Travel Guide
New Tourist Train Launching Between Two Of Mexico’s Most Beautiful Cultural Destinations!
Sep
Last Updated
Following the successful launch of the Maya Train last year, linking the coastal resort city of Cancun to several natural wonders and historic cities, including the colonial-era gems of Izamal and Merida, demand for rail travel in Mexico seems to be at an all-time high.
Ever since, a host of new railway projects have been announced, including a cross-country route from Cancun to Oaxaca and a Gulf-Pacific line bridging the connectivity gap between both coastal territories.
And that’s only the beginning.
Now, all eyes are on the state of Jalisco as it gears up to launch a train between Guadalajara and Tequila, two of its most beautiful cultural destinations:
Historic Train Route To Link Two Cultural Hotspots Of Mexico Again
Following a years-long wait, entailing the modernization and complete remodeling of the railway, the historical Tequila Express, which links Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, to Tequila, one of its most culturally charged small towns, is finally set to operate again.
The news was confirmed by Javier Arroyo Navarro, President of Guadalajara’s Chamber of Commerce (CANACO), who highlighted that the tourism industry is well aware that ‘the most impactful thing for visitors to any destination is to live unique experiences‘.
According to Mr. Navarro, train travel is ‘something unique in itself,’ and we’re not sure about you, but the thought of embarking on a journey across the scenic Jalisco countryside, best known for its UNESCO-protected Agavero landscape, sounds particularly enticing.
Extending 34,658 hectares, it is an inland sea of blue agave, where the plant commonly used in the production of the world-famous tequila has been cultivated since the 16th century.
Prior to that even, it had been the main commodity in the manufacturing of fermented drinks and cloth in pre-Columbian civilizations, most notably the Teuchitlan culture, for a whopping 2,000 years.
At opposite ends of the line, there is a vibrant, landmark-packed Guadalajara and the town of Tequila itself, sharing its name with the region’s signature spirit:
What To See In Guadalajara
Guadalajara is nothing short of the 8th-largest conglomeration in Mexico.
Home to a population of over 1,385,000 people, it is also one of the country’s leading financial and commercial centers, playing host to a thriving manufacturing sector.
Still, it shouldn’t be so quickly discarded as ‘another big city’ secondary to Mexico City: in reality, its historical center is just as big, and the concentration of noteworthy, historically relevant sites is equally high, starting with UNESCO World Heritage Hospicio Cabañas.
A former orphanage now hosting a museum, it is distinguished for being one of the oldest complexes of its kind in the Americas.
Other attractions include the monumental Guadalajara Cathedral, whose construction started in 1561, a Spanish Renaissance marvel topped with sky-high Neo-Gothic towers, a Neoclassical Teatro Degollado, and our personal favorite, San Juan de Dios, the largest indoor market in Latin America.
From local souvenirs to affordable clothing to the most delicious, generously filled street tacos you’ve ever tasted, you name it; they’ll have it.
What To See In Tequila
As for Tequila, it is the complete opposite of Guadalajara in the sense that it is much smaller, with around 44,000 inhabitants, and far more quaint:
Though it has none of the latter’s chaotic traffic and never-ending urban sprawl, it does share much of the colonial charm.
It was founded by the Spaniards at the peak of the Age of Discoveries, as far back as 1530, and houses a gem or two.
The main point of interest is the Church of Santiago Apostol, one of a kind in Mexico, with its striking stone facade and beautiful stone portal, flanked by Doric columns and adorned with motifs––an adjacent pedestrian-friendly plaza added, and you could easily think you’re in Europe instead.
Built in the early 19th century, colonial mansion Quinta Sauza is not to be missed, either, with its magnificent fountains and lush gardens. For all our tequila enthusiasts, make sure you stop by La Perseverancia distillery, the most traditional one in town, making tequila since 1873.
There are countless picturesque streets all around town, lined by brightly painted buildings, artisan workshops, and souvenir shops selling a myriad of agave-based products. If you’re wondering where to find the best cheap food in town, El Palomar is the place to go.
Right in front of the church, this casual eatery serves delicious quesadillas for as cheap as $3.40.
More Information On The Train Route
More on the train itself, Jalisco’s Secretariat of Tourism has reported the relaunch is expected to attract around 1 million tourists to Tequila annually, a 50% bump year-on-year, and they’re also encouraging people to not only take the day trip from Guadalajara, but to stay overnight.
There are numerous budget-friendly hotels in Tequila, such as Hotel La Rienda Mision Tequillan, where room rates start from a very-reasonable $52, and even five-star Capital O Hotel Posada Terraza, a short 12-minute drive to the Tequila Express station, costing from $104 a night this season.
As of now, we don’t know what upgrades have been made or what the revamped journey looks like.
More information is yet to be unveiled, including the inaugural journey, timetables, duration of the trip, and most importantly, prices: as per the official website, tickets will officially go on sale September 23, so if you’re one of those train buffs, we’d keep an eye out if we were you.
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