Tequila Destination Guide

This destination guide of Tequila will show you what the little town of Tequila is all about. About 60 km from the city of Guadalajara, Tequila, Mexico is world famous for one thing.

Tequila!

One of the world's most-loved drinks gets its name from this town, not because it's produced the most here (which it is) or its origins are in the blue agave plant that's found in plenty here, but because this is where the drink was born.

Ironically, Tequila the town has to thank the drink that was born here for the little amount of fame or attention it receives. Tequila was also declared a World Heritage site and has a very charming little story as to how it got its name - it's derived from the word ‘Nahuatl', which means "place of tribute". Now you know why you thank your stars every time a margarita is placed in front of you!

Having all the Tequilas in the world in one place is not the only thing this town boasts.

Earlier in this decade, the Mexican Federal Government conferred the title of "Pueblo Magico" on this town - a magical town. You don't have to have a couple of shots of tequila to see that this sleepy little town is indeed magical. The first inhabitants of this town that came into being in the 16th century were a tribe of people that moved from a mountain called the Tequila Volcano.

A modestly populated town, its architecture and structures have been preserved through the ages. The local church, Our Lady of the Purisima Concepcion is a beautiful two-level stone structure with a bell tower - yes, just the kind you'd have seen in all the Magnificent Seven movie franchises. Don't miss the 250-year-old statue of the Lady of the Concepcion inside.

The one thing that sets apart a heritage site and a modern city is the undisturbed beauty of old architecture. If you're someone who marvels at the sheer resilience of an old building that has stood the test of time, Tequila won't disappoint you. Notable structures other than the church include the National Museum of Tequila, the world famous Quinta Sauza distillery and the La Perserverancia distillery. The distilleries offer guided tours to visitors and tourists; there's even a regional craft centre inside, where you can buy little Tequila keepsakes for people back home.

About 10 km outside the town, you'll find the Sanctuary of Saint Gonzalez, a saint who was recently canonised by John Paul II. This sanctuary is situated at the very spot where the saint was shot during the Cristero War of 1926.

Now comes the more interesting part - what can you do in a town called Tequila that offers you tequila tourism? If you're lucky enough to be in this part of the world between November and December, you could be lucky enough to witness the annual Tequila Festival firsthand.

If all the tequilas in the world in one place aren't incentive enough for the choosy ones, you'll see a parade float, mariachi singers, and rides. There is also a very humbling tradition that this drink-happy town participates in every day. At around 9 pm, the priest rings the church bell thrice and every single resident of Tequila stops whatever it is they are doing and observes a minute of prayer and blessing.

If you're not able to make it during the Tequila Festival, you can always count on Tequila Tourism. You can see how tequila is made from mescal and take the Tequila route. This route is intended to promote the tourism in neighbouring towns and the vast blue agave fields, which are the source of the drink. There is also the Tequila Express, a train that takes you through the country accompanied by mariachi singers.

And oh, that thing about some tequilas having live worms in them? It's an urban legend.