Tequila is a city located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Guadalajara, the state capital. It is known worldwide for its production of tequila, a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant. So, we stopped by Tequila city to drink tequila and explore the historic center.
History on Tequila city
The city of Tequila has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. The area was originally inhabited by the Tequila indigenous people, who gave the city its name. After the Spanish conquest, the city became an important center of agriculture and commerce, with many large haciendas (estates) producing tequila and other crops.
The city is home to numerous tequila distilleries, many of which offer tours and tastings. You can also explore the historic center of Tequila, which features beautiful colonial-era architecture, as well as several museums and cultural attractions. The city hosts an annual Tequila Festival each November, which celebrates the history and culture of the region and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Our visit to Tequila city- Best Things to see and do in Tequila
Explore the historic center
We started from historic center. Tequila has a rich colonial history, and the historic center is home to many beautiful buildings and landmarks, including the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol, the main church in town, and the Jose Cuervo distillery, which dates back to the 18th century. The church is truly beautiful inside.
Visit the National Museum of Tequila
Our driver recommended visiting this museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of tequila and its production in Mexico. The museum features exhibits on the history of tequila, its cultural significance, and the process of making the spirit. Visiting the museum was kind of educational, but if you are not into spirits history you can totally skip it.
Tasting tequila
After the museum we headed to the city square to try different types of tequila. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, and there are several types of tequila, including blanco, reposado, and añejo. Each type has a different flavor profile, so be sure to try them all. In Tequila they use a traditional clay cup; it’s customary to use a traditional clay cup called a “copita.” This type of cup allows you to savor the tequila’s aroma and flavor.
Eating chapulins
There are different varieties of grasshoppers used in Mexican cuisine, and some may have a stronger taste than others. Some may be spiced or flavored, so be sure to ask about the type and preparation before ordering. So, I tried it and.. it was not bad at all, a bit crunchy, but super doable. If you are adventurous enough to try chapulines, here are my suggestions for you:
- Pair with tequila – Many people enjoy chapulines with tequila, as the flavors complement each other. You can try sipping tequila between bites of chapulines to balance the flavors.
- Keep an open mind – Eating insects may not be a familiar or appealing concept for some people, but it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
Agave Plantation
We stopped by Agave plantation.The agave fields near Tequila, Mexico are a beautiful and iconic landscape that are closely associated with the production of tequila. The agave plantations span over rolling hills and valleys, with the towering blue-green agave plants standing out against the red-brown soil. These fields are home to the Weber blue agave plant, which is the only type of agave that can be used to make tequila. Many agave farms offer tours where you can learn about the history and process of tequila-making, taste different types of tequila, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Take a ride on the Tequila Express
The Tequila Express is a popular tourist train that runs between Guadalajara and Tequila. The train offers scenic views of the Jalisco countryside and includes a tour of a tequila distillery, a traditional Mexican folk dance performance, and a tasting of tequila and other local products. You can add this to your itinerary if you have more that a day to explore Tequila.
Tequila distillery tour
Those tours are super popular in Tequila. During the tour, you can learn about the process of tequila production, from the harvesting of the agave plant to the bottling of the finished product. You’ll also get to witness the traditional method of agave roasting, which gives tequila its unique smoky flavor.
