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Home - North America - How to Plan the Perfect Tequila Getaway: What to Do in Town & Why Stay at Matices Hotel
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Whether you’re a tequila lover or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, the town of Tequila and the Matices Hotel has so much to offer. So, grab your passport and prepare for a trip you’ll never forget!
If you love slow, golden mornings and warm afternoons, Tequila will spoil you. The town has a gentle rhythm most of the year, but each season brings its own charm. Spring feels light and bright, perfect for wandering the agave fields. Summer is lively, especially around the Tequila Festival in late July. It’s busy, but the energy is contagious. Autumn brings softer light and cooler evenings, ideal for long dinners and unhurried strolls. Winter is mild, calm, and wonderfully peaceful. So, choose the season that matches your mood. Tequila welcomes you in all of them.
You’ll fly into Guadalajara, which is the closest major airport. From there, the drive to Tequila takes about an hour. It’s straightforward and scenic, with agave fields rolling out on both sides. You can rent a car if you enjoy the freedom of stopping along the way. Or you can book a transfer and simply enjoy the view. Rideshares are available too, especially from the airport. And if you’re in the mood for something special, the Jose Cuervo Express train turns the journey into part of the adventure. It’s a lovely way to ease into the spirit of the region.
A gentle two‑night stay works beautifully. It gives you enough time to explore the town, enjoy a tasting or two, and settle into the slow charm of the agave landscape. If you’re staying at Matices Hotel de Barricas, you may want that extra night. The setting is peaceful, and the experience feels richer when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next. Think of it as a little pocket of time carved out just for you.
Tequila is kind to your wallet in many ways. Food is wonderfully affordable, especially if you enjoy street snacks and local dishes. Tastings range from simple sips to full experiences, so you can choose what suits you. Transport is reasonable too. The only thing that varies widely is accommodation, but that’s true for most destinations. The beauty of Tequila is that you can shape the trip to fit your comfort level without missing out on the essence of the place.
A UNESCO Treasure
As a UNESCO enthusiast, I was super chuffed that another UNESCO World Heritage Site was checked off from my list of sites to visit! It is one of the most memorable UNESCO sites I’ve seen.
From the Tequila Volcano’s foothills and along the Rio Grande River’s valley lies a vibrant agave culture, deeply woven into Mexico’s identity. It includes the charming towns of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan, showcasing expansive distilleries where the agave ‘pineapple’ undergoes fermentation and distillation. Notably, this land is testimony to the ancient Teuchitlan cultures, who flourished in the Tequila area from AD 200-900. Their legacy is evident in the terraced fields for farming, residential areas, temples, ceremonial sites, and ball courts that dot the landscape.
Tequila offers more than just tequila. Situated in Jalisco, this historic town beckons exploration. Its town center boasts stunning colonial architecture, and there are numerous museums and cultural sites to discover.
One of the highlights is the Jose Cuervo distillery, where you can delve into tequila’s history and production process. Explore the National Museum of Tequila, in a former distillery, to immerse yourself in the town’s cultural heritage.
At the Municipal Palace of Tequila is a stunning mural that illustrates the origin of tequila. You can see it even if the offices are closed. The physical address of the Municipal Palace of Tequila, where you’ll find the mural, is on Juárez Street, right in the heart of Tequila town. You can’t miss it—it’s a grand building that stands out with its traditional architecture and cultural significance.
Tequila’s natural beauty beckons outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the 2743 m high Tequila Volcano and Rio Grande de Santiago, or embark on hiking trails. Opt for horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective.
Start in the heart of town, where the plaza hums softly with daily life. From there, wander toward the Municipal Palace to see the mural. It’s a lovely moment of color and storytelling. Then drift through the nearby streets, where the colonial architecture wraps around you like a warm memory. Stop for a coffee or a cold drink along the way. After that, make your way toward one of the distilleries for a tasting or a tour. The walk isn’t long, but it’s full of small details that stay with you. And as the day winds down, head back toward the plaza. It’s the perfect place to pause before dinner.
Indulge in Tequila’s delectable street food scene, featuring tacos, tamales, and elote (grilled corn on the cob). For upscale dining, visit La Cata restaurant for innovative twists on Mexican classics.
Don’t miss the annual Tequila Festival in late July, celebrating all things tequila with music, dance, and tastings.
Get the most from your time in Tequila: Traveler Recommendations | Food & Drink | Day Trips | Sightseeing on Wheels | Family-Friendly Activities | Walking Tours | Nature & Adventure
Shows, Musicals & Festivals: If you can’t make it to the town of Tequila, find a tequila festival near you!
Here’s where the little things make a big difference. The mural at the Municipal Palace is lovely in the late afternoon light, so try to pass by then. If you’re planning a tasting, book ahead. The popular distilleries fill up quickly. The volcano hikes are beautiful, but the terrain can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are your best friend. The town itself is safe and welcoming, especially around the main square. And if you enjoy slow mornings, step outside early. The agave fields glow in a way that feels almost unreal.
Not knowing what I was eating, I tasted one of the four adventurous dishes available: Escamoles, also known as ant larvae. In Mexico, they’re considered a delicacy, harvested from ants of the Liometopum genus. They have a unique nutty, buttery flavor and were served as a starter before our main course. However, as someone who isn’t typically adventurous with food, this was as far as I ventured.
My friends dove into the remaining adventurous dishes on offer. They savored Chapulines, which are toasted or fried grasshoppers seasoned with chili powder, served as a crunchy snack.
They also tried Maguey worms, the larvae of a moth that feeds on the maguey plant, which is used to make tequila. “Roasted to perfection”, they’re said to boast a smoky, meaty flavor.
As for Huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn and is considered a delicacy in Mexico, it was used in quesadillas, lending them a dark, earthy flavor.
Recommended read: Make your own Quesadillas!
Hola! Let me tell you about my recent romantic stay at the Matices Hotel de Barricas next to a Tequila Brewery just outside the Mexican town of Tequila.
The location of Matices Hotel de Barricas is absolutely perfect if you’re looking to explore the world of tequila. It’s built around a working distillery. The benefit is that at the drop of a hat you can do tequila tastings, go on guided tours, and visit the on-site museum.
The Matices Hotel de Barricas is ingeniously designed to resemble a barrel, perfectly blending with its surroundings. Each room, nestled inside a large wooden barrel, offers captivating views of the agave fields through circular windows. The interior decor varies from barrel to barrel, adding an element of excitement to exploration.
What truly sets the hotel apart is its meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect, from decor to amenities, is carefully chosen to immerse guests in an authentic Mexican experience. For instance, the toiletries are infused with tequila, and the mini-bars feature local tequila brands. Additionally, the hotel offers a range of tequila tastings and tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the world of tequila fully.
Put your head to rest in a wine barrel. Shake things up and book your next vacation in a wine barrel!
Spend a night in a wine barrel in Austria, France, Chile, Portugal, or New Zealand
The hotel’s restaurant, “El Gachupín,” deserves a mention. A must-visit for guests and Tequila visitors alike, it boasts a warm ambiance with traditional Mexican decor and a cozy fireplace. Offering a diverse menu of Mexican delights like chiles en nogada, mole, and pozole, alongside seafood, vegetarian options, and international fare, it caters to all tastes.
Dining at El Gachupín is a treat for the senses. Each dish is artfully presented, showcasing fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture Mexico’s essence. With ample portions and reasonable prices, it’s a fantastic value.
The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of tequilas and spirits, perfectly complementing the menu. Don’t miss their signature margaritas, crafted with fresh lime juice and premium tequila.
Service here is top-notch, with friendly, knowledgeable staff eager to assist and accommodate dietary needs or preferences.
Overall, El Gachupín at Matices Hotel de Barricas is a great restaurant to visit for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food is delicious, the presentation is beautiful, and the service is exceptional. So, if you’re in Tequila, be sure to stop by and enjoy a meal at El Gachupín.
So, to wrap up… Matices Hotel de Barricas and the town of Tequila are must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to Mexico.
If you’ve stayed at Matices Hotel — or if Tequila is on your travel list — I’d love to hear your thoughts. What part of the experience are you most excited about? Your stories and questions help other travelers plan their own unforgettable getaway.
