Mazatlan: Tequila Factory Tour & La Noria Villages with Lunch

Summary

Tequila tasting, village crafts and dancing horses near Mazatlan

You’ll meet real locals near Mazatlan as you taste fresh tequila at a working factory, watch handmade crafts in La Noria village, and see dancing horses in Puerta de Canoas. Includes pickup and a relaxed lunch—expect small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the way our driver, Jorge, grinned when he handed me a tiny cup of something sharp and sweet at the Vinata tequila factory — “Sip slow,” he warned, but honestly, I coughed anyway. The air inside smelled like roasted agave and old wood. There was this old grinding wheel from the 1800s just sitting there, still stained dark from years of use. I tried to imagine the hands that turned it before all these machines came in. Jorge explained everything in this mix of English and Spanish — sometimes he’d pause to let us try saying things ourselves (I definitely butchered “piña”).

La Noria was next, tucked up against the hills — it’s not far from Mazatlan but feels like another world. We wandered past open doors where people were making leather sandals by hand, the slap of tools on hide echoing out into the street. One woman waved us in to see her workbench; she smiled when I asked if she ever gets tired of making belts (“Only when it’s too hot,” she said). The church at the top of town looked out over everything — we climbed up there just to catch our breath and ended up staying longer than planned because the breeze felt so good.

After that we drove to Puerta de Canoas for what they called “dancing horses.” It’s hard to explain if you haven’t seen it — these huge animals moving almost like they’re floating, with their trainers clapping along. A little girl offered me a piece of spicy candy while we watched (I took it, regretted it instantly, but didn’t let on). Lunch back in Mazatlan was loud and busy — plates of beans and tortillas passed around, everyone laughing about who handled the tequila best. I still think about that view from the church though, every time someone mentions Mazatlan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit tequila factory and local villages

• See old and current tequila equipment
• Visit La Noria village and local crafts
• See local church on hill
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

How long is the tour from Mazatlan to La Noria?

The drive from Mazatlan to La Noria takes about 45 minutes each way.

Is tequila tasting included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll sample tequila at La Vinata factory during your visit.

Are hotel or cruise port pickups available?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or cruise ports in Mazatlan.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; only adults may taste tequila.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included if you select that option when booking; otherwise food can be purchased separately.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed?

The tour accommodates wheelchairs and strollers; collapsible wheelchairs are fine.

What villages will we visit besides La Noria?

You’ll also visit Puerta de Canoas after La Noria.

Will I see traditional crafts being made?

Yes, you’ll see locals making sandals, belts, shoes and other leather goods by hand in La Noria.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off in Mazatlan, guided visits to La Vinata tequila factory plus both villages with plenty of time for photos and local chats. Bottled water is provided throughout; lunch is included if chosen during booking before returning comfortably to town.