Road to Raicilla

As the country with the world's most diverse array of agave species, Mexico is the birthplace of raicilla, a hidden treasure among agave spirits. This lesser-known elixir boasts a rich heritage spanning centuries, with Indigenous communities passing down their expertise across generations. Although raicilla is one of Mexico's oldest distilled spirits that gained protected designation of origin status in 2019, it remains relatively obscure, often overshadowed by its more famous agave-based cousins tequila and mezcal. Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita now offers guests an immersive journey into the world of raicilla through epic excursions and intimate encounters with family distillers, revealing the history and artistry behind this centuries-old Mexican spirit.

Guests of Naviva are invited to embark on the Road to Raicilla with two distinct off-property adventures – De La Costa: The Coastal Road and De La Sierra: The Mountain Road. The Coastal Road to Raicilla is an immersive journey by boat, recreating the raicilla smuggler's route during its era of prohibition in the early 20th century, before venturing into the Cabo Corrientes highlands. The Mountain Road to Raicilla is a tasting excursion to the village of San Sebastián del Oeste, where guests can immerse themselves in the quaint charm of one of Mexico’s famed Pueblos Mágicos and tour intimate tabernas. Guided by locals deeply versed in raicilla lore, these distinctive adventures by land and sea showcase the cultural importance of raicilla in Mexico, offering guests authentic experiences with contemporary producers.

The Coastal Road experience is guided by two local experts with deep connections to the region. Arturo Dávila, Puerto Vallarta's former Director of Culture, discovered his family's ancestral ties to raicilla production through personal research, igniting a passion to reconnect with his heritage. Joining him is Larissa Carillo, creator of Eterno Embrujo Raicilla, who brings a lifelong connection to the area, born in Puerto Vallarta with family roots in Cabo Corrientes. Meanwhile, the Mountain Road is led by Pedro Fernandez del Valle, a raicilla expert and distiller who founded the family-led brand Aycya. Pedro's mission is to champion sustainable practices, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of Mexico’s terroir. Together, these guides offer guests unparalleled experiences into the heart of raicilla country, each route blending personal narratives with deep cultural knowledge of its specific terrain and traditions.

As these guides ventured deeper into the raicilla community, they encountered a world fiercely guarded by its artisans. Raicilla producers view their craft not as a product to sell but as their cherished heritage. Recognizing this, the guides have adopted a thoughtful approach, only introducing these small tabernas to those who will truly appreciate raicilla’s rich history and craftsmanship – a rare privilege that has been extended to Naviva guests. They can engage personally with legacy producers, experiencing firsthand the passion and artistry behind this revered local spirit. This exclusive access offers a glimpse into a world typically hidden from tourism, making each raicilla encounter at Naviva a truly special and authentic experience.

Every Road to Raicilla journey is unique, offering a glimpse into the soul of this legendary Mexican spirit. Though guests may meet different master distillers, each artisan's work embodies the spirit’s longstanding traditions. On some journeys, guests might encounter Guadalupe García, a man deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land who channels his profound connection with the earth into every bottle. Others will meet with Adrián Rodríguez, a veteran in the art of raicilla who seeks to produce a spirit that embodies the coastal terroir. Others might sit down with Larissa’s uncle Hildegardo Joya, known affectionately as “Japo.” In his venerable 90s, Japo stands as the oldest active raicilla producer in the region. His revered expertise, reflected in more than seven decades of perfecting his craft, infuses each batch with a distinctive character of tradition and excellence.

With unparalleled access to maestros of raicilla, Naviva takes guests on a journey through raicilla’s rich heritage – each sip a story of the land and its keepers. For those preferring to stay on-site, Naviva offers curated tastings featuring both coastal and mountain raicillas, including exclusive small-batch spirits distilled solely for Resort guests. Embracing their unscripted ethos, Naviva might even surprise guests by inviting legendary distillers to Copal Kitchen, where they host impromptu, intimate tastings and educational sessions for agave enthusiasts. From the Road to Raicilla excursions to the comfort of the Resort, Naviva encourages guests to savour raicilla – a long-overlooked chapter of Mexican heritage finally emerging from obscurity.