🥃 Los Altos de Jalisco
Highland region in eastern Jalisco around Arandas: red iron-rich soils, about 2,000 m above sea level; about 70% of the blue agave for tequila is grown here.
Los Altos de Jalisco (“the Highlands of Jalisco”) is a region in the east of the Mexican state of Jalisco, around the town of Arandas, where most of the blue agave for tequila is grown. The fields lie on average about 2,000 m above sea level, on red iron-rich soils. The area has no protected name of its own: it is part of the tequila zone.
Climate and soil. According to Difford's Guide, the valley around the town of Tequila lies at 1,200–1,600 m, while Los Altos is higher, with a cooler and drier climate and greater swings between day and night temperatures. The soil is rich in iron oxides and more acidic than the volcanic soil of the valley. The agave matures longer and accumulates more sugar, so its cultivation takes more time.
Taste. Tequila made from highland agave is described as sweeter, softer and fruitier, while valley tequila is described as more herbal and spicy. However, much agave from Los Altos is distilled in the valley, and the big brands blend raw material from different regions. About 70% of all agave for tequila is grown here.
Towns and brands. The main towns are Arandas, Tepatitlán, Atotonilco El Alto and Jesús María; Arandas was founded in 1762. Don Julio and Patrón work in the region. At the end of 2025 the state opened a tequila route through Los Altos across eight municipalities, from Acatic to Tototlán.
Why it matters to you. A “Los Altos” or “Highlands” mark on the bottle hints at the style, but it is not a legal requirement, unlike the agave variety or “100% de agave”. It is a strong drink, at least 35% ABV. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Raw material | blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber, azul variety), about 70% of all agave for tequila |
|---|---|
| Alcohol (% vol.) | tequila at least 35% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Los Altos de Jalisco → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Made from
- 🥃 Blue agave
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 Mexicans
- Part of
- 🌵 Tequila
- Related to
- 🥃 Don Julio, 🥃 Patrón, 🌍 North America
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Tequila 100% agave (100% de agave), 🥃 Highland whisky, 🥃 Jalisco, 🥃 Jalisco, 🥃 Jimador, 🥃 Jimador
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that “Los Altos” on a label is a protected name?
No. There is no protected name for the region: it is part of the tequila zone, and the wording only shows where the agave comes from.
What is the altitude of Los Altos?
On average about 2,000 m above sea level, while the valley around the town of Tequila lies at 1,200–1,600 m.
How does Los Altos tequila differ from valley tequila?
It is described as sweeter, softer and fruitier; valley tequila as more herbal and spicy.
Why is the soil red?
It is rich in iron oxides; it is more acidic than the volcanic soil of the valley.
Which towns belong to Los Altos?
The main ones are Arandas, Tepatitlán, Atotonilco El Alto and Jesús María.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🥃 Highland whisky — Protected region of Scotch whisky north of the legal Highland–Lowland boundary; the SWA’s 2024 map shows 55 distilleries here.
- 🌍 North America — US and Canada: 9.5 million US cows gave 232 billion lb of milk (2025); Wisconsin makes a quarter of US cheese; Canada runs on dairy quotas.
- 🥃 Tequila 100% agave (100% de agave) — Tequila made only from sugars of blue agave from the area of origin, unlike the “Tequila” category, where other sugars may make up to 49%.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Mexicans — People of Mexico; Oaxaca cheese is the country's best-selling cheese, cajeta is made from goat's milk, and 2023 milk output topped 13 billion litres.
Similar
🥃 Tahona · 🥃 Horno · 🥃 Blue agave · 🍷 Legal drinking age · 🥃 Pulque · 🥃 Sazerac
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Difford's Guide: Where does tequila come from? — Los Altos (Highlands): eastern Jalisco around Arandas, average c. 2,000 m vs Tequila Valley 1,200–1,600 m; cooler, less humid, bigger day-night swings, higher agave sugar; iron-oxide-rich red soil with lower pH than volcanic valley soil; agave matures longer; c. 70 % of tequila agave grown in the highlands; sweeter, softer, fruitier tequilas; much highland agave distilled in the valley; big brands blend regions
- Mexico News Daily: Jalisco's Los Altos Tequila Route — Acatic, Tepatitlán, San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Arandas, Jesús María, Atotonilco El Alto, Ayotlán, Tototlán; red-clay, iron-rich highlands east of Guadalajara; cooler climate, sweeter fruit-forward agave
- México Desconocido: Arandas, un rincón en los Altos de Jalisco — blue agave fields, red soil, town founded in 1762 as Santa María de Guadalupe de los Arandas; small artisanal distillery: stone ovens, wooden vats, white-oak barrels
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)