I invite you to take an unforgettable and romantic tour aboard a train where you will not only learn about tequila, an enigmatic drink and characteristic of the state of Jalisco and the entire Mexican republic, you will also learn about the customs and traditions of this wonderful land full of charms. that you will love Let's go!
What is tequila?
Tequila is a quintessential Mexican drink, this drink is obtained from a plant called agave, also known as maguey. This plant is native to America and is found mainly in desert areas. This plant is composed of stalks and the stem that grows from the center of it can reach ten meters in height. It blooms once in its entire life and after this the plant dies, even so these plants can live from twenty to thirty years. This plant has been used in various ways throughout history, the Mayans and Aztecs used it as a natural sweetener, today it is harvested and used to make various products, such as sweets, jellies, mead, liqueurs and for supposed for the production of the famous Mexican drink, the famous tequila.
This drink has a very strong flavor and the effects it produces on the body cannot be ignored. Many Mexicans like to take it alone in the well-known caballitos, only accompanied by a lemon and salt. If you want the flavor to be less strong, you can combine it with juice or a soft drink, however connoisseurs say that a good tequila drinker drinks it alone, never accompanied. Gentleman!
How is tequila produced?
To produce tequila, the maguey leaves are cut and the heart or center of the plant is cut in two, later it is steam sewn for several hours to carry out the hydrolysis of sugars, later it is ground in a mill to extract its juice. . The juice obtained is then fermented to convert it into ethyl alcohol, the drink is distilled and left to rest in barrels until tequila is obtained, finally diluting it so that it has an alcoholic graduation of 38% by volume and then it is ready to be consumed.
For lovesick, not even the doctors, only tequila saves you!
Where does tequila come from?
The word tequila is a Nahuatl word that means “Place where it is cut”, it is also translated as “Place of tributes”. No one knows the exact history of tequila, however there are several legends about it. It is said that many years ago some natives of the town of Tequila took refuge in a cave due to heavy rains, this cave was surrounded by agave plants, lightning fell on the heart of the maguey, turning it into a kind of mead, the sweet and aromatic The smell that this substance emanated attracted the attention of men who, when tasting it, were delighted with its sweet taste, when tasting the fermented drink they discovered the effects it caused and attributed it to gifts from the gods. This drink was consumed by the chief priests and rulers. Although in reality the tequila drink as it is known today was thanks to the distillation process that the Spanish introduced during the conquest.
If you suffer from a bad flu, drink a tequila, the marvelous drink that heals everything, and if it doesn't cure you, you will surely forget that you were sick.
Where is the magical town "Tequila" located?
This town is located in the center - north of the state of Jalisco, its original name was Santiago de Tequila, now known as the municipality of Tequila. Located approximately one hour away traveling by car or bus from the city of Guadalajara. To the north it borders the state of Zacatecas, to the south with the community of Ahualulco del Mercado, to the east with Zapopan and to the west with La Magdalena. You will find it passing the town of Amatitlán, between Hostotipaquillo and San Cristóbal de la Barranca. In ancient times it was known as Tequilan or Tecuila. The words that characterize the place and are represented in its coat of arms are: Great and noble soul, a virtue that characterizes the population of the place.
A bartender tequila!
What to visit on the tequila route?
Tour on the Tequila Express train
On board this tour you will be offered the tasting of tequila and various national drinks such as liquors or mezcals, if you travel with children they will be able to enjoy prepared fruit waters, juices or soft drinks of different flavors. The tour begins at Casa Herradura where you can observe the ancient and modern process of distillation and preparation of tequila. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the incredible and typical mariachis throughout your tour, and you will be able to listen to several typical songs from the state of Jalisco and the entire Mexican republic. You will also have the opportunity to delight in the typical dances of each region performed by the regional folkloric ballet. In the New Factory you can learn about the most modern processes for the production of this fiery drink. Another place that you will see during the tour is the Casa Herradura located in Amatitlán, where you will also observe the production of tequila. Later you will learn what a jima is and how the agave jima process is carried out.
Once you have learned interesting facts about the production of tequila, you will be offered a second tasting, in this way you will enjoy the drink more because now you will try it by putting what you have learned into practice. You will know the spacious rooms where the tequila is aged in large stacked barrels and there pleasant surprises will await you. Whoops! I can't wait to find out what kind of surprise. Let's get to know them!
What to do in the town of Tequila?
This picturesque magical town full of charm was the home of Chichimec, Otomi, Toltec and Nahuatlec tribes before the arrival of the Spanish. Located in the center - north of the state of Jalisco, it is considered the cradle of tequila and is one of the main producers of tequila in the world. In this town of cobbled streets you can not only buy 100% agave tequila, but also typical local crafts made of oak wood, also known as palo colorado. You will also find pigskin items and an impressive variety of crafts made with agave leaves.
As if this were not enough, you can enjoy the typical food of the place such as Mexican snacks and its traditional drowned cakes, birria or pozole in one of its many restaurants and bars. And after enjoying a delicious meal, a tequila for the breakout or to improve your digestion.
What are laundry rooms?
Place where women washed their clothes in colonial times, located south of the town of tequila. There are versions that here women entertained themselves by commenting on what was happening among their acquaintances, and that many men visited them to make them fall in love. This place is located next to a stream supplied by a spring. Many stories about the town remained locked in its surroundings, and many still remember the phrase "laundry gossip" that became famous because it was common to share information about the locals.
What to do in the main square of Tequila?
This square is located in the center of Tequila, here you can live with the friendly Tapatios and enjoy a peaceful and quiet environment, away from the bustle of the big cities. Around this square you can buy your favorite brand of tequila after having tasted some of its varieties. You will have the opportunity to walk next to the old parish to the main kiosk that is located in the center. You will be able to observe the monument in memory of Sixto Gorjón, a defender hero appreciated by the townspeople, and if you wish you can take a picture in the company of that loved one who accompanies you.
Where is the Templo de la Purisima located?
Located in the center of Tequila, this temple with stone facades was built in the 18th century, has Doric-style columns, and niches of cherubs. Here you can entrust Saint Michael the archangel with some of your problems and achieve some of the blessings that his priests offer every day in the atrium of the church. In the parish temple you will be able to appreciate the image of Our Lady of the Conception, a work that dates from 1865.
Where is the Municipal Presidency of Tequila located?
Located in the center of Tequila, this building that is constantly maintained offers a mural painted by Manuel Hernández where you can appreciate the life and culture of the place in several of its expressions, science, illustrious men and women, nature, customs and traditions , its beautiful women, places to know, charrería, cock fighting, and of course the elaboration of tequila, all embodied in a single canvas that speaks for itself about this magical town, full of charm where the colonial and the pre-Hispanic are mixed of its first settlers.
What to see in the National Tequila Museum? (MUNAT)
If you want to know more about tequila, the history of the town and about the culture of the town, be sure to visit this museum located on Ramon Corona Street, behind the municipal presidency, in one of the old cazonas of the town of Tequila. Here you can appreciate paintings, sculptures, photographic samples of both permanent and temporary exhibitions shown in a total of five rooms. The museum has an impressive collection of bottles donated by the main tequila producers. In one of its rooms you will find information about Mayahuel, the goddess of the maguey and pulque. And if you like good reading, be sure to read "Tequila, history and Tradition", by the author Sandoval Godoy.
Where is a good place to take a good photo?
Undoubtedly, there are many, however we recommend one with the sculptures of the jimadores, in the agave fields, in the copper monuments of people working with the maguey leaves, next to the great Cuervo tequila crow, next to the Giant oil painting by Gabriel Flores in 1969, in the perseverance factory, next to the express train, next to the big barrels of tequila, next to the plaque where UNESCO awarded Tequila the emblem of world heritage. And why not? Toasting in the company of your companions.
What did you think of the tour? I'm dying to get on the train and enjoy the spectacular blue fields of agave and taste the traditional drink of the place. I would like to know if this tour attracts you as much as it does me, please send your comments. !Health!
Resources to visit in Jalisco
The 15 best tourist places in Guadalajara
