing its charm and heritage.
You’d think it would be hard to live up to being designated a “magical” town, but Tequila, Mexico more than delivers on the hype. Nestled deep within the state of Jalisco in central Mexico, this tiny community, recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism, has been experiencing a renaissance, thanks in large part to its famous drink.
Though the town predates the spirit itself, people from across the globe are now discovering that, similar to Champagne, their glass of tequila has a unique story rooted in a culturally rich region.
While being in Tequila is an excellent experience, traveling to the town is just as captivating as the destination itself. Let’s begin this extraordinary journey!
Getting to Tequila
To reach the enchanting town of Tequila, one must first travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, a destination brimming with its own charm. It’s advisable to allocate at least one day to relax, savor the local cuisine, and explore the hidden gems of Mexico’s second-largest city.
In Guadalajara, a plethora of quaint coffee shops beckons you to sip and savor, alongside whimsical pop-up artist shops in Tlaquepaque, where you are likely to leave with an assortment of unique items. Be sure not to miss trying the restaurant’s grasshopper guacamole; while it sounds unusual, the combination of smoky grasshoppers and creamy avocados is genuinely culinary perfection.
Traveling to the Heart of Tequila
After an unforgettable night in Guadalajara, it’s time to journey to your main destination: Tequila. By far, the best way to travel is by boarding the Jose Cuervo Express.
This vintage-style, black and gold train is a sight to behold as it pulls into the station, ready to transport you to a place where agave is harvested by hand. Cowboys still ride out daily on horseback to tend to their crops, adding to the town’s charm.
Once onboard the train, which operates only on weekends, upgraded first-class guests are seated in plush booths equipped with three expertly crafted tequila tastings. A platter of candied agave, coffee beans, oak barrel shavings, and lime rinds awaits to enhance your experience as you glide through the pristine Mexican countryside.
Throughout the journey, a master tequilier educates guests on tequila fundamentals that you might not already know. For instance, always ensure that your tequila is made from 100% agave unless it’s destined for a margarita, in which case it should be labeled “Especial.” To test the quality of tequila, simply rub some drops in your hands: if they feel sticky, it indicates the presence of added sugars, such as corn syrup, which usually signals lower quality.
One of the tequilier’s most valuable tips is how to truly savor tequila: inhale deeply, hold your breath, take a sip, swallow, then exhale. This technique helps mitigate the burn and allows the flavors to envelop your taste buds.
Before you realize it, the train rolls into Tequila, greeted by a symphony of mariachi music filling the air. Stepping off the train feels like a journey back in time, as the warm Mexican sun and lively ambiance create an incredibly inviting atmosphere.
Exploring Tequila
The town’s center hosts around 40,000 residents and features colorful shops, comfortable hotels such as Los Abolengos Grand Class Casona Hotel, and the Matices Hotel de Barricas. However, the highlight of the visit is Mundo Cuervo, which is uniquely situated in the town’s square and has been a brewing staple for over 150 years.
Mundo Cuervo’s hotel, known as Hotel Solar de las Animas, boasts a stunning entryway that sets the tone for its magical ambiance filled with history. Although it was built in the last decade, the hotel exudes an old-world charm that integrates seamlessly with the town.
Guests can enjoy the rooftop spa and jacuzzi, lounge by the pool, peruse the expansive library, or visit the hotel’s bars for complimentary tastings.
The rooms are designed to make guests feel a world away, featuring spacious oak beds adorned with bright-white linens adjacent to writing desks, perfect for inspiration. Portraits of families from ancient Mexico decorate the walls, enhancing the environment.
Don’t be startled if you hear a loud “bang” at dawn; it’s simply the town’s tradition of welcoming the day with fireworks, courtesy of the hotel’s prime location.
Rising early offers the chance to explore the agave fields nearby. These vibrant green plants stretch endlessly toward the horizon, nurtured by rich volcanic soil from a dormant volcano that hasn’t erupted in 30,000 years.
For a stunning view, guests can horseback ride with a jimador, an expert in agave tending who harvests the plants once they reach maturity, which can take nearly a decade. However, the pace of life here is refreshingly unhurried.
During the horseback tour, a guide shares tequila’s fascinating history, revealing legends of how it was first gifted to humanity by the goddess Mayahuel. In short, Mayahuel struck the earth with lightning, igniting an agave plant. The locals savored the sweet syrup flowing out, marking a beautiful beginning for tequila.
Guests may have the incredible opportunity to meet Ismael, a skilled jimador recognized for his ability to harvest hundreds of agave plants daily. He might showcase his abilities and even allow visitors to give it a try; though, be prepared for a few laughs at your attempts.
Following the hands-on experience with agave, guests return to the town, visiting the oldest operational distillery to observe the tequila-making process from start to finish, including a few secrets to uncover along the way.
This immersion leads you to appreciate the rich cultural history that tequila has contributed to this town, this country, and the entire globe, all stemming from a simple green leaf—a gift from a goddess.
At the end of an adventurous day, returning to the conveniently located hotel is a relief. The attentive staff even leaves a hand-blown glass decanter filled with water on your nightstand for a refreshing end to your day.
As Mexico continues to rank as the most visited destination for American tourists, consider doing something extraordinary on your next trip. Learning about and honoring the magic of Tequila in its birthplace offers unique experience to remember.
Just remember to pack some Advil for the next day!
