If you’re curious about Mexico’s ancient civilizations and the tequila industry’s secrets, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and craft. It’s designed for those who want more than just a quick snapshot — you’ll get a deep dive into Jalisco’s past and present, with visits to archaeological sites, working distilleries, and charming local towns.
Two things we especially love about this experience are the expert guidance that makes complex history accessible and the chance to see authentic tequila production up close — rather than just tasting and buying. One possible caveat? It’s a long day — roughly nine hours — with quite a bit of driving, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with full-day outings.
This tour is ideal if you enjoy historical sites, want to learn about the cultural significance of tequila, or simply crave a behind-the-scenes look at local traditions. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate detailed storytelling, small-group intimacy, and authentic experiences.
Key Points
Authentic archaeological site: Guachimontones is a rare, circular pyramid complex with unique architecture.
Expert-guided insights: Knowledgeable guides make complex history and tequila production understandable and engaging.
Comprehensive experience: From ancient ruins to tequila tastings and distillery visits, you cover a lot of ground.
Cultural depth: Learn about the civilizations that shaped the region and their influence on modern traditions.
Practical value: All transportation, entrance fees, and tastings are included, making it a straightforward, hassle-free day.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and pay later — ideal for flexible travel plans.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more historical tours in Teuchitlan
Starting Point and Transportation
The tour begins with pickup in Guadalajara, a strategic and lively base for exploring the region. The transportation is in recent-model jeeps or SUVs, which are comfortable for the roughly 80-minute drive. Travelers consistently praise the quality of vehicles and courteous driving, with one review highlighting how the guide even drove down to avoid strenuous walks — a thoughtful touch that adds to the comfort, especially for those with mobility considerations.
Given the total itinerary involves about 3 hours of driving round trip, this is a significant part of the experience. The advantage? It keeps the group moving efficiently between sites, with travel time broken up by water and snacks, and the opportunity to appreciate the scenic Jalisco valleys.
Visiting Guachimontones Archaeological Site
The first major stop is Guachimontones, an ancient site dating back centuries that features circular pyramids unique in the world. The guided tour here lasts about 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore the site’s layout and learn about the civilization behind it.
What makes Guachimontones special isn’t just its architecture, but also how it reflects the way ancient peoples organized their social and ceremonial life. Our sources describe the site as visually striking and historically significant, with two ball courts and the distinctive circular pyramids standing out amid the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can expect an interpretive center that vividly illustrates how these structures were used, along with stunning photo opportunities of the pyramids and the lush valleys beyond. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable the guides are, providing clear explanations that turn a visit into a meaningful history lesson.
Break at Teuchitlán
After sightseeing, there’s a quick 15-minute stop at the town square of Teuchitlán. This is a good chance to stretch, buy snacks, and take some photos of a lively Mexican town with colonial charm. Many travelers appreciate the brief pause, as it adds a local flavor to the day without extending the schedule unnecessarily.
More Great Tours NearbyTequila 3 Mujeres: Behind the Scenes of Tequila Production
The next highlight is a visit to Tequila Tres Mujeres, where you’ll see the production process firsthand. This part of the tour lasts around 2 hours and includes a guided walkthrough of how tequila is made, from the agave fields to the distillation process.
Guests have the chance to taste different varieties of tequila, learning how to recognize good quality and proper drinking techniques. The reviews highlight the guide’s depth of knowledge — one said, “we not only learned how to drink tequila properly but also how to identify a good product.” For many, this tasting is a highlight, especially as it’s often a private or less crowded experience, bypassing the tourist hordes.
Along With tasting, visitors walk through the lush agave fields, capturing photos of the plant that’s the heart of Mexican spirits. The chance to see the fields and production up close offers a genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every shot.
Lunch and Visit to José Cuervo
Midday, you’ll have some free time to eat — many choose local eateries, with recommendations like La Casona Antigua for authentic Mexican cuisine. This relaxed break allows you to recharge before the afternoon’s activities.
After lunch, the tour visits the José Cuervo distillery gallery, offering a quick but rich overview of the tequila industry’s history and marketing. It’s a good spot for souvenirs and photos, marking the end of the Tequila section of the tour.
Return Journey and Reflection
The return trip to Guadalajara takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Travelers often find this a good time to relax, reflect on the day, or chat with fellow travelers. The entire experience, with all stops and activities, spans roughly 9 hours — a full day that’s packed but well-paced.
What to Expect and Practical Tips
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but note that it’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility challenges. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are strongly advised, especially since parts of the tour involve outdoor exploration in the sun.
Transportation is in recent-model vehicles, which many reviewers describe as comfortable and courteous. The guide, Daniel, is consistently praised for his knowledge and attentiveness — one reviewer called him “the best of guides,” highlighting his responsiveness and friendly demeanor.
While lunch isn’t included, the tour offers the flexibility to explore local eateries, which often provide delicious, traditional Mexican dishes. Souvenirs are available at the distillery but are paid for separately.
Cost and Value
At $114 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the comprehensive itinerary, transportation, expert guidance, and tastings included. Visiting both ancient archaeological sites and active tequila distilleries in one day makes it a well-rounded cultural experience, especially for those eager to understand the roots and modern industry of tequila.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour?
If you love history, enjoy learning about local crafts, or want a deeper understanding of Mexico beyond just the capital, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate guided insights and authentic experiences. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and get detailed answers.
Travelers with an interest in archaeology, Mexican culture, or spirits will find plenty to love here. Be prepared for a long day with a fair amount of driving — it’s a full immersion into Jalisco’s cultural landscape, with the comfort of well-planned logistics.
Summary: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This is a well-curated journey that combines history, culture, and tequila in a single trip. It offers a very good balance of guided learning and free time, making it suitable for curious travelers who want a meaningful experience. The knowledgeable guides, especially Daniel, elevate this tour above many cookie-cutter alternatives.
While the length and travel time might be a consideration for those with limited mobility or very tight schedules, it’s perfect for anyone eager to see the roots of Mexican civilization and enjoy some quality tequila. Whether you’re a history buff, a spirits enthusiast, or simply someone curious about Mexico’s traditions, this tour offers a comprehensive, authentic taste of Jalisco.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7 years old, especially those with mobility issues. The walk through archaeological sites and distillery tours involves some outdoor activity and walking.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, along with sunscreen and a hat, as part of the tour involves outdoor exploration in sunny conditions.
Are meals included?
Lunch is not included, but the tour offers free time to eat at local restaurants, with suggestions available.
What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 9 hours, covering transportation, site visits, tastings, and breaks.
How is transportation arranged?
All transport is in recent-model jeeps or SUVs, with courteous drivers and a comfortable ride.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is alcohol tasting included?
Yes, the tour includes tequila tastings at different stops, giving you a chance to learn proper drinking techniques and recognize quality.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Just your curiosity, comfortable clothing, and a camera — it’s a day packed with photo opportunities and new knowledge.
This tour stands out as a well-rounded, approachable way to explore Jalisco’s cultural and culinary heritage. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the sights, taste the spirits, and understand the stories behind them — all with the guidance of experts who make history and production accessible and engaging.
You can check availability for your dates here: