Exploring Guadalajara’s Colonia Americana with a Food and Drink Tour
If you’re looking to experience Guadalajara’s best gastronomy and cocktails in a lively, authentic setting, this private drinks and tacos tour is a fantastic choice. For $95 per person, you get about two hours of walking through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods—Colonia Americana. Led by knowledgeable guides, Karen, Jorge, and Alejandra, you’ll visit three carefully selected bars and top it off with delicious tacos, all while enjoying all drinks included.
What makes this experience truly shine are two standout features: first, the chance to sip Jalisco spirits at a bar ranked among the top 50 in the world, and second, the intimate setting of a private tour, which ensures a personalized and relaxed experience. The closeness of the venues means you won’t be spending time in transit—just strolling from one hotspot to another.
One consideration to keep in mind is the duration—at just two hours, it’s a compact experience, so if you’re craving a longer, more leisurely night, this might feel a bit quick. Also, since it’s focused on urban nightlife, those who prefer daytime sightseeing may want to pair this with other activities.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local flavors, are curious about Jalisco spirits, and enjoy the vitality of Guadalajara’s coolest neighborhoods. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone eager to combine food, drink, and a taste of local culture in a fun, intimate setting.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Designed to showcase Guadalajara’s top bars and tacos with a private guide.
- All-Inclusive: Enjoy three drinks and tacos without worrying about extra costs.
- Well-Chosen Venues: Bars include a world-ranked spot and a speakeasy, offering diverse atmospheres.
- Concise and Intimate: The tour is approximately 2 hours, allowing for a relaxed but engaging experience.
- Private Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized service.
- Ideal for Foodies & Cocktail Lovers: Focused on local spirits and authentic Mexican tacos.
In-Depth Review of the Drinks and Tacos Tour in Guadalajara
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Why This Tour Stands Out
This experience offers more than just a night out—it’s a curated introduction to Guadalajara’s culinary and cocktail scene. The fact that it’s a private tour means you get the attention of your guides, Karen, Jorge, and Alejandra, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. During the tour, you’ll explore the lively Colonia Americana, a neighborhood renowned for its cool vibe and creative spirit.
One of the most memorable aspects is visiting Gallo Altanero, a bar ranked among the top 50 bars in the world, where you’ll sample an agave spirit drink. The guide’s selection process ensures you experience a blend of local craftsmanship and innovative mixology. The speakeasy bar, PIMP, adds a touch of secrecy and exclusivity, offering a delicious and unique cocktail you won’t find everywhere.
The mezcal and beer bar at Calle Marsella 167 provides a relaxed spot to enjoy authentic Mexican spirits alongside local brews—an ideal way to soak up the neighborhood’s vibe. Then, the tour complements the drink stops with two taco tastings at different locations, giving you a taste of Guadalajara’s renowned street food scene.
The Itinerary in Detail
Stop 1: Gallo Altanero (Calle Marsella 126)
Here, you start with a high-quality agave spirit in a bar that’s recognized globally. The ambiance is sophisticated, yet inviting. Since the stop lasts about 30 minutes, you have enough time to savor your drink and chat with your guide about the city’s spirit traditions. Reviewers mention how well-chosen this spot is, emphasizing that being in a top-ranked bar truly elevates the experience.
Stop 2: PIMP (a speakeasy)
Next, you enter an atmosphere reminiscent of prohibition-era secret bars. This hidden gem offers a special cocktail crafted to impress, with the guide explaining the ingredients and history. The 30-minute visit allows enough time to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the drinks, and many travelers find the intimate setting particularly memorable.
Stop 3: Calle Marsella 167
A mezcal and beer bar rounds out the bar crawl. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy traditional Mexican spirits with a local twist. This stop is praised for its authentic vibe and the chance to discuss mezcal production with your guides, who are noted for their knowledge about local spirits.
Stop 4 & 5: Tacos Gascon (Calle Mexicaltzingo 1984) and another taco spot (Av. Alemania 1803)
After drinks, the tour shifts gears to tacos, a staple of Guadalajara’s food scene. The stops are brief—about 15 minutes each—but packed with flavor. The tacos are described as delicious, showcasing the city’s street food craftsmanship. Travelers have raved about the quality and authenticity, with one reviewer noting that the tacos are a “must-try” experience.
What Travelers Will Experience
Expect a casual stroll through a neighborhood known for its hip ambiance and creative energy. The venues are close together, which keeps the focus on enjoying each stop rather than being bogged down by logistics. The all-inclusive drinks and tacos mean you don’t need to worry about extra expenses—just focus on savoring the flavors.
The guides are consistently praised for their local knowledge and ability to make the experience fun and engaging. They provide context about Guadalajara’s spirits, neighborhood history, and culinary traditions, making the tour educational as well as enjoyable.
Practical Aspects
This tour operates at 6:00 pm, perfect for starting your evening in style. The meeting point is Calle Marsella 126, and it ends at Av. Alemania 1803, close to public transportation. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for questions and conversation.
The duration is around 2 hours, making it a manageable activity even for those with a busy schedule. Since the tour is weather-dependent, a clear day will ensure the best experience, but if the weather is poor, your guides will offer an alternative date or a full refund.
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Value and Cost
At $95 per person, considering the three drinks, tacos, and personalized service, this tour offers excellent value. Compared to paying for drinks and food separately, the all-inclusive package makes it easier to relax and enjoy the night, especially with the quality of venues selected. The private format means you get tailored attention and a more intimate experience, which many travelers find worth the price.
Authenticity and Quality
Travelers consistently mention how well-chosen the venues are, with at least one being among the world’s best bars. This guarantees a high standard of quality and a memorable experience. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge are often highlighted as key to making the tour special. You’ll learn about local spirits, guerrilla bar scenes, and Guadalajara’s taco culture—adding depth to what might otherwise be just a night out.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is ideal for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those eager to explore Guadalajara’s hip neighborhoods. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a curated introduction or repeat travelers looking to enjoy some of the city’s best spots with a local touch. Because it’s private, it’s especially suited for couples, friends, or small groups who want a personalized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While primarily geared toward adults given the alcohol focus, service animals are allowed, and the focus on food and casual walking makes it accessible for most travelers who are comfortable around drinks and urban environments.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect evening activity that won’t take up your entire night.
Are all drinks and tacos included?
Yes, your three drinks and tacos are included in the price, so you can relax without worrying about extra costs.
What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at Calle Marsella 126 in Colonia Americana and ends at Av. Alemania 1803, both central locations easy to reach by public transportation.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, bookings can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility if your plans shift.
Will I get to try local spirits like mezcal?
Absolutely, the tour includes agave spirits at a top bar and mezcal tasting at another venue, giving you a true taste of Jalisco’s famous production.
To sum it up, this private drinks and tacos tour in Guadalajara offers a lively, authentic peek into the city’s culinary and cocktail culture. It’s perfect for those who want a short but memorable introduction to the neighborhood’s best venues, all in an intimate setting. With delicious food, expertly selected bars, and friendly guides, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Guadalajara itinerary. Just be prepared for a quick-paced evening that packs a lot of flavor into two hours—definitely a highlight for anyone eager to experience the vibrant nightlife of this colorful city.
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