A New Chapter for Tequila Tourism
Mexico’s famous Tequila Express train has returned after a nine-year hiatus, once again taking visitors on a scenic ride from Guadalajara to the iconic town of Tequila in Jalisco state. With tequila tourism booming, this immersive journey offers a vibrant mix of cultural heritage, agave field tours, and expertly crafted cocktails on board.
The Rise, Fall, and Return of Tequila Express
Launched in 1997, the Tequila Express originally fueled the growing tequila tourism industry. But after multiple iterations and closures, including services by Herradura and Jose Cuervo, the train shut down in 2015. Following significant investment by government and tourism bodies, the service triumphantly returned in September 2024, coinciding with Tequila’s surge to 1.2 million annual visitors.
A Boutique Journey Through Agave Country
Unlike party-centric booze trains, today’s refurbished Tequila Express offers a more elegant experience. Plush carriages feature marble-topped bars, warm wood panels, and large picture windows offering panoramic views of Jalisco’s UNESCO-listed agave fields and mountains. Mariachi music hums softly as bartenders serve a variety of creative cocktails, including non-alcoholic agave-based spirits for teetotal travellers.
Discovering Tequila’s Deep Cultural Roots
Upon arrival in Tequila, visitors can join guided tours of iconic distilleries like Sauza, explore agave fields, or dive into the town’s rich history. Tour guide Luis Alberto Gutiérrez Rojas explains the legendary origins of tequila, where lightning-struck agave led to early fermentation discoveries by Indigenous people.
Historic Cantinas and Local Legends
One must-visit spot is La Capilla, Tequila’s oldest cantina and birthplace of the batanga cocktail — a mix of Coca-Cola, lime, and El Tequileño Blanco tequila. Founded by Don Javier Delgado Corona in the 1960s, the cantina remains a living monument to Tequila’s rich drinking culture, now run by Don Javier’s descendants.
The Hard Work Behind Every Bottle
Beyond tasting rooms, the Tequila Express offers visitors a chance to witness the agave farming process. At Atanasio Tequila, tourists like myself can try their hand at harvesting young agaves, known as hijuelos, using traditional tools like the barretón and talache. Each plant reflects years of patience and hard labor before becoming the world-famous spirit.
Booking Your Tequila Express Experience
The Tequila Express operates year-round, with ticket packages ranging from simple train rides to full-day experiences including bilingual guided tours, distillery visits, agave field tours, and all-inclusive food and drink packages. Learn more at Tequilaexpress.mx.
A Deeper Ride Into Tequila Culture
While the allure of tequila shots may attract many visitors, the Tequila Express delivers much more: a window into the heritage, hard work, and vibrant community behind every glass. Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or a curious traveller, this revitalized train journey offers an unforgettable ride into the heart of Mexico’s most famous export.
Explore more unique train journeys in Mexico
Further Reading:
- The Train Maya: Mexico’s New Tourism Megaproject
- The World’s Most Scenic Train Rides
- Original BBC Source
