Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila

Planning a trip to Guadalajara and craving an authentic taste of Mexico’s most iconic spirit? This private tour offers a window into tequila’s heritage, blending craftsmanship, stunning landscapes, and local culture. It’s designed for those who want a more intimate, crowd-free experience than the usual group tours, providing both education and leisure in equal measure.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit artisan tequila factories that keep traditional methods alive, and the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of agave fields — perfect for social media snapshots or just soaking in the natural beauty. The private transportation and guided visits make for a seamless day, while the stops in Tequila town let you explore its authentic charm at your own pace.

A possible consideration? The tour extends into the evening depending on traffic, so it’s good to be prepared for a full day. Also, the price is reasonable given the private nature and inclusion of visits to two distilleries, but it doesn’t cover souvenirs or lunch, so plan accordingly. This experience suits travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, scenic views, and a bit of culture, especially those eager to taste tequila beyond just drinking it.

Key Points

• Private, crowd-free visits to artisan and industrial tequila factories create an intimate experience.
• Beautiful landscapes of agave fields provide great photo opportunities and insight into tequila’s origin.
• The tour includes transportation and bottled water, simplifying the day and keeping you refreshed.
• Flexible stops in Tequila town offer free time for photos, souvenirs, and exploring local crafts.
• The tour runs about 6 hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure.
• Cost-effective considering the private guidance, multiple distillery visits, and scenic stops.

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This private tequila tour in Jalisco offers an excellent way to explore Mexico’s most famous spirit while enjoying the stunning scenery and authentic local culture. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but based on the detailed itinerary and reviews, it promises a balanced mix of education, leisure, and cultural discovery.

One of the standout features is the visit to Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, a small-scale factory that produces artisanal tequila, liqueurs, and creams. Here, you’ll get a guided tasting experience that highlights the craftsmanship behind each bottle, often a rewarding highlight for those interested in the process as well as the product. The intimate setting, free from crowds, allows for more personal interaction and a chance to ask questions about the traditional methods used in their production.

Another highlight is the visit to El Tequileño Distillery, which offers a longer, more in-depth tour (around two hours). This place showcases both the heritage and the modern aspects of tequila making, from fermentation to bottling. The fact that one reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the process was explained with passion,” underscores the value of the guiding experience here.

The tour also offers free time in Tequila town, where you can wander around, take photos of the colorful portals and main square, and pick up souvenirs like tequila bottles or local handicrafts. The visit to Paisaje Agavero — the vast agave fields — is a particular favorite, as it gives you a chance to see the plant that makes tequila possible, plus some stunning landscape views perfect for memorable photos.

Lastly, a stop at Los Cantaritos El Güero adds a fun, local flavor with their signature “cantaritos,” a refreshing mix of tequila, citrus, and juice. According to reviews, this place is popular for a reason: “These drinks are a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the local taste.” It’s an authentic stop that rounds out the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $161.64 per person, you get private transportation — an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water — which makes traveling between stops comfortable, especially in the Mexican heat. The guided tours at both distilleries, plus the tastings, are included, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at tequila production.

However, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages beyond the tastings, and lunch are not included. The latter might be a consideration if you’re hungry after the tour, as you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to dine in Tequila town afterward.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Tequila Selecto de Amatitán (1 hour)
You’ll start your day at this artisan distillery, which is a rarity in the tequila world these days. The guided tour here should give you insights into both the traditional and industrial sides of tequila-making, with tastings of spirits, liqueurs, and creams produced on-site. Visitors often comment on how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, making this an engaging start.

Stop 2: El Tequileño Distillery (2 hours)
This is the centerpiece of the tour, where you’ll see larger-scale production but still retain a sense of tradition. You might find that the tour is quite comprehensive, with detailed explanations of the process from agave roasting to bottling. The longer duration means you’ll get a thorough look at how tequila is crafted, and you’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for the effort involved.

Stop 3: Tequila Town (1 hour)
The free time in this charming town is a favorite among travelers. The main square, colorful portals, and local shops provide plenty of photo opportunities. You can pick up a bottle of tequila, try some local snacks, or simply relax in the vibrant atmosphere. Many reviewers note the town’s authentic charm and lively, welcoming vibe.

Stop 4: Paisaje Agavero (1 hour)
The agave fields are a visual feast — vast, green, and dotted with the iconic blue agave plant. This stop is perfect for those Instagram moments or for anyone wanting to see the raw material behind the spirit. The views here often earn high praise for their natural beauty.

Stop 5: Los Cantaritos El Güero (1 hour)
The day ends with a fun, refreshing stop at a local stand famous for its cantaritos. These citrusy tequila shots are both tasty and invigorating, perfect for ending the tour on a lively note. Travelers often mention the friendly atmosphere and the chance to try a truly local specialty.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• The tour starts at 10:00 am, so plan to arrive on time or be ready for pickup if that’s part of the arrangement.
• Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
• Since lunch isn’t included, consider packing a snack or planning to eat in Tequila town afterward.
• The total duration is approximately six hours, so be prepared for a full but manageable day.
• Remember: alcoholic beverages are served only to those over 18, and the tour is private, meaning your group won’t be mixed with strangers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys a blend of cultural insight and scenic beauty, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who want to understand tequila production firsthand without the crowd or commercialization. The stops in artisan factories are especially appealing for those curious about traditional methods, while the agave landscapes cater to fans of natural beauty.

It’s also suited for those who prefer a flexible, leisurely pace — plenty of time in the town and fields to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Because it’s private, you can tailor your experience, ask questions, or linger longer at spots that catch your eye.

Final Thoughts

This private tour of El Tequileño Distillery and the town of Tequila offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Jalisco’s tequila heritage. The combination of traditional factories, scenic agave landscapes, and a charming town makes it a rich experience that’s both educational and relaxing. The thoughtful inclusion of transportation, guided tours, and tastings ensures a smooth day, while the free time allows for personal exploration.

It’s particularly good for travelers who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personalized touch. Whether you’re passionate about spirits, love scenic vistas, or simply want to understand what makes tequila special, this tour delivers.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour features private, air-conditioned transportation that takes you between all stops, making the day comfortable and worry-free.

Can I buy tequila during the tour?
While the tour does not explicitly mention shopping for tequila, you’ll have time in Tequila town to visit local shops and purchase bottles if you wish.

Are alcohol tastings included?
Tastings at both distilleries are included, but alcoholic beverages beyond that, such as additional drinks or souvenirs, are not.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:00 am and possibly extending into the evening depending on traffic.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that alcohol is served only to those over 18. The tour’s length and walking might be more suitable for older children or teens.

Are meals included?
No, there is no included lunch or snacks, so plan to bring a snack or eat afterward in Tequila town.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and casual clothes are recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors in agave fields and town streets.

This tour balances the allure of tequila’s traditions with scenic beauty and a relaxed pace. Perfect for curious travelers eager to learn, explore, and enjoy Mexico’s iconic spirit in a setting that’s both authentic and picturesque.