FR
Amatitan
L'une des principales villes productrices de tequila du pays de la tequila de Jalisco, classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, Amatitán s'est depuis longtemps proclamée le «berceau de la tequila». De nombreux connaisseurs s'accordent à dire que, malgré son nom à la ville voisine de Tequila, l'esprit fougueux a probablement trouvé ses origines plus proches d'Amatitán, mais quoi que vous croyiez, il n'y a aucun doute sur l'importance d'Amatitán sur le sentier bien foulé de la région de Tequila.
La petite ville abrite des dizaines de distilleries de tequila, produisant une grande quantité de tequilas mescal, mixto et 100% agave, y compris des marques bien connues comme Cabo Wabo Tequila, El Jimador, Partida Tequila et Don Eduardo. De nombreux visiteurs à Amatitán arrivent sur le chemin de fer historique Tequila Express depuis Guadalajara, combinés avec une visite et une dégustation de tequila à la légendaire distillerie Casa Herradura de la ville.
The Basics
While most understandably attribute tequila to the town of Tequila, others believe Amatitán is more than likely the birthplace of Mexico’s national spirit. Whatever the truth, Amatitán is smattered with distilleries, oozes small-town charm, and welcomes decidedly fewer visitors than its popular neighbor. If you still can’t decide which to visit—or if you’re keen to experience both—organized tours to Tequila sometimes stop in Amatitán. Such tours are ideal if you’re pressed for time and want to make the most of your day-trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Amatitán is a must for both tequila-drinkers and tequila-sceptics, although teetotalers could feel a little left out.
- Music fans may appreciate the fact that Cabo Wabo tequila—the brand once owned by Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar—is produced in Amatitán.
- Amatitán’s most famous distillery is Casa Herradura—stop by as part of an excursion or independently.
- In the agave fields, there is often very little shade, so stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear.
How to Get There
Travelers arriving from Guadalajara can make their own way to Amatitán from the Old Bus Station (Central Vieja) in the downtown region of the city. Look for the buses marked ‘Amatitán’. The trip should take roughly an hour. The once-weekly Tequila Express Train also stops in Amatitán. Alternatively, organized tours typically offer round-trip transportation, if you’d rather not be bound by public transport schedules or speak limited Spanish.
Idées de voyage
When to Get There
There’s never a bad time to visit Tequila Country—Amatitán included—although you might want to consider arranging your excursion for the Mexican down season to avoid the worst of the crowds. That typically falls between June and September. Alternatively, if you prefer cooler weather, a winter visit would be your best bet.
The Best Distilleries in Tequila Country
Amatitán lies at the heart of Tequila Country and, as such, there are a number of world-class distilleries to choose from. In Amatitán, Casa Herradura is the best-known, but Tres Mujeres is equally fascinating. Tequila has Jose Cuervo, but also Casa Sauza. Meanwhile, El Arenal will charm artisanal spirits fans, thanks to the rough-around-the-edges Tequila Don Valente.
- Distillerie Casa Herradura Tequila
- Distillerie Jose Cuervo (Fábrica La Rojeña)
- Tequila
- Guachimontones
- Basilique de Notre-Dame de Zapopan (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan)
- Musée des Arts de l'Université de Guadalajara (MUSA)
- Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento
- Plaza de Armas
- Centre historique de Guadalajara (Centro Histórico)
- Théâtre Degollado (Teatro Degollado)
- Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
- Cathédrale de Guadalajara
- Musée de cire de Guadalajara (Museo de Cera de Guadalajara)
- Palais du Gouverneur (Palacio de Gobierno)
- Trains touristiques Tequila