Day trip from:

Santiago Matatlán

World Capital of Mezcal with family distilleries lining the highway

3-5 hours

1000 MXN(Tours range from free roadside tastings to $57-100 USD comprehensive experiences. Many palenques offer free basic tours/tastings hoping you'll buy bottles.)

Any time. Combine with Mitla ruins. Don't drink and drive—book a tour or take colectivo.

Overview

Santiago Matatlán proudly proclaims itself the "World Capital of Mezcal" and backs it up—family palenques (distilleries) line the highway, each offering tours and tastings. This is where you'll understand mezcal's artisanal heritage: watching jimadores harvest agave, roasting piñas in earthen pits, crushing with horse-drawn tahona stones, and fermenting in open-air vats. Tours range from casual roadside stops to comprehensive $57-100 USD experiences including the full production process, multiple mezcal tastings, and traditional food. Don't drink and drive—take a tour or colectivo.

Highlights

Self-proclaimed "World Capital of Mezcal"

Family palenques (distilleries) along highway

Full production tours: harvest, roasting, crushing, fermenting, distilling

Rare mezcal varietals: tobalá, pechuga, arroqueño, tepeztate

Horse-drawn tahona stone crushing

Earthen pit roasting of agave piñas

Tasting flights comparing different agave varieties

Combine with Mitla ruins (nearby)

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

3-5 hours

Entrance Fee

1000 MXN

Tours range from free roadside tastings to $57-100 USD comprehensive experiences. Many palenques offer free basic tours/tastings hoping you'll buy bottles.

Best Time to Visit

Any time. Combine with Mitla ruins. Don't drink and drive—book a tour or take colectivo.

How to Get There

Organized TourCar/RentalColectivo

Location

Open in Google Maps