Tequila route by car: distilleries, towns and tradition
Tequila Road Trip by Car: Jalisco at its Maximum Expression
If you are looking for an authentic Mexican experience, the Tequila Route in Jalisco is an adventure that will take you to enjoy the culture, landscapes, gastronomy and, of course, the most emblematic drink of the country. Doing this tour in a rental car from Guadalajara gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover unique corners among fields of blue agave, old haciendas and villages full of history. That's why, from Hertz Mexico we are going to tell you everything you need to organize this unmissable trip.
Where does the Tequila Route start?
The Tequila Route starts in Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco and a modern city that deeply preserves its roots. From there, you can easily rent a car and start your trip to the Highlands and Valleys of Jalisco, areas declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO for their importance in the production of tequila. Renting a car in Guadalajara allows you to make spontaneous stops, get off the beaten tourist track and live the experience in a more personal way. In addition, there are places to visit in Tequila that are not always connected by public transportation, such as agave fields, viewpoints, artisan factories or small towns with unique traditions.
First stop: The town of Tequila
Just an hour and a half from Guadalajara, the town of Tequila marks the perfect start for an adventure along the Tequila Route. This Magical Town is the cradle of Mexico's most emblematic drink, but also a destination with its own identity. To walk through its streets is to immerse oneself in a past of colorful houses, century-old cantinas, period temples and aromas that betray the proximity of the distilleries.
Some of the places to visit in Tequila Jalisco for free are:
The Main Square: meeting point full of mariachis and artisans.
The parish church of Santiago Apostle: imposing, with its baroque façade and bell tower that dominates the urban landscape.
The National Tequila Museum (MUNAT): admission is free on Sundays and offers a visual narrative on the history and evolution of tequila.
Haciendas and distilleries with living history
The Tequila Route comes alive in its legendary distilleries. Some that should be part of the tour are:
Jose Cuervo - Mundo Cuervo: factory, boutique hotel and nightly shows in the same complex.
Casa Sauza: carriage ride through agave fields, guided tastings and a touch of elegance.
Destilería La Rojeña: the oldest distillery on the continent, with tours that are a living history lesson.
Charming towns on the Tequila Route
In addition to the town of Tequila, there are other towns on the route that are worth a visit: Amatitán Known as the “heart of the agave,” Amatitán is home to small family-owned factories where tequila is still made as it was in the old days. Here you can find much more intimate and authentic tours, far from mass tourism.
Arenal A quiet little town surrounded by green landscapes. Ideal to stop to eat in typical fondas, taste birria jalisciense or buy handmade sweets. It also has some places to visit, such as viewpoints and rural roads perfect for photos.
Magdalena and Teuchitlán Magdalena is famous for its opal mines, while Teuchitlán is home to the Guachimontones, a unique archeological site with circular pyramids. Ideal for combining pre-Hispanic history with nature.
Local gastronomy and traditions
The Tequila Route can also be enjoyed with the palate. In each town you will find local cuisines with traditional dishes: meat in its juice, tortas ahogadas, pozole rojo, birria and many recipes with agave as the main ingredient.
Remember to try Tejuino, a fermented corn and piloncillo drink; tequila snow, refreshing and with just the right touch of alcohol and pot coffee with agave liqueur, for cooler afternoons. During your tour, you will surely come across a patron saint festival, live mariachi or charrería demonstrations. These Tequila traditions add a unique character to the trip. Many of these events are free and open to the public and the locals are always hospitable to visitors.
When is the best time to do the Tequila Route?
The best time to travel the route is between November and April, when the weather is drier and the roads are in better condition. However, if you want to see the agave fields at their best, June and July offer an incredible green landscape thanks to the rains. In addition, September is National Tequila Day, so there are festivals, concerts and promotions at several distilleries.
Suggested 4-day route by car
Day 1: Departure from Guadalajara to Tequila (1:30 h by car). Tour of the historic center, main square, Santiago Apostle Parish Church and the National Tequila Museum.
Day 2: Visit to iconic distilleries such as Jose Cuervo, Casa Sauza and La Rojeña, with tastings, shows and typical food.
Day 3: Walk through the agave fields in Amatitán, followed by a stop in El Arenal and then Magdalena, famous for its obsidian.
Day 4: Archaeological hike through Guachimontones in Teuchitlán and return to Guadalajara.
Tips for your car trip
Rent a car in advance in Guadalajara, especially in high season. From the Hertz Mexico website you can book the car category you need in a fast, easy and safe way.
Respect speed limits and signs, especially in rural areas.
Don't drink if you are going to drive! Ideally, someone in the group should drive or spend the night in one of the hotels along the route.
Traveling the Tequila Route by car from Guadalajara is a way to reconnect with the best of Mexico: its flavors, its history, its traditions and its people.
So if you are planning your next getaway by car, consider this unmissable experience. Pack your bags, rent a car in Guadalajara with Hertz Mexico and get ready to experience the essence of Jalisco at its best.