After a four-year hiatus, Mexico’s beloved Tequila Express train is steaming back onto the rails, inviting passengers to rediscover the flavors, folklore, and landscapes of Jalisco’s agave country. More than a simple transfer from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila, this immersive excursion blends history, culture, and, of course, world-class tequila tastings into a single, daylong adventure. Here’s everything you need to know—and beyond what the original coverage offered.
A Storied Past, a Bright New Future
First launched in 1997 by the state government and regional rail operator, the Tequila Express was conceived as a way to boost rural tourism, support small distilleries, and showcase mariachi heritage. Passenger numbers swelled to over 100,000 annually by 2018, but safety concerns and track upgrades forced a pause. Today’s relaunch—with modernized vintage cars, renewed track certification, and expanded local partnerships—aims to honor that legacy while raising standards in comfort, sustainability, and community engagement.
The Route: From Urban Hub to Agave Heartland
- Departure Point: Guadalajara’s historic Juárez Station, where passengers board amid colonial-era architecture.
- Scenic Passage: The train winds 65 km northwest through Tierra Caliente plains and high desert, passing cobalt-blue reservoirs, cactus-studded hills, and endless rows of silvery-green blue agave.
- Midway Stop: A brief pause at the UNESCO-listed Arandas station, where travelers stretch legs with a folkloric dance performance and artisanal gordita tasting.
- Final Destination: Tequila Centro, the 16th-century town built around the original distilleries. From there it’s a short walk to Hacienda El Centenario or La Rojeña for guided tours.
Onboard Experience: Beyond the Open Bar
- Connoisseur’s Carriage: Upgraded seating with panoramic windows, climate control, and a curator-led tasting of four tequila expressions—from joven to extra añejo—paired with locally produced bitters and citrus.
- Gastronomic Pairings: Chef-crafted bites spotlight Jalisco specialties: birria tacos, queso de rancho, and ceviche de camarón, all sourced from cooperatives in the Amatitán and Tequila valleys.
- Live Mariachi & Storytelling: A roaming ensemble performs classics and narrates the saga of Don Cenobio Aguilar, credited with inventing the tahona press in 1795.
- Craft-Cocktail Lab: Aspiring mixologists learn to blend tequila with tropical fruits, mezcal, and handcrafted sodas under the guidance of a master bartender from Guadalajara’s Rosa Negra.
Community & Sustainability
- Agave Grower Visits: Passengers disembark at a working campo to meet jimadores—agave harvesters—for a hands-on demo of piña cutting and traditional roasting methods in earth ovens.
- Eco-Rail Practices: The train runs on bio-diesel blends, recycles all onboard waste, and donates a portion of ticket revenues to agave reforestation projects, preserving the blue agave’s genetic diversity.
- Local Cooperatives: Artisan markets at both stations feature everything from hand-woven serapes to barro negro pottery, directly benefiting dozens of family-run workshops.
Extending Your Itinerary
- Tequila Trolley Hop: The day doesn’t have to end in Tequila. A heritage trolley links several boutique distilleries—Chinaco, Casa Herradura, and El Tapatío—each offering unique aging cellars and barrel-tasting experiences.
- Guadalajara After-Party: Return to Guadalajara for an evening walking tour of historic plazas, street-food crawls in the Mercado Libertad, and sunset cocktails at a rooftop overlooking the cathedral.
Conclusion
The reborn Tequila Express is more than a novelty ride—it’s a carefully curated cultural odyssey that uplifts local economies, preserves agave heritage, and deepens appreciation for Mexico’s national spirit. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or simply seeking an offbeat day trip from Guadalajara, this train promises panoramic vistas, authentic encounters, and cocktails that toast centuries of tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I book tickets for the Tequila Express?
Tickets sell out quickly—reserve online via the official site at least two weeks in advance. Options include Premium (connoisseur carriage) and Classic (standard car) fares.
Q2: What is the dress code?
Smart-casual: comfortable shoes for brief off-train walks, a hat and sunglasses for agave-field visits, and a light jacket for the cooler morning air.
Q3: Are children allowed?
Yes, but tastings are restricted to guests 18 and over. A kids’ menu and non-alcoholic craft palomas are available onboard.
Q4: Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The Classic carriage offers wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms, but advanced notice is required to arrange assistance.
Q5: Can I bring my own bottle home?
Retail shops at Tequila Centro and onboard boutiques sell limited-edition bottles. Airport security allows under-100 ml samples in carry-ons, per liquid regulations.
Q6: What is the best time of year to go?
October to April offers mild temperatures and agave-blossom landscapes. Harvest season (July–September) provides the most authentic jimador demos but can be hotter.
Sources BBC
