Guadalajara Tequila Tastings Tour

Discover the Guadalajara Tequila Tastings Tour: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

The Guadalajara Tequila Tastings Tour offers an affordable way to experience Mexico’s iconic spirit and the charming town of Tequila. Priced at $33.44 per person, this guided day trip lasts approximately 6.5 to 8 hours and includes pickup service and a mobile ticket. It’s designed for those interested in learning about tequila’s history, production, and culture, with stops in El Arenal, Amatitan, and the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila itself.

While the tour offers a variety of activities, the main highlights are visiting an artisanal tequila factory, sampling five types of tequila plus an agave beer, and exploring the lively streets of Tequila town. A key consideration is that the distillery visit can be quite brief—lasting under 5 minutes in some parts—so serious enthusiasts might want to supplement the trip with more in-depth tastings.

This tour suits visitors who want an affordable, structured experience with scenic photo opportunities, local food, and traditional drinks, all delivered with convenient transportation and a friendly guide. It’s a practical choice for those with limited time or a modest budget, but it’s worth noting that some previous feedback points to rushed distillery visits and a significant amount of time spent shopping rather than tasting.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $33.44 per person for a full-day experience
• Visiting an artisanal tequila factory with photos of agave fields
• Sampling five different tequilas and tasting agave beer
• Stopping in Amatitan for photo opportunities of the agave landscape
• Enjoying lunch with live mariachi music at a popular restaurant
• Exploring the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila town with free time for shopping and sightseeing
• Visiting a traditional bar to try “cantaritos,” a local tequila cocktail
• Pickup offered from Guadalajara hotels, with travel time included
• Duration spans 6.5 to 8 hours, with some time allocated for travel and stops

How the Tour Starts and Ends in Guadalajara

The tour begins at 10:00 am, with pickup from hotels in Guadalajara. Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the first stop, a tequila factory in El Arenal. After a scenic drive through agave fields, the journey concludes back at the hotel, with an estimated 45 minutes of travel time from the town of Tequila back to Guadalajara.

This setup ensures a relaxed pace, with most of the day spent at key locations, although some may find the initial distillery visit too brief. The drop-off at the original hotel makes for convenient return logistics.

Visiting the Fabrica De Tequila Don Cayo in El Arenal

The Fabrica De Tequila Don Cayo is the first stop, offering a glimpse into traditional tequila production. Visitors can take photos of the vast agave fields and learn about the process from cultivation to distillation. The visit includes a tasting of five types of tequila and an agave beer to sample at the factory.

However, a noted downside is that the distillery tour lasts under 5 minutes, leaving little time for a detailed explanation of the production process. Most of the time at this stop is spent in the gift shop, which can feel lengthy if you’re not interested in purchasing souvenirs.

Scenic Photo Stop in Amatitan

A photo stop in Amatitan allows visitors to capture stunning images of agave landscapes. This brief 30-minute pause offers plenty of opportunities for picturesque shots of this iconic plant and the surrounding countryside, making it a favorite for those looking to take memorable photos.

No additional cost is involved at this stop, and it provides a peaceful moment amid the busy schedule.

Lunch at Mariscos El Carnal with Live Mariachi

The tour then moves to Mariscos el Carnal, a well-known local restaurant. Here, travelers can enjoy a wonderful lunch and experience live mariachi music, adding a lively cultural touch. It’s important to note that food and drinks are not included, so visitors should budget accordingly if they wish to indulge in local cuisine or beverages.

This stop lasts for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a relaxed break before heading into the heart of tequila town.

Exploring the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila

In Tequila town, visitors gain free time to explore at their own pace. The town is famous for its main streets, traditional shops, and landmarks like José Cuervo or Casa Sauza tequila shops. The 1.5-hour period gives enough opportunity to browse local stores, admire the architecture, or visit a museum if desired.

A highlight is the chance to visit a traditional bar to try the “cantaritos”, a popular regional cocktail made with tequila. While drinks are not included, this experience offers an authentic taste of local customs.

Tasting “Cantaritos” at Cantaritos Amatitán Che-ches

The visit to Cantaritos Cheches is a fun, lively stop where you can enjoy the most popular and traditional drink in the area. The “cantaritos” are served with great views and a convivial atmosphere, perfect for sampling regional flavors. As with other stops, drinks are not included, so bring cash if you want to indulge.

This strategic stop also lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the drink and soak in the scenery.

Return Journey to Guadalajara

After the stops in Tequila, the group relaxes on the return trip to Guadalajara. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, with the final drop-off at your hotel. Most of the remaining hours are spent in transit, which some might find a long wait, but it ensures a comfortable and convenient end to the day.

Practical Details and Additional Information

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and an in-person guide to assist throughout the day. It operates with a maximum group size of 40, making for a manageable experience. Confirmation is received at booking, and service animals are allowed.

It’s worth noting that lunch is not included in the price, so you should plan for that separately. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and most activities are accessible, though physical mobility isn’t specified.

Critical Review of the Experience

The main critique of this tour lies in the brief distillery visit, where some visitors report that it feels rushed—lasting less than 5 minutes—despite the detailed explanation about tequila production. Plus, a significant portion of time is spent in the gift shop, which might not appeal to everyone.

Despite this, the tour offers fantastic photo opportunities of agave fields, authentic tastings, and the chance to stroll through Tequila town. The live mariachi and regional drinks like cantaritos add cultural flavor, even if drinks are not included in the price.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers seeking a guided experience with scenic stops and cultural activities. It provides a solid overview of tequila production and regional traditions in a manageable, half-day format. However, serious connoisseurs or those seeking a more in-depth distillery tour might find the brief tasting and shop-heavy focus limiting.

Its convenient pickup and affordable price make it an attractive option, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with local flavor without overcommitting time or money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. The stop at Mariscos el Carnal offers a chance to purchase food and drinks separately.

How long does the entire tour last?
The approximate duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours, including travel, stops, and sightseeing.

What are the main stops?
You visit an artisanal tequila factory in El Arenal, a photo stop in Amatitan, enjoy lunch with mariachi, explore Tequila town, and visit a traditional bar to try cantaritos.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks, including tequila tastings and “cantaritos,” are not included in the price.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The description states that most travelers can participate, but specific accessibility information isn’t provided.

Can service animals join this tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Cabrales Tours, ensuring professional guidance and transportation.

Would you recommend this tour?
For those seeking a cost-effective, scenic, and culturally rich day trip from Guadalajara, this tour packs in key highlights, even if it skims over some details like the tequila-making process.