Mountain 11 km south of Tequila
The extinct volcano behind town, about 2,900 m high, with a rock spire called La Tetilla in its crater and a cobbled road up its flank.
The Tequila volcano fills the skyline south of town, and at roughly 2,900 meters it is the fourth-highest mountain in Jalisco. Its most recognizable feature is La Tetilla, a tall spire of rock standing inside the crater. It is a volcanic neck, lava that hardened in the old vent and was left standing when the softer rock around it wore away.
The volcano has been quiet for around 200,000 years, and its old lava and ash gave the valley the soil that blue agave loves. Long before tequila, it mattered for another reason: its obsidian was prized by the Teuchitlán culture, the builders of the Guachimontones on its southern side. One popular explanation of the name Tequila links it to cutting, a nod to that sharp volcanic glass.
The lower slopes are agave fields and scrub, and higher up the mountain turns into oak forest, with pine and juniper near the top. A long cobblestone road climbs from town toward the antennas on the crater rim, which makes the volcano a favorite for mountain bikers, hikers and anyone who wants the view back over the agave valley.
What to see and do
Drive or bike the cobblestone road up the mountain for views back over Tequila and the agave fields.
Hike from the gate below the antennas to the crater rim, about half an hour on foot.
See La Tetilla up close; climbing the spire itself is only for experienced climbers.
Book a guided ecotour in Tequila if you would rather not drive the road yourself.
Getting there
The cobblestone road starts on the south side of Tequila and runs about 18 km, rough, steep and winding, to a locked gate roughly 2 km below the antennas on the crater rim; from there you continue on foot. Use a high-clearance vehicle and allow well over an hour each way, or go with a local guide. There is no public transport. Start early: clouds often cover the top by afternoon, and it is cold up there.
11 km south of Tequila
Directions from Tequila on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Volcán de Tequila
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Weather mild
Volcán de Tequila shares the climate of Tequila, 11 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Tequila your base
Volcán de Tequila is an easy trip from Tequila, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Tequila
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Cascada Los Azules
· Waterfall · 2 km away
Blue-green pools and falls in the canyon just north of town, reached by a hike through agave, mango and coffee; hire a local guide. -
Amatitán
· Town · 13 km away
Tequila's neighbor in the agave valley, home of Casa Herradura at Hacienda San José del Refugio, making tequila since 1870. -
Magdalena
· Town · 15 km away
Mexico's opal town, 20 minutes west: visit an open-pit opal mine, watch stones being cut, and see the agave and mining museum. -
Guachimontones
· Archaeological site · 21 km away
Unique round, stepped pyramids above Teuchitlán, built some 2,000 years ago by the Teuchitlán culture; part of the UNESCO agave landscape. -
Presa La Vega
· Lake · 27 km away
The reservoir below the Guachimontones, lined with restaurants known for frog legs and fish; boat and kayak rides on the water.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.