Happy TravellerWelcome to Zapotlanejo, a small town in the Mexican state of Jalisco known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique culture. With a population of just over 64,000 people, Zapotlanejo may not be the most well-known destination in Mexico, but it is certainly one worth exploring.
Zapotlanejo gets its name from the indigenous Nahuatl language, with ‘Sapote’ meaning soft, edible fruit and ‘tlan’ meaning place, and the Spanish ending ‘ejo’ indicating locality. This hybrid word perfectly encapsulates the town’s blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial influences.
Geographically, Zapotlanejo sits on a territory of 718.8 km² and enjoys a warm, tropical climate. The town’s history dates back to 1218 when it was inhabited by the Tecuexes, and Spanish settlers arrived in the area around 1523. These early settlers faced continuous attacks from Chichimec forces, and the famous Bridge of Calderón was constructed during the government of Francisco Calderón Romero in 1670-1672. The bridge was the site of a key battle in the Mexican War of Independence in 1811.
Today, Zapotlanejo is a thriving municipality with a proud cultural heritage. As the capital of the Department of Tonalá in 1824, the town was made part of the first canton of Jalisco (Guadalajara) in 1825. It became a municipality in 1844. In recent years, Zapotlanejo has become known for its Parque Festival México theme park, which celebrates the country’s vibrant culture and traditions.
But perhaps the town’s biggest claim to fame is the Dos Lunas Tequila brand, which is produced just outside of town. Tequila is one of Mexico’s most famous exports, and visitors to Zapotlanejo can learn about the art of tequila making and sample the town’s signature spirit.
Zapotlanejo is also twinned with Chanco, Chile, Racine, United States, and San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up some Mexican sun, Zapotlanejo is a destination worth discovering.
