Posted 12/02/3024 | 12th February, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, and products that I love. These links help me earn a small commission on all qualifying purchases at no additional charge to you. Thank you!
Typically, I am the first to avoid tours. I usually find that exploring on your own is more affordable and enjoyable. However, this one-day Tequila Jalisco tour on AirBnB caught my eye, and we booked on a whim – but it was so worth it!
In fact, this Tequila tour is one of my favourite things to do in Guadalajara!
So, if you’re trying to figure out how to get from Guadalajara to Tequila Jalisco and enjoy all of the delights it has to offer (with none of the stress), then a tour might be the right option for you!
Important note: This is not a sponsored post; I loved this tour and wanted to support a local business.
Where is Tequila?
Tequila is a town about an hour northwest of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. Tequila is best known for being the birthplace of the much-loved drink with the same name.
Under Mexican law, Tequila can only be produced in five places in Mexico. Aside from its namesake, Tequila can also be made in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
Not only is Tequila town the biggest producer of the drink, it now provides a great tourist destination, and it is reported the town greets over half a million visitors each year.
Tequila Jalisco Tour – The Breakdown
Tequila Jalisco Tour Stop One – The Factory
The first stop on the Tequila tour was the factory, where Tequila is cooked and distilled.
The group spent a little time introducing themselves before splitting into two groups (one English and one Spanish) to explore the grounds. Our guide was friendly, informative and engaging. She took us through the stages of the tequila-making process, from plant to final product.
We were also invited to try the roasted agave plant, sweet treats, and liquors. There was an opportunity to purchase Tequila and other goodies, but there was no pressure.
The tour of the factory ended with three Tequila tastings to put our new knowledge to the test. We, of course, said a prayer over the Tequila (in both Spanish and English) before enjoying it. At this point, the group began to mingle and merge, setting the tone for the day!
We had around 20 minutes of free time to explore the area and snap more photographs before returning to the bus. Altogether, we spent approximately 90 minutes at the factory.
Tequila Tour Stop Two – The Epic Viewpoint
Stop two on the tour was a beautiful viewpoint surrounded by agave plants and magnificent scenery. There was a large building with a fantastic rooftop (great for pictures) and swings (even better for pictures!)
There was also a bar downstairs to buy soft drinks, beer or Tequila – but there was no hard sell here, which was greatly appreciated. The group naturally splintered into smaller cohorts and explored the surrounding area. We spent around an hour here, and there was plenty of shade to escape the midday sun.
Tequila Jalisco Tour Stop Three – More Tastings
Around fifteen minutes before we hit Tequila Town, we pulled up by a roadside at a small Tequila shop selling a surprisingly massive selection of Tequila and other spirits.
We were treated to around five more tastings of Tequila here. I have to be honest; this is where my stamina began to slow slightly, and I shamefully passed some of mine to the other group members!
Tequila Tour Stop Four – Tequila Town!
The fourth and penultimate stop on the Tequila Jalisco tour is the town of Tequila.
As a group, we made the short walk into the town together and were given plenty of tips. The group then split again, and we had a couple of hours to explore at our own pace. This was great as it allowed us to choose restaurants, bars and activities that suited our mood and budget.
We headed straight into the market and soaked up some of the alcohol with Birria tacos, which were the perfect lining for the more drinks that followed.
We then spent our remaining time in the main town square – an amazing, vibrant place. Marvelling at the Dance of Flyers, enjoying snacks, and, of course, drinking more Tequila.
Tequila drinks are purchased based on the size of the cantarito (100 MXN was the smallest, yet still a very generous portion), and then you can choose from a huge selection of Tequilas. Each is mixed with fresh juice and a fizzy lime drink, providing a delicious, refreshing beverage to enjoy in the sunshine.
Things to do in Tequila Jalisco
With only a few hours in the town, we didn’t have enough time to explore all Tequila has to offer. However, if you have longer, here are some of the best things to do in Tequila Jalisco:
⭐ Take a Tequila Bus Tour
✨Drink Tequila on the Streets of Tequila
⭐ Hike to Cascada Los Azules
✨Museo Los Abuelos Familia Sauza
⭐Tour the Jose Cuervo La Rojeña Distillery
Tequila Jalisco Tour Stop Five – Cantaritos el Güero
Describing Cantaritos el Güero as a bar is a huge understatement.
It’s a huge party venue with long sharing benches, multiple bars, bands, and the best vibes!
This place is best to be enjoyed in a big group, as you can buy huge Cantaritos of tequila cocktails. The biggest one on offer actually contains four whole bottles of Tequila.
We had the best time here with our new friends, sharing drinks and dancing!
Doing it Alone – Guadalajara to Tequila Jalisco
As you can see from this detailed post, I loved this Tequila tour. However, you do not need a tour to visit Tequila. I completely understand the appeal of going at your own pace and visiting in your own time.
If you want to visit Tequila without a tour, you have a few options.
Option 1: Tequila Train
The Jose Cuervo Express is the most luxurious way to visit Tequila Jalisco.
The ‘express’ tour, the most affordable option Jose Cuervo offers, is an amazing day out.
It features a beautiful relaxing train ride, an expert tasting session, and a facilities tour. This is followed by free time in Tequila, a Mexican show, and an agave harvesting demonstration.
There are two critical things to note when booking the Tequila train:
🚂The train only actually takes you in one direction. You can either book the sunrise tour (train to Tequiland and bus back to Guadalajara) or the sunset tour (bus to Tequila and train back to Guadalajara).
⌛The Jose Cuervo Express gets booked up pretty far in advance. I recommend booking at least a couple of weeks ahead of schedule to secure your desired date.
Option 2: Self-Drive
Renting a car and driving from Guadalajara to Tequila is the quickest and most convenient way to get between the two areas. The roads between are safe and in good condition, and the drive should take around one hour and fifteen minutes.
It goes without saying that drink-driving is strictly prohibited. So, if you choose this option, you must either abstain from Tequila or book a hotel (there are some Tequila hotel recommendations further down).
Option 3: Bus from Guadalajara to Tequila Jalisco
The Bus is the most affordable way to get from Guadalajara to Tequila. A round trip costs $220 MXN per person, so it is significantly cheaper than booking a Tequila tour.
You can take the bus from Zapopan station or Central Veija – whichever is more convenient with regards to where you are staying. A couple of operators work this route, and the buses are old yet comfortable.
The pros of taking the Tequila bus are that it is cheap and offers the most freedom regarding timing. However, the downside is that you won’t see the other attractions on the tour (the factory, the viewpoint, and Cantaritos el Güero).
Where to Stay – Hotel in Tequila Jalisco
If you’re travelling without a tour, it might be worthwhile to stay over in Tequila. There isn’t a huge amount to do in this Pueblo Mágico, so I wouldn’t recommend more than one night. But spending the night will allow you to experience all the town offers after dark.
There are plenty of hotel options in Tequila, including:
Budget and mid-range hotels in Tequila Jalisco
⭐ Hotel La Rienda Misión Tequillan
Higher-end hotels in Tequila Jalisco
MORE MEXICO INSPIRATION:
How to See the Lucha Libre in Mexico City (Without a Tour!)
Top Tips for Visiting Mexico City
Amazing Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico
Exploring the Homún Cenotes: Your Complete Guide
13 Fun Things to Do in San Cristobal de Las Casas
PIN IT FOR LATER:
