Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila

A genuine exploration of Mexico’s most iconic spirit, this private tour from Guadalajara takes you to two distinct tequila factories, the vibrant town of Tequila, and the stunning agave fields. For $161.64 per person, you’ll spend about six hours soaking in tradition, craftsmanship, and beautiful scenery with private transportation and a small group experience.

What we love about this tour is the chance to visit both the artisan Tequila Selecto factory and the more traditional El Tequileño Distillery, offering a nice contrast between modern and handcrafted methods. Plus, the stop in the town of Tequila itself provides a relaxed opportunity for photos, shopping, and soaking up local atmosphere. Another highlight is the visit to the agave landscape—an Instagram-worthy vista that highlights the natural beauty behind Mexico’s national drink.

One possible consideration is that the tour may run into the evening depending on traffic or other external factors, so travelers should be prepared for a full day. Also, this experience doesn’t include lunch or souvenirs, so those who want a full gastronomic experience or mementos might want to plan accordingly.

This tour suits travelers curious about tequila’s production, lovers of scenic landscapes, and anyone wanting a culturally rich yet manageable half-day adventure from Guadalajara. If you’re after authentic insights into tequila-making in a small-group setting, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic visits to both artisan and industrial tequila factories offer a well-rounded perspective.
• Stunning agave fields and scenic landscapes provide memorable photo opportunities and natural beauty.
• Private transportation and a small group ensure a comfortable, personalized experience.
• Flexible stop in Tequila town allows free time for photos, shopping, and exploring local crafts.
• Cost reflects value with included guided tours, tastings, and a curated cultural experience.
• Longer potential return time depending on traffic highlights the importance of staying flexible and prepared.

An in-depth look at your tequila journey from Guadalajara

Getting to Know the Tour: What’s Included and How It Feels

Starting at 10:00am, this private tour offers a seamless, comfortable experience with air-conditioned transport and bottled water to keep everyone refreshed. It’s designed to be intimate—only your group will participate—making it easier to ask questions and soak in the sights without the feeling of being herded along with a larger crowd.

The price of about $162 per person is fair, considering the visits, tastings, private transportation, and the depth of experience. While it does not include lunch or souvenirs, the value lies in the guided access to two distinct distilleries and the chance to wander freely through Tequila’s main square.

Visiting Tequila Selecto: Handcrafted Quality in Every Sip

The first stop, Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, is one of the few remaining artisan and industrial factories. Here, you’ll go on a guided tour and sample a variety of tequilas, liqueurs, and creams produced inside their walls. This visit is a real highlight because it combines the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship with tasting sessions that illustrate the difference between mass-produced and handcrafted varieties.

Travelers have noted that the factory’s guided tour provides a “guided tour and tasting of tequila, liqueurs and creams that are made inside the distilleries,” which makes for an engaging experience. You might find yourself appreciating the subtleties of different flavors and textures, especially if you’re curious about how local artisans keep traditional methods alive.

El Tequileño Distillery: A Window Into Traditional Tequila-Making

Following the artisan stop, you’ll visit El Tequileño Distillery, where tequila tradition is brought to life through a more industrial but historically rooted process. The tour here lasts about two hours and is a deeper dive into the history and craft behind one of Jalisco’s most iconic brands.

You’ll see the distillery’s facilities, learn about the aging process, and see how tequila has maintained its cultural significance. As one reviewer pointed out, this is where “tequila tradition comes to life,” giving you a genuine sense of the industry’s history and evolution. You’ll appreciate the contrast between this and the artisan factory, which helps you understand the spectrum of tequila production in Mexico.

Free Time in Tequila Town

Next, you get an hour of leisure in the town of Tequila, where you can wander the main square, admire the portals (covered walkways), and perhaps find a spot to buy some souvenirs or taste local snacks. This is a casual break, perfect for photos or just soaking up the lively town atmosphere. It’s a good chance to see what makes this town so emblematic of Mexican culture and tequila’s global reputation.

The Agave Landscape: Nature’s Own Masterpiece

One of the most striking parts of the tour is the visit to the Paisaje Agavero, where you’ll walk among the sprawling fields of agave plants. This landscape is quintessential Jalisco—vast, geometric, and almost otherworldly. You’ll learn about how these plants are the backbone of tequila production, and the views are often described as “grand” and “breathtaking.”

Travelers love the chance to take photos of the agave plants, which are both a symbol of Mexico and a crucial part of the country’s heritage. This stop emphasizes the natural beauty behind the spirit and sets the scene for understanding tequila’s deep roots in the land.

Refreshing Stop at Los Cantaritos

Finally, you’ll visit Cantaritos el Güero, famous for its refreshing “cantaritos”—a traditional Mexican drink made with tequila, lemon, orange, and grapefruit juices. This informal stop is about enjoying a local specialty and unwinding after a busy day of touring. Reviewers mention the “delicious shots” and the “nice break,” making it a fun way to end your tequila journey.

Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities

The tour is structured to fit comfortably into a 6-hour window, starting at 10:00am. The private vehicle makes it easy to move between the distilleries, town, and agave fields without hassle. The timing is flexible enough to accommodate traffic or extra photo stops, but travelers should be prepared for a full day, possibly extending into the evening.

Since the tour is private, you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers, and this adds a layer of intimacy and flexibility. The inclusion of bottled water and air conditioning makes the journey comfortable, even in the warm Mexican sun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded, authentic look at tequila production with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for enthusiasts interested in the craft, travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes, and those seeking a cultural glimpse into Mexico’s traditions. If you’re curious about the differences between artisan and industrial tequila, the contrast offered by the two distilleries is especially valuable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers genuine value through its carefully curated stops—visiting both artisan and larger-scale distilleries, exploring the beautiful agave landscape, and enjoying free time in the town of Tequila. It’s a manageable, informative day that balances history, culture, and natural beauty in a relaxed setting.

If you’re eager to understand tequila beyond just tasting, and want to see the land it comes from, this tour hits the mark. The private aspect ensures you get personalized attention, and the scenic views are unforgettable.

While it doesn’t include lunch or souvenirs, the experience’s educational and cultural richness more than compensates. It’s especially suited to curious travelers who enjoy learning about local traditions, photography, and authentic experiences.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included for the duration of the tour, making it easy and comfortable to move from site to site.

Can I buy tequila or souvenirs during the tour?
While the tour doesn’t include souvenirs, you’ll have time in Tequila town to browse shops and buy local crafts or tequila.

Are the visits to both distilleries guided?
Yes, both stops include guided tours, allowing you to learn about the process and history from knowledgeable guides.

How long is each visit?
The artisan factory (Tequila Selecto) lasts about 1 hour, and the El Tequileño distillery tour is approximately 2 hours. The town stop is about 1 hour, and the agave landscape visit is also around 1 hour.

Is there any age restriction?
The tour serves alcoholic beverages only to those over 18, but most travelers of any age can participate in the sightseeing and walking portions.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a camera—especially for the agave fields and town photos.

Can the tour be customized?
Since this is a private tour, you might be able to request slight adjustments, but it’s best to confirm directly with Koyote Tours.

What happens if traffic delays the tour?
The return time may extend into the evening, depending on traffic conditions, so plan for a full-day experience and keep your schedule flexible afterward.

In short, this private tequila tour from Guadalajara packs a lot into a manageable six hours, offering a genuine look at the spirit’s roots, a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery, and a taste of local culture. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or just curious about Mexico’s national drink, it’s a memorable way to spend a day.