Get this straight. Most tequilas are never bottled with worms. Worms are more common in mescal, and they are edible. Travelers who venture away from Mexico's west coast beach towns and into the country's heartland can find numerous tequila tours, where they'll learn how "the essence of Mexico" is made. And learn for sure how it tastes. The most enriching tequila research happens right in the town of Tequila, in the state of Jalisco. This is where Sauza, Don Julio and Jose Cuervo, which has been making tequila there since the late 1700s, offer tours of their distilleries, complete with a peek at the blue agaves. Tequila tastings are included. Some tequila-themed vacation packages available in Mexico: (Note: Some phone numbers are local.) From Guadalajara. A guided Tequila Express train trip is operated by Andale . . . Mexico. The train leaves each Saturday morning. This tour includes an open bar, mariachi music and historical information throughout Jalisco. $295 per person. (www.andalemexico.com; 52-442-212-2899). Taxis from Guadalajara to Tequila can cost as little as $20. For Tequila Express train tickets without the guided tour, call 33-3122-9020 or visit www.tequilaexpress.com.mx or ticketmaster.com.mx. For information about the Tequila Bus, call 33-3813-3594. In Los Cabos. The Los Cabos Tequila and Mariachi Festival is Oct. 17-19 (www.bajatours.com, toll-free 1-800-467-3939). The town of San Jose del Cabo is preferred by tourists seeking solitude. Cabo San Lucas and its Playa Del Mayano boast an abundance of American restaurants and round-the-clock beach parties. Cabo San Lucas is also home to rock star Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina (www.cabowabo.com, 624-143-11-88), where Cabo Wabo tequila runs freely most nights and the menu includes tequila ceviche. From Mazatlan. Vista Tours offers daily five-hour trips through La Noria and El Habal villages. The destination is La Vinata tequila distillery. The tour includes lunch at the popular El Habaleno Restaurant. Cost: $35 per person; toll-free 1-800-423-8346. From Puerto Vallarta. Kid-friendly Vallarta Adventures organizes a full-day tour of Tequila and Guadalajara. The $290 a person covers the flight from Puerto Vallarta and the drive from Guadalajara to Tequila in an air-conditioned van. Visit www.vallarta-adventures.com or call toll-free 1-888-303-2653. In Tequila. The Museo del Tequila is near the town plaza. Popular distillery tours include those offered by Herradura (52-333-3641-6709), Jose Cuervo (52-333-3134-3368/742-13-82) and Sauza (742-02-43).