Tequila & Amatitan: Distillery Tour, Caves & Tastings Day Trip

Summary

Tequila route day trip with caves, tasting and music from guadalajara

You’ll taste tequila straight from its birthplace as you walk agave fields near Amatitan, explore cool underground caves with a local guide, sip cantaritos while live music plays, and wander Tequila’s colorful streets for lunch—all with private transport so you can relax between stops.

What’s the experience like?

I was already squinting at the blue-green agave fields when our van rolled to a stop outside the distillery in Amatitan. The air was thick with that sweet, earthy smell—cooked agave, I guess—and someone behind me muttered “it smells like candy and smoke.” Our guide, Carlos, waved us over and started talking about jimadores and how the plants take years to mature. He handed us a tiny glass of blanco tequila before we’d even finished our hellos. It hit sharp and bright; I tried not to wince. There’s something about starting a day this way that makes you feel like you’re really somewhere else.

Inside, the walls were cool stone and the light came in sideways through little windows. We followed Carlos down into an underground cave where barrels lined up like sleepy giants. He told us stories about old haciendas and pointed out a spot where workers used to sneak sips—he grinned when he said it, like he’d done it too. I touched one of the barrels; it felt rough, almost sticky from years of spills. We tasted more tequila here—reposado this time, then añejo—and each one was warmer than the last. Someone asked if there was a trick to sipping slowly without coughing; Carlos just laughed and said “practice.”

Later we stopped at Cantaritos El Güero for cocktails—cantaritos with citrus and tequila poured over ice in clay cups. The band was already playing outside; I could feel the beat in my chest before I heard it properly. People danced whether they knew each other or not. My Spanish is shaky but nobody cared; Li tried to teach me some words but mostly we just laughed at my accent. The sun was hot by then but the drink was cold enough to make my teeth hurt.

The town of Tequila itself is loud in color—bright walls, painted signs everywhere, people selling snacks on corners. We wandered until we found a place for lunch (I still think about those tacos). There’s something easy about sitting in a square with strangers after sharing nine tequilas together—you start out polite and end up swapping stories you probably shouldn’t tell your boss back home. When we finally piled back into the van for Guadalajara, everyone was quiet except for one guy humming banda music under his breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tequila and Amatitan cultural tour

• Visit artisan tequila distillery
• Taste various tequilas and liquors
• Explore ancient caves in Amatitan
• Learn history from local chronicler
• Relax with cantarito cocktail and music
• Explore Tequila town streets
• Enjoy traditional regional meal

Top questions

How long is the Tequila & Amatitan day trip?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8-10 hours including travel time from Guadalajara.

Is pickup included for this Tequila tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Are tequila tastings part of the experience?

Yes, you’ll taste more than 9 different tequilas during guided visits.

Do we visit real distilleries on this tour?

Yes, you’ll tour an artisan distillery in Amatitan and see their production process.

Is lunch included during the tour?

You’ll have time to enjoy local cuisine in Tequila village but lunch cost isn’t specified as included.

Are guides bilingual on this tour?

Bilingual guides are provided throughout your experience.

Can people with limited mobility join?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Is this suitable for kids or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; alcohol tastings are only for those over 18.

Will we hear live music during the trip?

You’ll experience Mexican band music at Cantaritos El Güero during your stop there.

Does the tour include entry fees or tickets?

Your ticket covers all entry fees for scheduled activities along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation from Guadalajara with pickup and drop-off, guided visits through agave fields and artisan distilleries in Amatitan, tastings of more than nine tequilas (for adults), all entry tickets to caves and aging cellars, stops at Cantaritos El Güero for cocktails and live music vibes, plus free time to explore Tequila’s streets before heading back relaxed—and maybe a bit tipsy—to your hotel or meeting point.