The Tequila Express train runs from Guadalajara city to the town of Tequila in Mexico’s Jalisco state, and is loaded with bars and booze. The train spent nine years off the tracks, but recently returned.

You might expect alcohol-fuelled carnage on the train, but the Tequila Express offers a rather civilised insight into the culture and legends behind Mexico’s famous fiery spirit.

I boarded the train for a teetotal trip.

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Writing, recording, narration: Jamie Fullerton

Sound editing: Samira Tazari

Music: Olguita Acuña

Podcast artwork: Nini Giunàshvili

Tequila Express tickets: Tequilaexpress.mx

Sauza distillery and field tour: Casasauza.com

Atanasio agave field tour: Tequilaatanasio.com

El Tequileño distillery tour: Tequileno.com

Tequila tour guide Luis Alberto Gutiérrez: Estaciontusistica.com

La Capilla: Google Maps

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In 2019 the last prison island in the Americas closed down. Islas Marías was home to some of Mexico’s most feared criminals, and political prisoners, but was shuttered following reports of terrible conditions.

In 2022 Mexico’s navy began allowing tourists to visit the archipelago, showing visitors cells, parrots, graveyards, beaches, and explaining the islands’ dark past.

I took a long ferry ride for a weekend on Islas Marías.

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Writing, recording, narration: Jamie Fullerton

Sound editing: Samira Tazari

Music: Olguita Acuña

Podcast artwork: Nini Giunàshvili

You can buy Islas Marías weekend tours from the islands’ official website, Visitaislasmarias.com.

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Fuego Volcano in Guatemala is one of the most active volcanos in Central America, sometimes erupting multiple times an hour.

The eruptions have proved deadly for people living in the shadow of the volcano, but hiking Fuego has become popular with adventurous tourists. Locals have signed up serve them as volcano guides, risking their lives for better income.

I joined an overnight hike on Fuego, when the volcano was at its most active.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube.

Writing, recording, narration: Jamie Fullerton

Sound editing: Samira Tazari

Music: Olguita Acuña

Podcast artwork: Nini Giunàshvili

To book a Fuego Volcano hike tour from Antigua with the company I went with, see V-hiking.tours.

This episode uses snippets from the following news reports, under fair usage rules:

CBC News: Eruption of Guatemala's Fuego volcano killing dozens

NBC News: Guatemala Volcano Eruption: At Least 62 Killed, Many Missing

TRT World Now: Guatemalans recall terror of Fuego volcano eruption

NBC News: Dramatic immigration raid jars a small town

Associated Press: ICE Agents Raid Meat Packing Plant

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