Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico and one of Mexico's, pueblos mágicos ( magic towns) is famous for its Tequila, Spanish colonial architecture and colorful artisan markets. 

One hour from Guadalajara by Uber or 1.5 hours via public transport you can catch a ride to Tequila. Tequila is famous for...well....Tequila! This town makes for a great half-day trip for those interested in Tequila, history and want a small Mexican town feel.

VISIT A TEQUILERIA 

The drive to Tequila feels like you are swimming in a sea of green agaves under the hot mexican sun. 

The first recommendation is to visit Tequileria, a tequila distillery. There are various options to choose from once there. My friends and I chose Casa Sauza due to its popularity,  overall prices and handsome tour guides (jk..or am I?).

Once there, you are directed onboard a small trolley as the group heads to the agave fields. The tour guide provides a lesson about the history of the agave plant and its cultivation. Did you know it can take about 6-8 years for a single agave plant to mature? Even more interesting is it takes about 10-12 kilos to make one bottle of Tequila!

After toasting in the hot sun, you're taken back onboard the trolley to the Sauza distillery. You are given a super fashionable hard hat that you must wear throughout the tour. The first stop is the aging room, where upon entering your nasal cavities are hit with all sorts of Tequila fumes #TequiWOW. Throughout the tour you are provided information about each stage of the tequila production process. You even get to taste some pure agave nectar. Yum!

And for those of you wondering, YES, you are provided Tequila tasting throughout the tour. At the end of the tour yo also get a refreshing and complimentary peach granita(#peachplease). 

EXPLORE THE TOWN SQUARE

Grab your camera and get lost in this colorful city. This town gives one major Disney's Coco vibe. Visit the town square where you can witness La Danza de los Voladores, an ancient Mesoamerica ceremony/ritual.  The ritual consists of dance and the climbing of a 30-meter pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground. Visit La Parroquia de Santiago Apostol. 

Head over to the Cholula store and stock up on America's favorite hot sauce. Sorry, Tabasco. 

You can visit the Parroquia Santiago Apostol and pay your dues or take some Instagram worthy shots if you are keen. ​

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND TEQUILA 

One of my favorite things about Mexico by far has to be the abundance of fresh fruit. I always go for a cup of sliced mangos with lime and chile powder. It's sweet, salty and a tangy treat. 

If a snack hasn't satisfied you, I recommend grabbing lunch at La Antigua Casona,  restaurant. It is a very famous restaurant in Tequila. The restaurant itself has Spanish colonial influence. The seating inside is in an inner courtyard with an indoor fountain, skylights and greenery. I recommend you try the Agua Chiles, a cold citrus marinated shrimp and onion dish or Tostadas de Atun, sushi grade tuna topped with spices, citrus and avocado. They also have good drinks and fruit juice like Raspberry-Passionfruit. 

MAKE A STOP TO CANTARITOS EL GUERO 

Hail a taxi with your best Spanish and take a taxi ($50 pesos/$2.50 US) about 5-10 mins from Tequila to Cantaritos El Guero in Amatitlán. This spot is found on the side of the road but has really great shade and outdoor seating. They serve a cold citrusy (grapefruit, lime and orange), salty and Tequila-y drink (available without alcohol, which is great) in handmade clay pots. Talk about H-y-d-r-a-t-i-o-n! Oh, and the guys making them are pretty fire too.

Check out the Instagram videos on this place #cantaritos el guero. They serve a GIGANTIC one you can share among gusty friends. It has 4 bottles of Tequila. You have been forewarned. 

Note: To get back into town I highly recommend an Uber (if available...it's on the side of road so phone service could be spotty) OR see if you can ask your original taxi driver to come back for you and to take you back to Tequila or straight back to Guadalajara  ( about $500 pesos/ $25 USD).