Tequila & Amatitan: Private Distillery Tour, Tastings & Agave Fields

Summary

Private tequila day trip from Guadalajara to Amatitan fields

You’ll ride through Jalisco’s agave country with a local guide, tour an 80-year-old distillery in Amatitan, taste tequila right where it’s made, explore Tequila’s lively streets, and end your day with cantaritos among locals. Expect laughter, real flavors, and moments that linger longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we rolled into Amatitan was the sharp green-blue of the agave fields—honestly, they look almost fake under that kind of sun. Our guide, Mariana, waved out the window and pointed at a man hacking away at an agave piña. She said his name was Don Chuy and he’s been doing this since before she was born. The air smelled sweet but earthy, like roasted squash and something smokier. I didn’t realize how much work went into every bottle until we walked through the old distillery—Tequila Selecto—where you can actually feel the heat coming off those ovens. My shirt stuck to my back by the time we reached the tasting room (worth it). Four tequilas, two liqueurs—Mariana joked that if we could pronounce “reposado” by the end, we’d passed her test.

We had some free time in Tequila town itself. I wandered off for a bit after snapping a photo at those big colorful letters (you know the ones). The plaza was full of families eating paletas and vendors hawking little bottles shaped like sombreros—some tacky but kind of charming. I ducked into Casa Sauza just to see their old courtyard; there’s this weird hush inside compared to all the music outside. Lunch wasn’t included but Mariana recommended this underground spot at Hotel Nuances where everything smells like slow-cooked pork and lime. If you go, order whatever they suggest—I still think about that salsa.

After lunch we stopped at Paradise Blue Ecotourist Complex for a breather (and maybe to let the tequila wear off). Some folks did the zipline but I just sat on a bench looking out over all those rows of agave stretching forever. It’s quiet except for birds and someone laughing in Spanish nearby—felt good just to sit for once. Last stop was Cantaritos El Güero in Amatitan where everyone seemed to be celebrating something or nothing at all. They make these giant cantaritos with fresh citrus juice and tequila poured straight from barrels—my hands got sticky from all the grapefruit but nobody cared. The music is loud and people dance even if they’re terrible at it; I tried not to spill my drink when someone pulled me up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tequila tour and tasting experience

• Visit Tequila Selecto distillery
• Learn tequila production process
• Enjoy guided tasting of 4 tequilas and 2 liquors
• Shop at factory store
• Free time in Tequila Magic Town
• Take photo at Tequila monumental letters
• Explore Mundo Cuervo and Casa Sauza
• Shop tequila bottles in main square
• Visit Hotel Nuances barrel-shaped rooms
• Relax at Paradise Blue Ecotourist Complex
• Enjoy panoramic views and optional activities
• End tour at Cantaritos El Güero bar
• Taste authentic cantarito drink

Top questions

How long is the private Tequila tour from Guadalajara?

The tour is a full-day experience including travel time between Guadalajara, Amatitan, Tequila town, and stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included in this Tequila distillery tour?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned private vehicle for up to 4 people.

Are meals or lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there are recommendations for local restaurants during free time in Tequila.

What types of tequila are tasted during the tour?

You’ll try four tequilas and two liqueurs during guided tastings at artisan distilleries.

Can children join this private Tequila tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Do you visit more than one distillery on this trip?

The main guided tasting is at Tequila Selecto in Amatitan; there are opportunities to visit other shops or courtyards in Tequila town during free time.

Are activities like ziplining included in Paradise Blue Complex?

No, activities such as ziplining have additional costs and are subject to availability and restrictions.

Is there time for shopping or buying tequila bottles?

Yes, you’ll have free time in both Amatitan's factory store and shops around Tequila’s main square to buy bottles at factory prices.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Guadalajara for up to four people, bottled water throughout the journey, guided tequila tastings at two different distilleries—including four tequilas and two liqueurs—and plenty of chances to explore both Amatitan’s historic factory store and Tequila town’s vibrant streets before heading back home together.