EIt is within the privileged zone of Hacienda de San Jose del Refugio, where the authentic “agave tequilero” (a plant similar to cactus from which Tequila is made) comes, and which produces one of the best tequilas since 1870.

VWhen visiting Amatitán is like going back in time because the old plants still remain where the drink was originally produced with a “tahona” a mill. Its dark taverns are known as tequila factories. Where “tinajas” (metal tubs) used to ferment the juices of the agave after roasting or baking it they are submerged on the floor for the fermentation process, the worn ovens and the old copper stills (apparatus for distilling liquids) take us back to the past. Another touristic site in this village is 18km, on the road going north. Where you can find the Santa Rosa dam, its main water resource is the flow of the Santiago River to generate electricity.

A lookout point affords wonderful views of the waterfall and spillways. The sheer amount of its flow is impressive and beautiful.

The Word “Amatitán” originates from small forest of “amates” fig trees. Its first inhabitants were indigenous nahuatlacas who settled on the Chiquihuitillo hill, they fought for their territory among other indigenous groups. According to the legend these indigenous worshipped a God named Titán, when the Spaniards arrived the indigenous would tell them they couldn’t worship other Gods and they expressed “indio ama Titán.” That is how this town was named “Amatitán".

The armor was created recently; it was made on a especial armor contest in February 1990 as part of the carnival’s festivities that year. It was made by the winner Mister Avelino Delgado Martínez.

The original version of the shield was officially approved by City Council in a board meeting in 1990. In 1993 the 9 stars on the shield were replaced with 9 agave plants. These changes were approved by the local City Hall in 1992-1995 in a council meeting.

Amatitán is located in the central región of the state of Jalisco in the following geographic coordinates 20º42’30’’ a t a 20º55’15” north latitude, at a 103º37’40’’ to 103º49’30’’ west latitude and at a height of 1,260 meters above sea level.

Extention

This municipality covers a land extension of 207.44 km².

Boundaries

It is located on the border of Tequila and Zapopan, on the south of Tala, Arenal and Teuchitlán, to the east of Zapopan and Arenal and to the west of Teuchitlán and Tequila.

Amatitán is considered semi dry with the spring and winter being warm and dry. Due to the temperature being a warm 26.1°Celsius throughout the year, the winter season is not defined. Annual rainfall is 951.7 millimeter falling in the months of June and July and an eastbound wind, with the number of frosty days being 5 per year.

Means of Transportation

Amatitán is linked to the international highway crossing from east to westbound. There are also a few asphalt roads as well as rural dirt tracks connecting local towns and villages with the Cabecera Municipality.

Rural and urban transportation are through rental and privately owned vehicles. Railway transportation is through a railway of the pacific, it goes across the municipality from east to westbound.

Access

The communication channel takes you through highway Guadalajara to Nogales and the toll road Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta with direct exits to Tequila and Magdalena. These roads make it easier for visitors to move around the Tequila zones. Tourists will certainly be more motivated to get acquainted with Amatitán in more depth.

Distance Charts

The main dish is “birria” (goat meat, prepared a certain way) pozole, enchiladas, sopes, and tacos de cabeza. The tipical drinks are Tequila and tejuino, tipical candy; honey-dipped yams mermelade and seasonal fruits such as mangoes, guabas and “ahuilotes” (a typical candy made in that Amatitán).

Cabinets, small wooden barrels made for Tequila, bottles covered with cowchide, embroidery, ornamental work, pressed shirt, plastic gourd figurines, etc are made in this region.