Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - July 24th is National Tequila Day, and there's no better place to celebrate the holiday than in the town that gave its name to what is arguably Mexico's most famous beverage: Tequila.

Located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 km from the city of Guadalajara, the small town of Tequila is surrounded by thousands of acres of carefully-cultivated blue agave fields. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, and in the highlands of this central western Mexican state.

This scenic region of Mexico is responsible for producing all of the tequila in the world, around 60 million gallons per year. In 2006, UNESCO added the region where the agave is grown, and the ancient site where the alcoholic beverage was first made, to its list of World Heritage sites.

But no doubt the heart and soul of the region is Tequila.

The village of Tequila (officially Santiago de Tequila) was founded in 1530. In 2003, it was designated a Pueblo Magico by the Mexican federal government. Today, there is much to see and do in this Magical Town, including strolling through the main square (Zocalo) in it's center; visiting the main parish church, Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción, which was built in the 18th century; touring distilleries large (e.g. Cuervo and Herradura) and small (e.g. Tequila Fortaleza); learning about the drink's origins (at the National Tequila and Sauza Museums) and manufacturing process (on distillery tours); and browsing through the dozens and dozens of shops that sell a wide range of tequilas, including those sold in plastic bottles with no labels.

One of the best ways to experience this town is to discover Mundo Cuervo, the empire built by the Jose Cuervo tequila company. One of the most beloved experiences in Tequila, the Jose Cuervo Express, enables travelers to get in touch with the landscape while riding the rails.

The train departs from Guadalajara station and includes a professional tasting guided by a master of tequila, followed by a tour of the Jose Cuervo La Rojena distillery upon arrival in Tequila. Guests are then given about two hours of free time to explore Tequila, from its 18th century church to its cobblestone streets and picturesque central square. Following a traditional performance, guests board a private bus and are taken back to the Guadalajara train station.

For those who feel a day in Tequila is not enough, there are several hotels to consider, like Mundo Cuervo's luxury boutique hotel, Solar de las Animas, or the more economical Hotel Plaza Jardin. Both hotels are located right in the heart of downtown Tequila.