Tequila is arguably one of the most fun, vibrant spots in Mexico. Here’s my complete guide to visiting Tequila Jalisco, including where to stay and which distilleries to visit.
Did you know that tequila is actually named after the town where it originated? The town of Tequila is in fact one of the cutest pueblos mágicos or magical towns in Mexico, with pastel-colored colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets surrounded by agave fields. The beautiful agave landscapes and age-old distilleries of Tequila have even earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
On our recent trip to Guadalajara, we made a detour to Tequila and had a great time exploring the historical town, visiting the agave plantations and distilleries, and tasting all kinds of tequila. The town itself is an absolute delight, while the surrounding landscape is reminiscent of the wild landscapes depicted in movies about Mexico. In this guide, I’ll share with you how to get to Tequila, things to do in Tequila, and best places to stay, eat and drink.
Table of Contents
- My Guide to Tequila Jalisco
- Where Is Tequila Jalisco?
- How To Get To Tequila Jalisco
- How To Get Around Tequila Jalisco
- Best Time To Visit Tequila Jalisco
- How Many Days in Tequila Jalisco?
- Is It Safe To Travel To Tequila?
- Things To Do In Tequila Jalisco
- Where To Stay In Tequila Jalisco
- Where To Eat in Tequila Jalisco
- Travel Insurance for Mexico
- Is Tequila Jalisco Worth Visiting?
My Guide to Tequila Jalisco
Where Is Tequila Jalisco?
Located just one hour from the bustling metropolis of Guadalajara, Tequila offers a super fun getaway for travelers seeking a taste of Mexican culture and history. Renowned as the birthplace of tequila, the town draws tourists from all over the globe.
Many flock to the town to learn about the production of tequila, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse in traditional music and dance. Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or simply curious about the iconic beverage, a trip to the town promises a newfound appreciation for this Mexican spirit.
How To Get To Tequila Jalisco
By Bus
Guadalajara is the nearest big city to Tequila, and it’s just 1 hour away. The most convenient option is to get there is on the Tequila Plus bus. Purchase tickets are priced at 107 MXN (US$5.50) for a one-way trip. Buses depart every hour or so in both directions, and the journey typically takes around 1.5 hours. If you want to be picked up from your hotel, book a car transfer through Bookaway.
By Car
Alternatively, rent a car, like we did. It’s an easy and short drive. I always book our car rental through DiscoverCars.com as they’ve consistently given me the best rates and customer support. Search for car rentals in Guadalajara here.
By Day Tour
Another great option is to join a day tour from Guadalajara. The tours usually provides transport from your hotel, brings you around the town and includes visits to the Jose Cuervo distillery. This full-day excursion is one of the best tequila tours in Mexico, and has received excellent reviews. Book your tour here.
How To Get Around Tequila Jalisco
Getting around Tequila on foot is easy because the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. You can easily explore the town’s attractions, from local shops brimming with artisanal treasures to inviting restaurants serving up traditional Mexican cuisine.
But if you want to explore the surrounding agave fields and distilleries, then a car will definitely come in handy. We rented a car and it was useful to get from town to our hotel, and the nearby distilleries. It definitely helped us make use of our time in Tequila and see as much as we could. Search for car rentals.
Best Time To Visit Tequila Jalisco
The best time to visit Tequila is in February, March, and April. These months mean favorable weather conditions and fewer crowds, making it ideal to explore the charms of this enchanting town. I visited Tequila in February; I can attest to the great weather. From January to March, the weather is at its most inviting, with temperatures hovering around 34°C (93℉) in the day.
It’s best to avoid visiting during Mexican holidays, as it can get really crowded. Summer is not the best time to visit Tequila as it can get really hot and humid in the day. Regardless of the season, Tequila is a great place to visit all year-round.
How Many Days in Tequila Jalisco?
Many opt for a quick day trip to Tequila as it’s just an hour from Guadalajara and it’s a small place you can see in a day.
But that would be a shame, as the town is worth more of your time. I spent three days in Tequila and I was really glad to have time to explore everything there is to do here.
Is It Safe To Travel To Tequila?
The U.S. State Department recently updated its travel advisory for Jalisco. Highway 70, the scenic route from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara, has been removed from the travel restrictions list. This highway passes through three charming pueblo mágicos, each with significant cultural heritage to the state.
Tequila is a touristy place, and visitors who don’t get involved in drugs will be fine. I didn’t feel unsafe in any way during my trip but you should stay informed about current conditions and heed any local advisories.
Things To Do In Tequila Jalisco
Beyond tequila drinking, there are a few different things to do in the town of Tequila that are fun and interesting!
Hop On The Jose Cuervo Express Train
The best way to get to Tequila is onboard the Jose Cuervo Express, an exclusive vintage-style train in Mexico. This unique journey will transport you from Guadalajara to Tequila, through agave fields, with a series of tequila tastings and a visit of the Jose Cuervo distillery in Tequila town.
The interior of the train is adorned with exquisite wood-paneled walls and offers comfortable seating. Some carriages will have a bar conveniently located inside. As part of the experience, you’ll participate in a traditional toast featuring one of the country’s premium tequilas.
It’s not a cheap experience though – tickets for the Jose Cuervo Express start at 2,590 pesos ($127) and vary in price based on the chosen level of luxury for your train car. The train operates exclusively on Saturdays, typically every second week.
Join A Tequila Distillery Tour
Jose Cuervo Tequila Tour
The main attraction of Tequila is undoubtedly its iconic tequila distilleries. I strongly recommend the Jose Cuervo Tequila Tour to La Rojena. La Rojena is the home of Jose Cuervo, the world’s most famous tequila. Book your tour here.
It is the oldest distillery globally and the largest producer, supplying a third of the world’s tequila. The Jose Cuervo Tequila Tour goes for 440 MXN ($22.50). It offers visitors a chance to witness the intricate tequila-making process and sample exclusive tequilas rarely found elsewhere on the planet.
Casa Suaza Tours
As the third oldest distillery globally and the second-largest tequila producer, Casa Suaza offers various tour options starting from 230 MXN ($12). Their most popular tour includes a visit to an agave plantation, a tour of the distillery, complimentary tastings, and a refreshing margarita amidst their picturesque gardens.
You can also explore other distilleries such as Don Julio and Tequila Fortaleza, each offering unique insights into the tequila-making tradition. The tours are usually led by English-speaking guides.
Wander around the PLaza Principal
Tequila has a colorful historic center, where the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings effortlessly transport you back in time. The plaza principal, or main square, is a hive of activity especially in the evening when the temperature drops. This is also where you’ll find the “Tequila” sign. Snap a photo here if you like cheesy shots!
Admire the Templo de la Concepcion
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1649, is a majestic building made of stone blocks in colonial architectural style located opposite the main square of Tequila.
It has a single tower with a double-arched bell tower and on the façade the entrance arch is flanked by Doric columns and has a niche with an image of San Miguel Arcángel. The interior of the church is of a single nave, standing out for its vaults, stained glass windows and for its main altarpiece of neoclassical style.
Visit the National Museum of Tequila
This museum offers an intriguing walk through the origin of the tequila drink from the pre-Hispanic times until modernity.
In the central courtyard, you can see one of the old mills that were used to crush the huge agave pineapples and obtain the original must. The museum also shows the old farming implements and tools that were used in the cultivation and care of agave plantations.
Eat at the Mercado Municipal
Located in the heart of the historic center is the municipal market, where the locals eat. It is the best spot to try authentic Mexican foods here, specifically antojitos (street foods) like birria (a soupy goat stew).
pobDoña Mary’s food stand is one of the most popular spots here, offering home-cooked foods with a village flavor. Her quesabirria was one of the best I’ve ever tried, and so were the tacos de carne asada.
Visit Los Abuelos Museum
In the beautiful Los Abuelos Museum, you’ll get to learn the origin and history of the Sauza family, also known as the “aristocracy of tequila”. Don Cenobio Sauza founded La Perseverancia distillery in 1873, and began to produce the first tequilas in Mexico.
Since then, more than 5 generations of Sauzas have continued the family tradition of making the best tequilas. In this museum, you can admire the tools used 150 years ago in the production of tequila, as well as the furniture in use during the time.
Try Cantaritos
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the town by sipping cantaritos, a tequila-based cocktail, with grapefruit and lime juice, served in a clay cup known that helps keep the drink cold. As you stroll through the charming streets, you’ll meet numerous vendors selling cantaritos of various sizes and styles.
Once you’ve finished your drink, simply take your cantarito to any of the other stands scattered around town for a refill, usually costing around 60 pesos ($3.52).
Party at Cantarito El Guero
Just 15 minutes outside of Tequila, lies Cantaritos El Guero, a local hotspot bursting with energy. Here, you can share massive cantaritos with friends, alongside mouth-watering cuisine and live music that sets the mood for a memorable evening.
Stay In A Tequila Barrel
There are so many things to do in Tequila it’s worth staying the night in Tequila – you’ll find one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico right here in town. We stayed at the Matices Hotel de Barricas, where rooms are housed in giant tequila barrels, surrounded by agave fields. You get the sensation you’re in the middle of tequila backcountry, even though you’re just minutes from town. Check rates.
Every hotel guest is welcomed to a free guided tour and tequila tasting at their distillery. There are English and Spanish tours that run twice a day and the guides are fun and engaging. There’s also a gorgeous cave restaurant with giant Cathedral ceilings and a bottleshop selling all kinds of tequila.
You’re also free to wander around the agave field and snap photos with artistic sculptures. I highly recommend a stay here, even if it is just for one night.
Where To Stay In Tequila Jalisco
Budget: Hotel Delicias Tequila
Just a 10-minute stroll from the main plaza, Hotel Delicias Tequila offers excellent value for money ($56 per night for a double bed) for budget travelers. Check rates.
Mid-range: Hotel Villa Tequila
Also with a central location, Hotel Villa Tequila offers a serene escape in the heart of the town. Set amidst lush greenery, the hotel boasts a refreshing pool nestled within a picturesque garden, inviting you to unwind and soak up the tranquil ambiance. Check rates.
Luxury: Matices Hotel de Barricas
Athe unique Matices Hotel de Barricas, you’ll be sleeping in giant tequila barrels, surrounded by agave fields. You get the sensation you’re in the middle of tequila backcountry, even though you’re just minutes from town. It truly makes for a unique experience. Check rates.
Where To Eat in Tequila Jalisco
Tacos El Chino
Trust me when I say that eating al pastor tacos should be high on everyone’s agenda when exploring any part of Mexico. Each bite is a delightful adventure for your taste buds as the flavors of the meat and accompanying toppings vary from town to town. Read reviews.
La Antigua Casona
Located within the charming Hotel Solar de las Animas, the restaurant offers a tantalizing taste of the rich flavors of this quaint Mexican town. Read reviews.
La Posta Restaurant
At La Posta Restaurant, you are transported into a world where every aspect embodies the essence of authentic Mexican ranch food. Read reviews.
Travel Insurance for Mexico
I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Mexico for a year or a week. It will cover you in the event of emergencies or mishaps like theft and loss of luggage.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for worldwide travel. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.
Is Tequila Jalisco Worth Visiting?
Tequila is plenty of fun, whether you’re a tequila fan or not. From the captivating distillery tours to the charming streets filled with music and laughter, Tequila offers a great escape from the metropolis of Guadalajara and gives a peek into small towns of Mexico.
For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:
- Visit Creel Chihuahua: My 2024 Guide
- Pueblos Mágicos: Best Magic Towns in Mexico
- 30 Things to Do in Guadalajara
- My Guide to Orizaba, Veracruz
- 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Mexico City
- Copper Canyon 10-Day Itinerary
- El Chepe Train: My Complete Guide
- 25 Unique Places to Stay in Mexico
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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