Express Sunset

Traveling through the heart of Jalisco on the Express Sunset tour offers a vibrant taste of Mexico’s iconic tequila culture, combined with scenic landscapes and lively local traditions. This full-day experience, offered at around $192 per person, is ideal for those wanting a balance of educational insights, culture, and authentic leisure. We’re particularly fond of the seamless integration of tequila history with genuine local entertainment and the opportunity to explore the charming town of Tequila itself.

One of the standout features is the Jose Cuervo Express train ride at sunset, which provides a relaxing, scenic journey with included tastings—an excellent way to end the day. On the flip side, the tour does skip a sit-down meal, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to plan for some extra snacks or a meal during your free time in Tequila. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, scenery, and a touch of festivity, especially if they enjoy learning about tequila in its native environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Tequila Experience: From agave fields to distillery tours, you learn the entire process.
• Cultural Insights: The Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center showcases Mexican art and traditions.
• Scenic Train Ride: The sunset train journey offers beautiful views and educational tastings.
• Flexible Free Time: You get several hours to explore the town of Tequila and enjoy local food.
• Value for Money: Including transportation, tastings, and guided tours, the price offers solid value.
• Limited Food Options: No meals are included, so plan accordingly.

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins bright and early at El Mante 8502 in San Pedro Tlaquepaque with a pickup around 9:00 am. The highlight here is the Jose Cuervo Express train, a historic and iconic way to travel from Guadalajara to Tequila. This private train ride turns what could be a simple bus trip into a memorable part of the experience. Expect comfortable seating, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to enjoy exclusive cocktails and Mexican snacks as you head through the rolling agave landscapes. Travelers have praised the journey’s authenticity, with one reviewer highlighting that “the train made the trip special, with nice touches like music and drinks.”

Agave Fields and the Jimador Demonstration

The first stop is the Campos de Agave Jose Cuervo, where you’ll witness a jimador expertly harvest the agave plant. This is a hands-on, genuine moment—watching the skillful cutting of the plant, which takes patience and precision. Afterward, music, dancing, and Mexican activities bring a festive atmosphere, giving visitors a chance to connect with tequila’s cultural roots. An hour is enough to soak in the sights and sounds, and many find the jimador demonstration both educational and engaging.

Cultural Center Visit

Next, the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo offers a chance to explore Mexican art, traditions, and pre-Hispanic artifacts. The exhibitions reflect Tequila’s history and cultural importance, making this stop more than just a quick look—it’s a glimpse into Mexico’s vibrant heritage. Visitors have noted that this part of the tour is a “great way to understand the cultural richness of Tequila”, with the chance to see traditional charrería (Mexican rodeo) and local crafts.

La Rojena Distillery Tour

The highlight for many is the factory La Rojena, Latin America’s oldest distillery. The guided tour explains each stage of tequila production, from cooking the agave to distillation. This detailed walk-through is not just about visiting a factory; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The experience is educational without being overly technical, making it accessible for casual travelers. The tastings here—often described as “high-quality and authentic”—allow participants to sample different tequila varieties, adding flavor to the experience.

Free Time in Tequila Town

After the distillery, you have about three hours to wander the Magic Town of Tequila. Here, you can explore local shops, sample authentic Mexican street food, or simply enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere. This flexibility is appreciated; travelers often mention that this free time allows them to savor local gastronomy and buy souvenirs. Since no meals are included in the tour, bringing some snacks or enjoying the local tapas-style offerings can enhance your experience.

Sunset at the Jose Cuervo Forum

The final highlight is the Jose Cuervo Forum, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Mexican show—think lively music, dance, and cultural performances. Afterward, the sunset train ride back to Guadalajara offers a relaxing, picturesque end to the day. The included educational tasting introduces you to different tequila profiles, making this a perfect moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of authentic tequila production, cultural exhibitions, and the scenic train journey creates a well-rounded experience. For travelers interested in Mexican heritage, this tour provides a solid introduction to the country’s most famous spirit in a lively, engaging way. The train ride at sunset, with tastings and views en route, adds a special touch many other tours lack.

The value is notable considering the inclusions—private transport, multiple guided tours, tastings, and cultural entertainment—making it a comprehensive package. The flexible free time allows for personalized exploration, which many travelers find appealing.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, some travelers might find the lack of included meals a minor inconvenience, especially if they’re hungry after a day of sightseeing. Planning for some snacks in Tequila could be wise. Plus, the entire experience is geared toward those who appreciate guided tours and cultural insights—if you’re looking for a more relaxed, less structured visit, this might feel a bit busy.

The maximum group size of 124 could mean a social atmosphere but might also lead to some crowding at popular stops, especially during peak seasons. Also, the tour’s non-refundable policy means travelers should be sure of their plans before booking.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for culture-loving travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to tequila and its origins. It’s also great for those who appreciate scenic train rides combined with local entertainment. If you’re curious about Mexican traditions, enjoy tasting different spirits, and don’t mind a full day of activity, this tour will suit you well.

However, if you prefer your trips to include meals or require a more relaxed pace, consider supplementing this tour with some personal time in Tequila town or additional food stops.

The Sum Up

The Express Sunset tour offers a lively, educational, and scenic way to explore one of Mexico’s most famous regions. Combining the spectacle of agave fields, the craftsmanship of historic distilleries, and the charm of Tequila itself, it’s a well-rounded experience that balances culture, scenery, and fun. The sunset train ride and tastings are the cherry on top, leaving memorable impressions without feeling rushed.

For those who want to understand tequila’s roots and enjoy a taste of local traditions, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, scenic journeys, and authentic cultural moments—all in one day.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel comfortably aboard the private Jose Cuervo Express train from Guadalajara to Tequila and back, making the journey part of the experience.

Are meals included?
No, food isn’t included in this tour. You’ll have free time in Tequila to eat at local restaurants or try street snacks, and included are exclusive cocktails and Mexican appetizers on the train.

How long is the free time in Tequila?
You get about three hours to explore the town, enjoy local food, shop, or relax before returning to Guadalajara via the sunset train.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many travelers love the train ride at sunset with its scenic views and tastings, along with the detailed tour of La Rojena distillery.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers of most ages can participate, especially since the experience is mainly cultural and scenic, but check with the provider if traveling with very young children.

Can I customize the experience?
Since the tour is pre-planned with fixed stops, customization is limited. However, the free time in Tequila allows some personal exploration.

In summary, the Express Sunset tour balances cultural insight, scenic beauty, and fun, making it a worthwhile choice for curious travelers eager to experience authentic tequila traditions in a single day.