Tequila & Amatitan: Distillery Tour, Tastings & Agave Fields

Summary

Blue agave fields, artisan distilleries and Tequila village life

You’ll ride from Guadalajara through Jalisco’s blue agave fields with a local guide, watch jimadores work up close, taste premium tequila straight from small-batch distilleries, and share laughs over cantaritos in a roadside cantina. Expect real stories, vivid flavors and moments you’ll remember long after you leave those sunlit hills behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sweet, earthy smell rising from the agave fields outside Amatitan — not sharp like I expected, but almost warm. Our guide, Lupita, waved us over to watch a jimador slice open a blue agave with his coa. The sound it made — sort of a soft crunch — stuck with me. I tried to lift one of those pineapples and honestly, it’s heavier than it looks (everyone laughed when I nearly toppled over). There’s something about seeing how much work goes into every bottle that makes you appreciate tequila differently.

We drove through El Arenal next, windows down so we could catch the breeze and the faint scent of cooked agave drifting from family distilleries. Lupita told us stories about her grandfather working these same hills — she said the landscape hasn’t changed much since then. In the little roadside cantina (Route 43 chants), they served us cantaritos in clay mugs with salt on the rim and grapefruit soda fizzing at the top. Not gonna lie, I probably butchered my order in Spanish but nobody cared; one of the bartenders just grinned and handed me an extra lime anyway.

Walking into Tequila itself felt like stepping into a painting — bright facades, cobblestones that make your ankles wobble if you’re not careful. We stopped by the mural inside the Municipal Presidency building; Lupita pointed out details I’d have missed: tiny painted jimadores tucked between gods and harvest scenes. The sun was already dropping behind the hills when we wandered back to our van, everyone a little quieter than before. Maybe it was all those tastes or maybe just that feeling you get after a long day in good company. Either way, I still think about that view over the agave fields as we left — blue rows fading into dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tequila Route tour and tastings

• Meet at Hotel Fiesta Americana Minerva
• Start bus tour to Tequila Route
• Visit artisan distillery and learn process
• Taste artisanal tequila
• Tour Magic Town of Tequila
• Free time to eat in Tequila
• Optional tour of La Rojeña de José Cuervo distillery
• Return to Guadalajara downtown

Top questions

How long does the Tequila Route tour from Guadalajara take?

The tour is a full-day experience starting in Guadalajara and visiting Amatitan, El Arenal District, and Tequila village.

Is there tequila tasting included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll taste several types of tequila including Blanco, Rested, Aged, and Extra Aged during distillery visits.

Are pickups included for this Tequila Route experience?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from designated points in Guadalajara.

Can infants join this Tequila Route day trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap or can ride in a pram or stroller.

What places do you visit on this tequila tour?

You’ll visit Amatitan, El Arenal District (the Agavero Landscape Gate), Tequila village, and key distilleries along the route.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Tequila?

No lunch is specified as included; however bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What languages do guides speak on this tequila experience?

The local guides are bilingual (Spanish/English) for all guests’ comfort.

Are there any health restrictions for joining this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Guadalajara, bottled water throughout the journey, travel insurance for peace of mind, guided tastings of Blanco, Rested, Aged and Extra Aged tequilas at authentic distilleries along with plenty of local stories before returning home at sunset.