MAGIC OF MEXICO
An Exclusive Journey into Cuisine, Heritage, and Tequila
Embark on a seductive journey to Jalisco, Mexico, where vibrant Guadalajara and legendary Tequila await. Indulge in tantalizing street-side tacos and irresistible tequila and mescal tastings. Savor dishes from acclaimed restaurants and uncover hidden gems at locals-only eateries. In Tequila, join distillers in gathering agave and taste tequila at its source.
Immerse yourself in taco tours, cooking classes, and haute cuisine. Revel in Guadalajara’s dynamic art scene, rich cultural heritage, mariachi bands, tequila distilleries, stunning architecture, and pulsating nightlife. This city seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a passionate embrace of life. Visit between October and December for perfect weather and vibrant festivals.
Jalisco is a haven for those seeking authentic Mexican culture, where every moment is a celebration of life and the senses.
D 1 GUADALAJARA
Vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions
Visiting Tlaquepaque in Guadalajara is like stepping into a vibrant canvas of Mexican artistry. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and colonial architecture, Tlaquepaque enchants with its cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings housing galleries, boutiques, and handicraft shops. Artisan workshops offer a glimpse into traditional pottery and glassblowing techniques, while lively mariachi bands provide a musical backdrop to your exploration. Cafés and restaurants beckon with traditional cuisine, inviting you to savor local flavors amidst the artistic buzz. Tlaquepaque is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of Mexican heritage, creativity, and cultural charm.
Tonight we dine at Xokol - Guadalajara. This quaint eatery in Santa Teresita neighborhood has gained notable acclaim despite its modest presence. Here, chefs highlight native corn varieties and traditional methods to craft a diverse menu of both modern and ancestral dishes. Guests primarily dine at a communal table, with the kitchen bustling in full view. Xokol promises an immersive culinary adventure, capturing the essence of Guadalajara’s vibrant food culture.
O/N The Quinta Don Jose is a boutique hotel located in Tlaquepaque Centro, just outside of the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco.
At the Guadalajara airport, they have a new Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport at the airport. In Terminal 1.
Xokol
D 2 GUADALAJARA - tEQUILA
a luxurious and nostalgic Train journey through Mexico's agave landscape to Tequila.
Just 60km from Guadalajara, Tequila is more than just the birthplace of its namesake spirit; it is an icon of Mexican pride, steeped in rich stories, myths, and traditions. This town is the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Mexico.
Indulging in a breakfast of Mexico's chilaquiles and café de olla coffee is a delightful way to start the day. Chilaquiles, a traditional dish featuring crispy tortillas soaked in salsa verde or roja, topped with cheese, crema, and sometimes eggs, offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Paired with café de olla, brewed with cinnamon and sweetened with piloncillo, this combination embodies the rich culinary heritage and warmth of Mexican cuisine, setting a perfect tone for the morning ahead.
Embark on a Mexican journey steeped in tradition aboard the Jose Cuervo Express®—Mexico's most luxurious and special train. Step into wooden coaches with ample seating, a dream bar, and the glamour of yesteryear. As you travel through the agave landscape en route to Tequila, indulge in hot snacks and cocktails.
We will conclude our stay in Tequila at Hotel El Solar de la Ánimas. Nestled at the foot of a volcano amid agave fields, this picturesque village is the birthplace of Mexico's most renowned drink. The essence of Mexico comes alive in the colonial-inspired architecture of Hotel El Solar de la Ánimas, featuring arches, corridors, ceramics, and courtyards. As a Relais & Châteaux property, the hotel is celebrated for its luxurious accommodations, gourmet cuisine prepared by skilled chefs, and dedication to honoring local culture and heritage.
Enjoy an evening swim and tequila at the hotel's Sky Bar, where you can relax and take in the stunning rooftop views of the village and the surrounding volcanoes.
Chef Eduardo Marin is the head chef at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, La Antigua Casona. Their concept is born from the investigation of the regional dishes of the West of Mexico presented with beautiful contrasts of colors and always respecting the ancestral processes and the original ingredients.
O/N El Solar de la Ánimas
Dining La Antigua Casona
O/N Casa Salles Hotel (El Tequileno)
Drinks in town at La Capilla +52 33 1163 4039
La Capilla is the ultimate spot to soak up history and tequila vibes in the heart of Tequila, Mexico. This legendary bar is all about celebrating the agave, but skip the margarita—it’s all about the batanga here. Think of it as a tequila twist on a Cuba libre, created by the bar’s owner, Javier Delgado Corona, way back in 1961. If you’re lucky, this tequila master, now in his 90s, might just mix one up for you himself. Cheers to that!
D 3 tEQUILA
Mexican spirit - El Arenal, Jalisco
Today we venture outside the confines of the village of Tequila to El Arenal, known for its rich tradition in tequila production. Located in the heart of the Tequila Valley, this town is surrounded by vast fields of blue agave, the essential ingredient for tequila. El Arenal is home to several renowned tequila distilleries and two of our favorites we will be visiting are Cascahuín and Amatiteña.
Tequila Cascahuín
Tequila Cascahuín, founded in 1904 by Salvador Rosales Briseño, is deeply rooted in the traditions of tequila production, distinguished today for its authentic flavors and select quality derived from the finest agaves cultivated in the valley area. The name “Cascahuín,” meaning “Cerro de Luz” or “Fiesta en el Cerro,” reflects its pre-Hispanic roots and the spirit of celebration. Produced in its distillery located in El Arenal, Jalisco, known as the “Agave Landscape Gate,” Tequila Cascahuín honors the rich history and traditions associated with tequila. Now in its fourth generation, Cascahuín continues to captivate consumers with its unique flavors and aromas, encouraging enjoyment and good company. NOM: 1123
Amatiteña
Amatiteña is crafted by NOM 1477, drawing inspiration from Amatitán—a village named for its abundant amate trees. Since the 18th century, this region has been renowned for cultivating blue agave, the essential ingredient for tequila.
The brand was established by Engineer Alberto Partida Hermosillo, a third-generation Master Tequilero from the Partida family. Growing up among honest and hardworking people, he chose to name his brand AMATITEÑA, honoring his hometown. This brand embodies a commitment to preserving the ancestral traditions of Jalisco, from the agave fields to the meticulous process of tequila production. Following our afternoon tour and tasting, we will visit the Amatiteña Garden, a stunning music venue and taquería perched in the agave fields behind the distillery.
Visit their Amatiteña garden on Friday/Saturday Friday4–11 PM Saturday4–11 PM Sunday4–11 PM +52 374 114 1100
Address: Antiguo Camino Real, 45380 Amatitán, Jal., Mexico
__________________
El Tequileño Tequila
There are approximately 152 active distilleries that produce tequila. Each is assigned a 4-digit number called the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) which is overseen by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), a federal governing body that regulates and governs standards of the tequila industry. Assignment of a NOM number protects the integrity of the industry. Although there are over 3,000 different brands of tequila, El Tequileño is one of approximately ten brands that is exclusively produced at it’s own distillery. More importantly, no other tequila has ever been produced at our distillery. The NOM of our distillery is 1108.
They have their own hotel onsite there distillery. https://www.casasalles.com/
A luxury retreat within the magical town of Tequila, a UNESCO world heritage site. A boutique hotel, Casa Salles is a luxury destination retreat within scenic grounds adjacent to a working distillery in the magical town of Tequila. Inviting, hospitable and charming, Casa Salles offers the perfect home base for guests to choose their own adventure. From exploring the blue-gold land that rises from the foot of the Rio Grande Canyon to a unique curated experience at the El Tequileño distillery, the property offers something for everyone. Amplifying the spirit and heritage of the town of Tequila, Casa Salles offers 25 intimate guest rooms, a lively restaurant, pool sanctuary, picturesque banquet facility, and a tranquility spa.
Fortalezza Los Abuelos
Sandy’s Taco Shack at the distilerry.
O/N El Solar de la Ánimas
Dining Amatiteña Garden
D 4 tEQUILA
98 mi / 7,835 Ft
Tonight we venture to the outskirts of town to a small eatery named Gatoro, owned and operated by Chef Eduardo Marin, the head chef at La Antigua Casona. But this is his special spot, featuring local meats, pastas and renown pizzas.
Following dinner we have a very special late evening tequila tasting arranged. Yannet Estrada, Chef Marin’s wife has a “tiny secret tequila bar” tasting room. Where, Yannet, a master "Tequilier" will pour us some of the finest and most rare tequilas around.
O/N El Solar de la Ánimas
Dining Gatoro
D 5 tEQUILA
85 mi / 5,884 Ft
IT'S ALL IN THE NAME
OR SHOULD WE SAY THE "NOM"
O/N Hacienda del Sol or Casa Benavides Inn
Dining Sabroso Restaurant & Bar
D 6 tEQUILA
85 mi / 5,884 Ft
dddddd
O/N Rancho de Chimayó or Casa Escondida B&B
Dining Rancho de Chimayó
