THE ULTIMATE TEQUILA EXPERIENCE

A Journey Through Tequila's Best Kept Secrets

Special Thanks to our contributors: Tour Guide Anwar, Speakeasy Cocina, Casa Humo Mexican Cooking Classes, and fabulous TWIG Members Rebecca Bratter, Robert Frost, Jason Born, and Joe Gotshall.

Tequila is, well, the birthplace of tequila, Mexico’s national drink and one of the world's most beloved spirits, with a population of about 25,000.

72% of all the tequila in the world is produced in this region, much like the Champagne region in France or Chianti in Italy. Both the town of Tequila and its surrounding area have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tequila town is considered a Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) since 2003.

Visiting Tequila is a must in your lifetime. You do not have to be a tequila drinker to enjoy a beautiful day exploring Tequila, as it is also the name of a volcano, a town, and even a region with 11 unique municipalities.

In this guide you will learn:

🌵 How to enjoy the perfect day trip

🌵 How to experience the perfect 2 days stay

🌵 The most famous things to do

🌵 The less known gems in and around Tequila

🌵 The best bars for a tequila tasting

🌵 The two Tequila

🌵 The most recommended artisanal tequilas and unique stores

🌵 The 10 most beautiful tequila houses to visit

TWIG curated this complete guide so you, singles, couples, families, even non-drinkers, at any age, can experience a truly unique time in magical Tequila.

Let's dive into the ultimate Tequila experience!

BRIEF HISTORY OF TEQUILA

Tequila, as it's known today, was created in the 1600s when the first tequila license was issued by the king of Spain. The town’s name comes from the Nahuatl word “Tecuilan” which means “place of tributes”.

🌵 The town of Tequila was founded in 1530 by monks and is named after the volcano in whose foothills it was founded, Tequila Volcano. It is best known as being where the drink, tequila was first made.

🌵 Native Mexicans had long made a fermented drink out of the heart of blue agave plants. It was apparently the Spanish who decided that distillation was what was needed to improve on the original.

🌵 The spirit's popularity and fascinating history is the reason for the Agave Landscape being declared a UNESCO world heritage site since 2006. For over 2000 years the blue agave has been used to make fermented drinks and since the 16th century, it has been distilled into a drink that could be said to be a true symbol of Mexican identity and culture.

🌵 In the year 1974 the declaration of the Denomination of Origin of Tequila (DOT) was achieved, establishing its protected territory that comprises 181 municipalities, 125 of Jalisco, 30 of Michoacán, 11 of Tamaulipas, 8 of Nayarit and 7 of Guanajuato.

🌵 Tequila is also a testimony to the Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900, notably through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts. Visiting the circular grass pyramids of Guachimontones is a wonderful way to learn about the Teuchitlán culture.

🌵 Tourism in Tequila is a relatively new phenomenon and should certainly be described as ’emerging’. Tequila is also one of the 177 pueblos magico in Mexico and 12 in Jalisco.

10 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TEQUILA

🍋‍🟩 You'll be surprised to learn that tequila is officially a type of mezcal. It used to be called vino de mezcal but in order to differentiate it from the mezcal made in the Oaxaca region it was decided to call the drink made in Tequila, tequila.

🍋‍🟩 Both mezcal and tequila are agave spirits from Mexico. Mezcal actually came before tequila as we know it, making the tequila we know and love today a descendant of traditional and ancestral mezcal.

🍋‍🟩 Tequila is obtained from blue agave, which must be approximately 8 years old before being processed and be 2 meters high.

🍋‍🟩 Since then, tequila, the spirit, has grown exponentially and evolved into a billion dollar international industry, eclipsing the popularity of its mother spirit, mezcal, for the better part of the last century. Learn more.

🍋‍🟩 Tequila is the most regulated liquor in the world. The Tequila Regulatory Council is the body that monitors compliance with the regulations regarding the production of tequila in Mexico, the Official Mexican Standard NOM-006-SCFI-2012. Since 1994, its work has been aimed at developing the national drink par excellence.

🍋‍🟩 Blue agave, from which tequila is made, is found only on the North American continent.

🍋‍🟩 Tequila is a more complex spirit than most other spirits because of the age of the agave when it’s turned into tequila.

🍋‍🟩 Tequila Blanco is the purest expression of the agave plant and it is generally the preference of the tequila expert. A Blanco can’t hide any flaws so if you want to know if a tequila producer is any good, try the blanco. It’s also the tequila that should be used for cocktails.

🍋‍🟩 Although we now love to sip tequila and enjoy its flavour, it did, indeed, begin life as something to be drunk as a shot – it was essentially moonshine. Moonshine is not good for your health.

🍋‍🟩 To drink tequila properly you need a ‘warm-up’ to let your body know that you’re not about to poison it. Take a tiny sip, slosh it around your mouth and then rub it into the gums with your tongue. Let your brain process the strength. The next sip will be pleasurable because your brain is no longer scared.

🍋‍🟩 According to the Tequila Regulatory Council:

Currently, there are 194 tequila producers
650 million liters of tequila were produced in 2022
The CRT has 2,386 certified brands registered
The Top tequila importing country is the USA (77.84% of total exports), followed by Spain and Germany. See the list of Top 10 Importing Countries.

BEST TIME TO GO TO TEQUILA

The weather in Guadalajara and Tequila is very nice all year round. There isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit but the best time is in the fall after the rainy season (June to September) has ended and the agave landscapes are a vivid shade of green.

Interested in sampling the Tequila distillery's latest annual releases? Plan your tequila tour for November, when the new productions are typically unveiled. Be sure to contact the distillery directly to confirm the exact release date and schedule your tour accordingly.

If you’re trying to avoid the crowd, a good option is to go early in the week, like between Monday and Wednesday. While there will still be people and there may still be crowds, it is usually nothing compared to the bustling weekend.

MOST IMPORTANT TEQUILA YEARLY EVENTS

MARCH - The third Saturday of March, on National Tequila Day, there is a huge celebration in downtown Guadalajara with Folkloric dancers, video mapping, and many other family-friendly activities celebrating Mexico’s national drink at the Palacio Municipal.

March 8-10, 2024: Origen Tequila Festival. An event that will mix gastronomy, culture and music in the same place. This festival dedicated to promoting tequila will have as guests this year Molotov, Los Recoditos and more. 📍 Los Sabinos Regional Park, Jalisco (South of GDL). From $490 mxn per person.

APRIL

LCS Tequila Tasting: Taste 100+ Tequilas while listening to Mariachis (🎟️$350 MXN) 🎶 April 12⏰2.30-5.30 pm📍LCS Ajijic

The gastronomy and cocktail festival "Reserva de Sabores"

Producted by Reserva de La Familia Tequila. Six of the best chefs in Mexico and two of the top bars in GDL. April 20⏰ 1-10pm📍GAVÁREA TERRAZA. (🎟️$1,200 MXN)

The Tequila International Film Festival will celebrate its eighth edition from April 24-27, 2024, with France as the country of honor. This year there will be a tribute to maestro Arturo Ripstein, considered one of the great filmmakers of auteur cinema. Interested filmmakers are able to participate in the calls: Official Selection, Expreso Tequila and Short Tequila Call, the deadline is February 15.

JULY - National Tequila Day, also known as International Tequila Day, is celebrated on July 24 each year in honor of a spirit known for crafting delicious cocktails. While National Tequila Day is not an official holiday, it is a day for tequila lovers to celebrate the rich history of one of the oldest spirits.

AUGUST - Expo Tequila Tlaquepaque - Aug 30,31 Sept 1⏰12-9pm👉El Refugio Centro

🎫$100 MXN (Tastings, Food & Music). Exists for over 10 years.

Street Food Festival - Aug 31⏰2-10pm👉Bellaterra - 🎫$1,800 MXN. Sponsored by Tequila 1800.

OCTOBER - Stoves and Metates Gastronomic Event

Oct 25 & 26⏰10am - 8pm👉Jose Cuervo Garden, Tequila🎫$Free to $500 MXN

Fonda Mago class and tasting. Embroider your itacate napkin. Workshop on preparing fresh cheeses from the Barranca de Tequila. Tasting of pre-Hispanic drinks and tequila in the Patio de la Capilla. Breakfast in the agave fields. Talk about types of corn. Plant sowing and germination workshop. Panela making workshop.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER - The National Tequila Fair. As a way to celebrate Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin of Guadalupe, the National Tequila Fair was born, commemorating the state’s most representative elements: tequila, charrería, cockfights, floats, livestock exhibitions, mariachi presentations, rides, street theater, food fairs, fireworks, crowning of the queen, and tequila tastings. During the fair, different activities and events such as charrería, cockfighting, floats, cattle exhibitions, mariachi performances, mechanical games, theater of the town, gastronomic displays, fireworks, and coronation of the queen are carried out. During this time you can sample some drinks from pretty much all of the main distillers in the area.

TEQUILA Day of the Dead Festival

Nov 2⏰12pm👉Tequila Plaza

🎫Free

HOW TO GET TO TEQUILA FROM GUADALAJARA?

Tequila is located 65 km (40 miles) north-west of Guadalajara. By car you can easily reach it in about 1 hour / 1.5 hours by following Road 15 out of the city then Road 150 pretty much all the way to Tequila.

Tequila is easily accessible from Guadalajara by the following modes of transportation:

🚗 By Car:

Driving or using an Uber or private taxi is the best way to visit Tequila town and its region as you can stop and go as you wish. Make sure to have a responsible driver and avoid drinking and driving as there are daily alcohol test stations on the road.

You don’t really need a car once you’re in Tequila.

The roads are mostly in good state and safe. For parking, you can find a free parking spot along the road outside of the town center.

Renting a car is the worst transportation option in our opinion. If you rent a car and drive from Guadalajara to Tequila, either have a designated driver or book a hotel room for the night.

There are two roads to Tequila from GDL. One is free. The other is via a $200p pay toll freeway.

🚕 Take an Uber/ Private Taxi to Tequila

In the center of Guadalajara, next to the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses, you can find a taxi stand. Ask for prices to go directly to Tequila. You can also ask your hotel to call a taxi for you.

From the airport to Tequila cost under $1,000 pesos.

TWIG recommends its favorite bilingual private drivers: Anwar and Chuy.

As of today, a one-way DiDi/Uber trip from the Plaza de Armas in Guadalajara to the center of Tequila is $1,000 pesos and a private driver around $1,500 pesos for the day (9 am – 5 pm).

If you do take a cab to Tequila, be sure to know how to arrange one for your return journey. The taxi rank in Tequila is on Calle Juárez at the corner with Sixto Gorjón.

🚌 Take the Bus to Tequila

If you’re on a budget, then the bus is your best option. The bus company to take is called “Tequila Plus ” and you can hop onto one from the Antigua Estación Central de Autotransporte station or the Zapopan station. The buses run every hour and will drop you off at Francisco y Madero #150 in Tequila, right at the main street next to a bank. From there you should be able to easily walk to any place in the city.

One-way tickets cost MX$100 or MX$120 depending on whether you’re booking the Tequila Bus or Tequila Plus. The total trip takes about 2.5 hours.

🚆Take the Train to Tequila (weekend only)

Option 1:

The José Cuervo Express, commonly referenced as the Tequila Express, is a privately-owned train that connects Guadalajara and Tequila. Jose Cuervo owns the train, as the name might imply, and they have turned it into a luxurious journey. It’s definitely the most expensive option you can take to get to Tequila. However, it’s worth every peso.

It is just as magical as the Hogwarts Express, but on a PG-18 version. Tickets for the train start at around $120 USD for the basic package and can go way up from there.

While it is an expensive option, embarking on a scenic train ride through the beautiful blue agave landscape, sipping unlimited tequila cocktails and enjoying live music along the way is a really cool experience.

You board the train in Guadalajara, and the moment you set foot inside you are welcomed with a drink in your hand and a Mariachi band. It’s the perfect Mexican dream inside a wagon. You’ve got the unlimited tequila, the music, the food, the loud people… You name it.

Once you arrive in Tequila town, they guide you to a distillery and give you a tour around the town that lasts for most of the day. Afterwards, you board the train again and drink your way back to Guadalajara, where you will definitely need to take a taxi/uber.

Option 2: The Tequila Express

• What’s special: All aboard! After a nine-year hiatus, the train is back on track, offering a scenic and efficient round-trip journey between Guadalajara and Tequila. This iconic route winds through the breathtaking Jalisco countryside, a UNESCO-recognized site.

The train's revival is the result of a $9 million collaborative effort between government agencies, tourism boards, and railroad companies. Their goal? To provide a convenient and enjoyable way for both locals and tourists to travel from Guadalajara to Tequila, a picturesque Pueblo Magico and the epicenter of tequila production in Jalisco.

• What to expect: The Tequila Express train offers a unique travel experience, complete with onboard dining and tequila tastings. Unlike luxury trains like Jose Cuervo and Herradura, the Tequila Express isn't affiliated with any specific brand. Instead, its primary focus is providing convenient transportation between Guadalajara and Tequila. Upon arrival in Tequila, a complimentary shuttle whisks passengers away from the train station to the charming downtown area. From there, travelers can explore the town at their leisure, or connect with local tour operators for a more guided experience.

• Tips for visitors: Available every weekend from Friday through Sunday, tickets for the Tequila Express can be purchased online. Travel in style on the Tequila Express, with two classes to choose from: Executive and First. Prices start at around $87 for a round-trip Executive ticket, while First Class tickets are approximately $108. The train's schedule is designed to offer flexibility, allowing you to take a day trip to Tequila from Guadalajara or make it a weekend getaway.

☂️ Book a Tour Company

If you want to skip all the planning or you’re short on time, there are plenty of organized day trips to Tequila you can choose from.

1 – Book a tour in advance online (recommended): Viator, Trip Advisor, Airbnb Experiences.

2 – Book a tour last minute from Guadalajara: If you walk around Plaza de Armas in Centro Guadalajara, you’ll hear several people shouting out names of tours: “TEQUILA,” “CHAPALA,” AJIJIC.” You can approach one of these local tour operators to inquire about details.

3 – Book a tour last minute from Tequila Town: Go to the main plaza. You will see several tour recruiters walking around the plaza with their advertisements. Most tours begin around 10:30 and 12:30, therefore it will be best to get there earlier in the morning to make a reservation.

WHICH TEQUILA DISTILLERY TO CHOOSE?

Visiting a distillery is a must to learn about the tequila making process. Even if you do not drink tequila. It’s still an amazing experience! Tequila is made from the blue agave plant that is native to this area. It only received the name ‘Tequila’ in 1873 to differentiate it from ‘Mezcal’, spirits that are produced in regions in the south of Mexico, such as Oaxaca.

WARNING: Do not pay extra for English tours.

- Most Popular: La Rojeña distillery of Jose Cuervo, located inside Tequila town. It is the oldest distillery in Latin America, where you will be able to see the tequila production process first-hand and enjoy their Hacienda. The entry fee is on the pricey side (Starts at $440 pesos + tips or higher for private tours). Reviews. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

- 2nd Most Popular: Casa Sauza, located inside Tequila town. La Perserverancia – one of the oldest and most prestigious distilleries in Tequila. Sauza brand. The basic tour costs $170 pesos per person. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico). It is more beautiful than the Jose Cuervo one and has beautiful artwork and murals by Gabriel Flores, one of the best muralists of Jalisco. Tours start at $270 pesos for 1hour. Reviews.

- 3rd Most Popular: Casa Herradura, located inside Tequila town. Tours in English and Spanish at different times during the day. Preference for prebooking. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

- Most loved by expats, bartenders & tequila connoisseurs (and TWIG's favorite): La Fortaleza / Los Abuelos, located 15 min walking from the central plaza of Tequila town. A small mom-and-pop distillery from the Sauza family (who sold the Sauza distillery in 1976) that still makes tequila the traditional way, one of México's best artisanal tequilas. Every part of this tequila is made by hand and holds many secrets and a rich family history. They only produced 450,000 bottles a year (what Jose Cuervo produces in one day). The distillery is in a beautiful hacienda and the tasting occurs in an intimate cave. You can ask for an English tour from Kimberly. You MUST make a reservation in advance. $500 MXN for 1 hour tour (actually it takes 2 hours of pure joy). The authentic name is Los Abuelos, for for legal reason, in the USA only, it is sold as La Fortaleza. Reviews.

- Most Affordable: If you’d like to keep your cost low, but still want to learn about tequila making and want to taste some, then consider visiting Tequila Tres Mujeres Distillery, located 20km south of Tequila just after the town of Amatitan. The entry fee is only MX$50 (plus tips). The tour lasts about 2 hours. They offer the biggest underground caves in Tequila. You can even see the cave dedicated to stary night and tequila aging listening to Mozart 7/24. Luckily you can book a bus ticket with “Tequila Plus” buses to Amatitan and they only cost MX$50 from Tequila. From there you can book your ticket back to Guadalajara. You can ask for an English tour. Reviews.

- Special Mentions:

✨ La Cofradía – located a 15 minutes drive or 30 minute walk from Tequila town, offers a fabulous restaurant on-site as well as the famous barrel rooms hotel, Matices Hotel de Barricas. It has a Museo La Cofradía, telling you the history of tequila making in Cofradia

Open daily 10am – 5pm. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

✨ Casa Noble – the only hotel with a tequila factory. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

✨ The Tequila Castle - 1 hour drive from Tequila town. Also in El Arenal, Jalisco, is the Tequila Castle, a distillery located in the middle of an agave landscape with a family legacy and architecture dating back to the 16th century. It is the seventh authentic castle nationwide and the only castle in the world dedicated to tequila. At this site you can visit the distillery, aging cellar and beautiful patios with views that will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Reviews. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

- Unknown Gems from Guides & bartenders: G4 Tequila Distillery. Tequila Ocho. El Castillo distillery, located in El Arenal on the highway to Tequila town (reviews). Leyendas de Mexico, owned by women only, and located “not” in Tequila, but in Los Altos de Jalisco. Los Altos de Jalisco also produces a lot of tequila, and they are considered by Catadores to be of better quality than from the lowlands of Tequila. The soil is different in the highlands, and it affects the agave grown there. Different bacteria. Higher altitude, Soil composition. All affect the agave, giving the tequila a richer taste, in contrast, to the more dry, barren lowlands of Tequila.

THE PERFECT DAY TRIP – IN TEQUILA TOWN

Many people go to Tequila for just the day, or even just a few hours. Tequila is a gorgeous little city with cute cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s a small town, so it is possible to walk around and see quite a bit in just an afternoon.

Here are our favorite picks if you only have one day.

Start your tour by the main square, Plaza Principal Tequila. Here, you can enjoy mariachi music and performances on the bandstand. You can also find the giant ‘Tequila’ sign here to take a photo of. In addition, if there’s a festival, it will take place in this square which will be filled with stalls selling a good variety of food and drinks.
Check out the Temple of the Purisima. Just across from the main square is a beautiful temple that was built in the 17th century. It dominates the center of Tequila so you really can’t miss it.
Ask to see the famous mural Mayhuel, la Diosa del Tequila, the Goddess of Tequila, located inside the Palacio Municipal, accessible from the main square.
Learn about the history of tequila at the National Tequila Museum (MUNAT). The museum is small and has different spaces representing the evolution of the famous drink. Reviews. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm.
Visit the Centro Cultural Juan Beckman Gallardo, a must to learn the history of Mexico and Tequila. The place is stunning, its architecture is a union of various techniques and styles that pay homage to our country's virreinal age. It's one of the most beautiful museums of Jalisco. It's also a perfect spot to take some cool photos. Reviews.
Stroll down Calle Jose Cuervo: It’s the most beautiful pedestrian street in all of Tequila, filled with cobblestones, colorful buildings, shops, restaurants, street vendors, jacaranda and bougainvillea on both sides. If you go early enough, you’ll have it to yourself to take photos.
Take a tour of La Fortaleza / Los Abuelos, located 15 min walking from the central plaza of Tequila town. A small mom-and-pop distillery from the Sauza family (who sold the Sauza distillery in 1976) that still makes tequila the traditional way, one of México's best artisanal tequilas. Every part of this tequila is made by hand and holds many secrets and a rich family history. They only produced 450,000 bottles a year (what Jose Cuervo produces in one day). The distillery is in a beautiful hacienda and the tasting occurs in an intimate cave. You can ask for an English tour from Kimberly. You MUST make a reservation in advance. $500 MXN for 1 hour tour (actually it takes 2 hours of pure joy). The authentic name is Los Abuelos, for for legal reason, in the USA only, it is sold as La Fortaleza. Reviews.

Must Eat & Drink

Try some tequila ice cream.
Buy a Cantarito and stroll around Tequila. Drinking alcohol in the streets in Mexico is generally illegal. In Tequila, it’s commonplace – especially around the main plaza. There are many kinds of drinks you can choose from. However, probably the most popular and must try drink is called a “Cantarito”. It is a very tasty cocktail made of tequila, grapefruit, orange, lime, and salt. It has a very soft flavour, but beware: it is dangerous. They normally come in a beautifully decorated mug and cost around MX$100 for a small. When you buy your first cantarito, it comes with a drink. You can choose one of the many tequilas they have available. When you finish your drink, you can simply take it to any of the other stands set up and get a refill, usually for around $60 pesos. Keep your same cantarito all weekend. Give a second life to your mug by taking it home and planting some plants in it.
Visit La Capilla, the oldest bar in Tequila town. Unsurprisingly, the drinks list here is all about the agave – but the order of the day isn't a margarita or a paloma, it's a batanga. The batanga is a lot like a Cuba libre, but with tequila rather than rum, and was created by La Capilla owner Javier Delgado Corona back in 1961. If you're lucky, you're hear a live band, and end up dancing between tables. It can be lound and crazy, but it's totally worth the stop. Corner of México and Hidalgo, Centro, Tequila. Average price per cocktail $90 pesos. At one time it was on the ‘Top 50 Bars’ in the world list.
Have breakfast at Azulado (C. Luis Navarro 5, Centro, 46400 Tequila. 8am to 11pm except Monday) which has a great patio, rooftop and artisanal store. Other option, the gorgeous La Cueva de Don Cenobio, inside Casa Sauza (C. Luis Navarro 70, La Villa, 46400 Tequila - 9am to 7.30pm except Monday).
Have lunch or a refreshment at the Bar Chucho Reyes, located inside La Antigua Casona boutique hotel. It’s an oasis in busy Tequila town. Savor the finest coffees or cocktails in comfort in the typical leather and wickerwork chairs. An invaluable collection of contemporary artwork by the Jalisco painter "Chucho" Reyes Ferreira enhances the local ambience of the flower-bedecked, palm-shaded courtyard. Most people don’t know about it. Try the passion-fruit margarita. Other option, the gorgeous La Cueva de Don Cenobio, inside Casa Sauza (C. Luis Navarro 70, La Villa, 46400 Tequila - 9am to 7.30pm except Monday).
Have lunch or dinner at Mango Cocina de Origen, inside the Casa Salles Hotel Boutique (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico). 15 min walk from Tequila town plaza. The menu is a celebration of regional Mexican cuisine that incorporates innovative and inspirational influences along with touches of international content.
La Cofradía – located a 15 minutes drive or 30 minute walk from Tequila town, offers a fabulous restaurant on-site as well as the famous barrel rooms hotel, Matices Hotel de Barricas. It has a Museo La Cofradía, telling you the history of tequila making in Cofradia Open daily 10am – 5pm. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).
Stop to eat at the Cleofas Mota, a food market with wonderful small restaurants and a communal eating area. Do not miss this. There is often live music performed throughout the day.
Street Food – If you’re in Tequila on a budget or just love street food then you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of great options around the city. Some particularly enjoyed the taco stands outside Cleofas Mota, both for breakfast tacos and for post-drinking tacos. At around $10 pesos a taco (depending on what you order), you can’t go wrong.

THE PERFECT DAY TRIP – OUTSIDE TEQUILA TOWN

Have Lunch at Ruinas Chimulco, located 20 minutes from Tequila town, in Amatitan. It’s a gorgeous outdoor hacienda, playing beautiful music in a gorgeous setting in a village. They open at 1pm. They are located 10 min drive from Tequila Tres Mujeres Distillery. This place is a hidden gem.
Go horseback riding in the agave fields in Amatitan. Hacienda El 20 offers horse experiences and tours around agave fields and through the town. For $750 MXN, you'll have a delightful 2 hours ride, on well cared for horses, plus fresh margaritas and salsa at the hacienda. Extremely peaceful and therapeutic. They are in front of Ruinas Chimulco so you can then have lunch there. Best time to horse back ride is in the morning before it gets hot. They provide cowboy hats.
Visit the Tequila Tres Mujeres Distillery. The entry fee is only MX$50 (plus tips) which is much cheaper than Jose Cuervo’s factory. The tour lasts about 2 hours. They offer the biggest underground caves in Tequila. You can even see the cave dedicated to stary night and Tequila aging listening to Mozart 7/24. It is located about 20km to the south of Tequila just after the town of Amatitan. Luckily you can book a bus ticket with ‘Tequila Plus’ buses to Amatitan and they only cost MX$50 from Tequila. From there you can book your ticket back to Guadalajara. You can ask for an English tour. Reviews.
Visit Cantarito El Guero. About 15 minutes outside of town, you’ll find Cantarito El Guero. It is hugely popular with locals. You can get massive cantaritos to share with a table, as well as food, and a good time. There is live music and high energy. The only downside is that it is so popular, it becomes very crowded. You’ll wait in line for everything- drinks, food, etc.
Visit Cantarito Che Che’s. If you like the vibe of Cantarito El Guero, but want something a bit more intimate, with much shorter lines- head just a couple minutes down the road to Cantarito Che Che’s. You can expect to find cantaritos of varying sizes, tequila bartender masters, live music, and of course, line dancing. Mexican style. Get on the dance floor and shake your booty to the Spanish version of “Achy Break Heat.” If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a whistle sounding off, which means everyone should line up and take turns as a man with a sombrero stands on a chair and pours tequila down your throat directly from the bottle.
Hike to Cascada Los Azules. Hiking to the beautiful Blue Waterfalls through some agave fields is definitely a unique hiking experience. Hidden in the Barranca de Tequila, among coffee, mango and banana plantations is a stunning waterfall called Cascada Los Azules. The water falls in two stages into a very inviting crystal-clear pool that’s perfect to cool off in. The best option is to ask around in town to try and find a guided tour. The waterfalls can get busy at the weekend when many townspeople head that way for a swim and a cool off. Reviews.
Visit the Zona Arqueologica Teuchitlan and Guachimontones pyramids. Tequila is also a testimony to the Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900, notably through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts. Visiting the circular grass pyramids of Guachimontones is a wonderful way to learn about the Teuchitlán culture.
Visite the (dormant) Tequila volcano if you can find someone to take you. Its peak is almost 3000 metres above sea level. Ask around Tequila town for an available guide ($2000 pesos for guide, a driver and a 4WD, which isn’t cheap in Mexico but there are only rare guides to take you to the volcano). If you want to climb the volcano too then get in touch with Ramon on +52 33 1922 4321 or Christian +52 33 2179 8636. While the road is simple to find, a 4WD is needed. The drive last an hour to a point where you stop to walk for forty minutes to the crater. During the climb you'll pass through a number of microclimates and the views are really quite stunning until you enter a cloud. It is beautiful and calm to walk in the mist. The crater, however, may be a bit of a disappointment. There are a few crumbling buildings and a very large antenna there. And the mist can be so thick that you may not see a single thing.

THE TEQUILA ROUTE

If your interest is to know the Tequila Route, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, then the recommendation is to cover this route chronologically as the company GDL Tours does. The Tequila Tour on La Ruta del Tequila can be visited in many ways and under different budgets, from taking the third-class bus to enjoying these spectacular places in small groups and personalized attent

ion like those from GDL Tours.

THE PERFECT 2 DAYS IN TEQUILA

If you want to visit the museums, eat in the market, and enjoy the plaza, we really recommend spending a few days in Tequila.

Spending two nights is perfect for seeing Tequila in all its stages and getting a real feel of the city: quiet mornings, bustling afternoons full of tour groups, jolly evenings, and party-time nights. It will allow you to do a tour one day and enjoy the town itself the other day.

Wake Up Early to Enjoy the Empty streets of Tequila. Like most cities, Tequila has a particular rhythm. Quiet, early mornings. Busy afternoons full of drunk tourists laughing and walking around with cantaritos. Loud evenings, and even louder nights. If you come just for a day, you probably won’t have the chance to experience what I think is the best part of the day- morning.

Get up early to take pictures in this colorful little town. The best time is between 7am-8:30am. During the day, it’s near impossible to get a picture with the “Tequila” sign unless you want to wait in line for 20 minutes. In the early hours of the morning, the only people around are vendors setting up their stalls. Take advantage of this and take all the pictures of your dreams in the empty main plaza, the empty Jose Cuervo Street, and all the empty side streets.

Our Favorite Hotels in Tequila

Hotel Solar de las Animas – Luxury boutique hotel that belongs to the Jose Cuervo brand – On Tequila town plaza.

The Hotel Solar de las Ánimas is set alongside the church of “Santiago Apostol” – St. James the Apostle – right in the heart of the town of Tequila, nestling at the foot of the great volcano. The Hotel design is based on a Creole colonial house and is typical of Mexican architecture from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It boasts 93 unique rooms where state-of-the-art technology and comfort blend in perfect harmony to offer each guest an authentic and personalized experience of this charming town with over two centuries of history and tradition. Pool. Rooftop bar. Massage rooms. Sauna. Gym. Lybrary. No pets. Ramón Corona 86, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal.

Casa Tahona – Luxury – On Tequila town plaza.

22 rooms for two in an old house remodeled with a modern style. Luxury, Great view, Romantic, Quiet, Relaxing, Great value, Eco-friendly. Absolute paradise. Perfect location. Rooms are small but comfortable, it has everything you need, the location is excellent for walking through the center of Tequila, it does not have parking. Free street parking. Offers horseback riding. Kitchen in common area. No pets. No pool. C. Luis Navarro 28, Centro, 46400 Tequila, Jal. Phone: 33 3171 0731

Boutique Hotel Gloriavage – Luxury – Centro Tequila.

Specifically crafted to create an atmosphere of relaxation and luxury for the clients, making sure they enjoy Tequila the way we know they would like. No restaurant. Pool. Hot tub. Free parking. No pets. Galeana 225, Sauza, 46400 Tequila, Jal.

Casa Salles Hotel Boutique – Luxury – 15 min walk from Tequila town plaza. A great boutique hotel with a fantastic restaurant. Casa Salles offers 25 intimate guest rooms, a lively restaurant, pool sanctuary, picturesque banquet facility, and a tranquility spa. It is part of the El Tequileño Tequila experience. Restaurant. Bar. Spa. Pool. Bicycle rental. Pet-friendly. C. la Villa 3, La Villa, 46400 Tequila, Jal. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

Matices Hotel de Barricas – Best hotel for Tequila Lovers! Concept rooms designed by different Mexican artists who will tell a different story in relation to tequila. Located a 15 minutes drive or 30 minute walk from Tequila town. It is more than a hotel, it is an experience! Set next door to a world-famous tequila distillery, La Cofradía, you will be able to drink all the tequila your heart desires! Not to mention, you can tour the agave farm, learn about the distillery, and even have some cocktails at the onsite bar. If you really want a tour in English, contact them ahead of time. It has a Museo La Cofradía, telling you the history of tequila making in Cofradia Open daily 10am – 5pm. Restaurant. Tequila tasting. Free breakfast. No Pool. Pet-friendly. Calle La Cofradia 1297, Tequila 46400. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

Hacienda El Carmen boutique hotel. Romantic. Located on the other side of the Tequila Volcano, near the Guachimontones archeological site. Featuring archways and a vine-covered exterior, this rustic hotel in a converted country estate is 13 km from Guachimontones archaeological site and 20 km from Cerro Cuauhtépetl nature park. There is a tequila distillery on site. Free parking. Spa. Pool. Fitness center. Restaurant. Horse backriding. Bicycle rental. Golf. Pet-friendly. Calle Ramon Diaz Ordaz No.2-1, El Carmen, 46750 Jal.

Hacienda Tequilera Casa Noble – the only hotel with a tequila factory. (🏆One of the 10 most beautiful Tequila houses in Mexico).

BEST ARTISANAL TEQUILAS

Best rated artisanal tequilas from Tequila Matchmaker app:

Los Abuelos/La Fortaleza (same product, just name change for US market)
G4
Cascahuin
Tequila Ocho (same family as G4, different philosophy)
El Tesoro

*These are all certified additive free and are best for sipping

Best rated by all the well-known bartenders in GDL:

G4
Los Abuelos/La Fortaleza (same product, just name change for US market)
Tequila Ocho (same family as G4, different philosophy)

*These are all certified additive free and are best for sipping

Best rated on a budget:

Cascahuin blanco
Tapatio
Tequila 30-30

*These are good for sipping or mixers for cocktails (all are still additive free)

Best rated by TWIG Members:

Circulo Tequila The circular bottle is inspired by the circular ruins at Guachimontones.
Volcán (de mi Tierra) - blanco,
Tequila Ocho - “La Mula” - anejo,
Cascahuin - la plata,
G4 y Calle 23

Do you want to taste the difference between Tequila & Mezcal?

Mezonte is a tiny, low-key tasting room that has the best selection of agave spirits in Guadalajara and is also a larger organization that focuses on responsible sourcing and is closely involved with the dissemination of knowledge about, and conser

vation of, Mexican distillates. One of their favorites is the raicilla made in Cabo Corrientes in western Jalisco by a producer called Hildegardo Joya, or ‘Japo.’” Calle Argentina 299, Colonia Americana — X.R. http://mezonte.com

BEST TEQUILA STORES

The best tequila store in Guadalajara is Tequilas El Búho. El Buho, a small tequila store located just outside of Guadalajara in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, is jam-packed with tequilas that meet the approval of the store’s owner, Emilio – who personally tastes everything before it wins a spot on his shelf. Juarez 164-B, Centro, Tlaquepaque

BEST TEQUILA TASTING

For a unique experience visit any of these establishments:

El Gallo Altanero Bar: This is a must-visit place. #21 among the Top 50 Bars in North America. Tucked behind a trendy espresso bar, on the second floor of an old house, the “haughty rooster” is El Gallo Altanero, one of the best places in Guadalajara to order a tequila or mezcal cocktail, or sample local distillates neat with a knowledgeable staff. Owner Nick Reid and his wife Lupita moved from Australia to get into the tequila business (Nick is co-owner of the Tequila Tromba brand). They opened this lively bar, which regularly fills with industry folk and locals alike, with the intention of giving voice to the small tequila brands that are often overlooked. Along with pouring tasty spirits, El Gallo also serves excellent bar food. You never know which tequila personality you’re going to meet, or when the entire bar gets treated to a free shot of Tromba Blanco. Calle Marsella 126, Lafayette, GDL.

La Tequila Restaurant: Since 1995, this restaurant has been offering more than 200 types of tequila and some delicious Mexican dishes. Just the look of the venue makes you want to try a tequila immediately. Av. México 2830, Terranova, 44689 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Cantina La Fuente: In the heart of Guadalajara, this cantina is one of the most famous places to have a drink. With almost 100 years to its name, few things have changed since the opening of this original Mexican bar. You can ask for a tequila “solo” or combined with soda. There’s not a lot of choice when it comes to tequila, but they have Siete Leguas, which is about all you need at a good cantina in our opinion, and tasty sangrita as well. As a bonus, nut and snack sellers frequently make the rounds, so you can keep on drinking and singing into the night. C. Pino Suárez 78, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal.

Salon Monterrey: If you love all things classically Mexican, as we do, you can’t miss this famous 140-year building (made up of connected bar/restaurants), where groups of mariachi roam 7 nights a week, and traditional dancers take center stage for free evening performances. There are a lot of places to chose from here, but Salon Monterrey remains a favorite for its extensive tequila selection, curated by bar manager Augustín, who has worked there for decades! Calle Progreso 21, Centro, 45500, San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

Quinta Don Jose Tequila Bar: Tucked away in a beautiful boutique hotel in Tlaquepaque is a restaurant bar that boasts a selection of great tequilas you will rarely find in Mexico. Sample flights, and gorgeous expressions of both the Los Altos and Tequila Valley regions of tequila country. If you are a tequila lover, this is a great place to stay. Not just because of the tequila selection, but also because of its central location to both the Los Altos and Tequila Valley regions. Reforma 139, Centro, 45500San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

Bar Zapotlán: This canteen is one of the best known for the locals, especially because it doesn’t close its doors until 3 am, so when the others bars are closed, Bar Zapotlán is still open. Tequila is always available, but you can also try some of their unique cocktails. Av. Normalistas 1341, Normalistas, 44270 Guadalajara, Jal.

Remember to check for 100% agave labels and enjoy responsibly!

THE NEW TEQUILA LAB MUSEUM🍋‍🟩

• What’s special: Get ready to shake (and sip) things up! The Tequila Lab Museum, Mexico's largest interactive tequila museum, was inaugurated on December 4th in Zapopan, Jalisco.

• What to expect: This unique space has a triple-height lobby decorated with more than 2,000 bottles, and offers an immersive experience, showcasing the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Mexico's iconic spirit. The museum will also feature a cutting-edge business center, designed to support the growth and development of the tequila industry.

• Tips for visitors: Located Avenida Central Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena 750, in Zapopan, right next to the JAPI Museum. You can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Website.

TEQUILA COCKTAIL MIXOLOGY COURSE

Learn how to make your own drinks in the special tequila edition of Fat Charlie mixology course. Includes blind tasting and cocktails. April 5, 2024 9:00 p.m.📍Check on new dates regularly. López Cotilla 1940, Guadalajara.

PRO-TIPS

Plan Ahead. Many of the top distillery tour options sell out of tour spots a few days in advance, and it would be a real shame to miss out on visiting the big distilleries, like Jose Cuervo. The best way to guarantee availability is to book your spot online before you arrive.
Bring a water bottle. It’s very hot, and you’ll want to balance out the tequila shots.
Bring SPF. Again, it’s very hot and you’ll spend a lot of time outside.
Bring or buy a hat. You won’t regret it. Just take it off during the rides if you don’t want to lose it to the wind. You’ll find lots of hats for sale in the streets of Tequila for about $100 pesos ($5).
Bring cash (MXN). You might want to buy a bottle of tequila. You might want to buy water. You might want to buy beer. You should also probably tip your tour guide (10-15%).
Buy Things Outside of Town. If you’re on a budget, buy things outside of the center of the town. The cantaritos, for example, are anywhere from 50-75% of the price on the outer edge of town compared to the center. This same logic applies to shopping. Visiting stores on the edge of town is absolutely the way to find a bargain, whether you’re looking for drinks, bottles of tequila, or souvenirs.
Don’t Drink & Drive. Drinking and driving is both dangerous and wrong, and highly illegal in Mexico. Breathalyzer checkpoints are a thing, and getting caught behind the wheel after drinking carries very big consequences in Mexico. If you rent a car and drive from Guadalajara to Tequila, either have a designated driver or book a hotel room for the night.
Be aware that there is a train passing by Tequila every night and morning at 7am, so bring earplugs.

Voila! We hope this guide will make your Tequila visit even more special and memorable. Make sure to stay responsible during your stay in Tequila. Obviously don’t drink and drive, eat plenty of food and also don’t forget to drink water.

Want more of everything going on in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara in your inbox. And get the “Best of Guadalajara List” to know the top bilingual professionals in 30+ categories (from private drivers to doctors).

~ Armelle, Nidia, and the TWIG Team

FAQ´S -

Where can I relax in Guadalajara? TWIG recommends a day in nature at Bosque Los Colomos, to catch a movie with a VIP experience at Cinepolis VIP, the best facial at Miel & Leche, meditating at Centro Khamlungpa, read a book in the quiet court of Impronta Casa Editora, or play a board game at La Madriguera, among the best options for a chilled day.
Are there quiet spots to unwind in GDL? Yes! TWIG recommends to find a quiet spot in Bosque Los Colomos, Mirador Independencia Park, or Jardin Botánico.
What are the top recommended chill places by locals in Guadalajara? Ecocentro Providencia, Rancho San Juan Diego, Lakeside Chapala Spas, Casa Habita pool, and Centro Khamlungpa to chill for the day.
How do I plan a relaxed day in Guadalajara? Sign-up for TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to be transported to the best activities and events.
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