There aren’t many towns in the world that have given their name to a drink, and even fewer where that drink has gone on to become an international icon. Tequila, Jalisco, has managed both.
Sitting about an hour outside Guadalajara, Tequila is surrounded by seemingly endless rows of blue agave, backed by the Tequila Volcano. Agave has been cultivated and used here for thousands of years, while the landscape we associate with tequila production began taking shape centuries ago. Today, the surrounding agave fields, historic distilleries and old haciendas form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Commercial tequila production here stretches back to the 18th century. The Cuervo family began producing in Tequila in 1758, later receiving the first royal license to commercially produce the spirit in 1795. Since then, tequila has gone from a regional agave spirit to something inseparable from Mexican identity, consumed everywhere from Guadalajara cantinas to some of the world’s best cocktail bars.
But visiting Tequila completely changes your relationship with the spirit because it’s not about knocking back questionable shots with salt and lime at 2am. Visit Tequila and you’ll walk through agave fields, watch jimadores work, see piñas roasting inside old ovens and taste tequila straight from producers who take the process very seriously.
The town itself is compact, colorful and easy to explore. Between tastings, there are historic streets to wander, cantinas to disappear into, excellent regional food and enough distilleries to make staying overnight a very sensible decision.
This guide covers the best things to do in Tequila, Jalisco, including my favorite distilleries, where to eat, where to stay and everything you need to know to plan your trip to this beautiful and culturally rich pueblo mágico.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Guadalajara
Short on Time? Here’s the mini-guide to Tequila, Jalisco
Where to Stay: Hotel Solar de las Ánimas, Matices Hotel de Barricas
Best Things to Do: Tour a tequila distillery, Have a drink at Tequila’s Cantinas, Visit the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo
Where to Eat: La Antigua Casona, La Cueva de Don Cenobio
Tequila Travel Tips: Get to Tequila from Guadalajara by bus or rental car. Stay connected with an affordable Mexico eSIM from Airalo, and book the best distillery tours and cultural experiences in and around Tequila through Viator.
Getting to Tequila, Jalisco
From Guadalajara
The easiest way to get to Tequila is from Guadalajara. The city is the main transport hub for the region, and Tequila is around 60 kilometres northwest of Guadalajara.
If you’re travelling by public transport, Tequila Plus buses run between Guadalajara and Tequila throughout the day. Buses leave from the Tequila Plus terminal in Guadalajara and take around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can buy tickets at the station or check schedules and book directly through Tequila Plus online.
For more flexibility, you can also rent a car in Guadalajara and drive to Tequila. The journey takes around an hour and is very straightforward. I’d choose this option if you’re planning to stay overnight or want to explore more of Jalisco’s tequila-producing region beyond the town itself.
Private transfers are another easy option, particularly if you’re travelling as a couple or group and don’t want to deal with buses or driving. You can arrange a private car or van from Guadalajara directly to your hotel in Tequila.
If you’re short on time, you can also visit Tequila on a guided day trip from Guadalajara. Most tours include return transportation, a distillery visit, tequila tastings and some free time in the historic centre. It’s also a good option if you want to properly enjoy the tastings without having to worry about driving afterwards.
From Puerto Vallarta
Getting from Puerto Vallarta to Tequila takes a little more planning. There isn’t a convenient direct bus between the two, so travelling via Guadalajara is generally the best public transport option. From Guadalajara, you can continue to Tequila on the Tequila Plus bus.
Alternatively, rent a car in Puerto Vallarta and drive. The journey takes roughly four hours, while Tequila is closer to three hours from Sayulita. If you’re already travelling around Jalisco and Nayarit, having your own car gives you far more freedom.
Given the driving time (and the obvious likelihood of a few tequila tastings), I’d stay overnight rather than attempt Tequila as a day trip from Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita. You’ll have much more time to visit the distilleries, explore town and enjoy the evening once most day-trippers have left.
If you only have one day, look for an organised tour from Puerto Vallarta with round-trip transportation included. These are long days, but they remove the logistics and usually combine a distillery visit, tastings and time to explore Tequila itself.
Where to Stay in Tequila
You can stay right in the centre of Tequila, within walking distance of the main plaza, distilleries and restaurants. For something more memorable, there’s also one exceptional stay surrounded by agave fields just outside town.
Hotel Solar de las Ánimas – My top pick if you want to stay in central Tequila. It’s elegant and atmospheric, with traditional Mexican architecture, a rooftop pool and an unbeatable location just off the main plaza.
Matices Hotel de Barricas – The most unusual stay in Tequila, set among agave fields just outside town. The rooms are designed like enormous tequila barrels, and the property has its own distillery, making it a fun option if tequila is the main reason for your trip.
Casa Salles Hotel Boutique – A more contemporary boutique option connected to El Tequileño distillery. Rooms are modern and spacious, with a lovely outdoor pool and gardens, yet you’re still close enough to easily explore central Tequila.
Best Things to Do in Tequila, Jalisco
Visit a Tequila Distillery
If you do one thing in Tequila, make it a distillery visit. This is where you’ll see the entire tequila-making process, from cooked agave to fermentation and distillation, usually followed by a guided tasting.
There are plenty of distilleries to choose from, but El Tequileño and Tequila Fortaleza would be my first picks. Both offer a more artisanal, smaller-scale look at tequila production and are a better choice if you’re genuinely interested in how good tequila is made.
José Cuervo is the big name in town and worth visiting for its history alone. Its La Rojeña distillery dates back centuries and offers a much larger, more established experience. Booking a tour here is the easiest way to see the distillery, learn about the production process and, of course, finish with a guided tequila tasting.
Tequila Arette is another excellent name to look out for, particularly if you prefer traditional production methods.
Casa Sauza is another historic heavyweight in Tequila, Jalisco. Tours take you through the production process and the brand’s long history, making it a good alternative to José Cuervo if you want to visit one of the larger producers.
If you have time for two distilleries, I’d visit one of the smaller producers alongside one of the historic larger houses. You’ll come away with a much better understanding of just how varied tequila production can be.
Ride the Jose Cuervo Express Train
Technically, the José Cuervo Express is one of the best ways to get from Guadalajara to Tequila, but the journey is an experience in its own right. Rather than simply transferring between the two, you spend the day immersed in tequila country, with agave landscapes, tastings and plenty of time dedicated to the drink that made this region famous.
The full experience lasts around 11 hours and combines the train journey with a visit to La Rojeña Distillery, time to explore Tequila, a stop in the agave fields and a jima demonstration showing how the mature agave is harvested. Tastings and cocktails are also part of the experience.
There are several carriage categories, from the standard Express service through to Premium Plus, Diamante and Elite. If you want to make a day of it, I’d look at one of the higher categories for a more intimate experience and upgraded tastings.
You can choose between the Sunrise and Sunset itineraries. Depending on which you book, you’ll travel by train in one direction and return by bus, so it’s worth checking the itinerary carefully when booking. Find out more on the Jose Cuervo Express and book well in advance, this sells out fast.
Drink in Tequila’s Cantinas
After a day of distillery tours, head into town and experience Tequila’s cantinas. There are plenty scattered around the historic centre, ranging from old-school local drinking spots to livelier bars that fill up as the evening gets going.
While you’re here, order a cantarito, Jalisco’s signature tequila cocktail. Traditionally served in a small clay cup, it mixes tequila with fresh citrus juices, grapefruit soda, salt and plenty of ice. It’s refreshing, dangerously easy to drink and something you’ll see everywhere in Tequila.
For the full experience, Cantaritos El Güero is the famous stop just outside town, on the road towards Amatitán. The cantaritos here come in increasingly enormous sizes, accompanied by live music, food and a seriously lively atmosphere. Weekends can get particularly rowdy, so come prepared for more of a party than a quiet tequila tasting.
Visit the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo
For a deeper look at Jalisco beyond its tequila, spend an hour or two at the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo. The beautiful cultural centre sits just a few blocks from Tequila’s main plaza and explores Mexican history, art and regional traditions.
One of the highlights is its collection dedicated to charrería, Mexico’s traditional equestrian culture, with elaborate charro clothing, saddles and historic pieces on display. You’ll also find old carriages, Mexican folk art, contemporary works and a collection of pre-Hispanic pieces spread across several exhibition rooms.
It’s well worth adding between distillery visits, particularly if you want to understand more of the culture and history that surrounds Tequila and Jalisco.
Visit the National Museum of Tequila
If you still want to learn more after visiting a distillery, stop by the National Museum of Tequila (MUNAT) in the historic centre. The small museum traces the history of agave and tequila, with old photographs, production tools, documents and an impressive collection of historic bottles spread across five permanent rooms.
It’s interesting and easy to visit while wandering around town, but I wouldn’t consider it essential. If your time in Tequila is limited, prioritize a good distillery tour instead. You’ll get a much more engaging introduction to how tequila is actually produced.
Visit the Parroquia Santiago Apostol
Right on Tequila’s main plaza, Parroquia Santiago Apostol is one of the town’s most important historic landmarks. The current church dates to the 18th century, with a handsome stone façade that makes it hard to miss while exploring the centre.
Step inside for a quick look at the interior, then spend some time around the plaza and surrounding streets. It’s an easy stop and adds a little history between all those tequila tastings.
Relax on Tequila’s Main Square
Tequila’s Plaza Principal is the heart of town, centred around its traditional kiosk and overlooked by the Parroquia Santiago Apóstol. Grab a bench, wander the surrounding streets or stop for a drink and spend a little time watching daily life unfold around you.
Hike to Cascada Los Azules Tequila
For something active to offset all that tequila, hike out to Cascada Los Azules, a series of waterfalls tucked into the canyon just outside Tequila. The trail takes you down through rugged vegetation to the falls and natural pools, where you can cool off with a swim.
The hike itself is moderately challenging, with steep, rocky and potentially slippery sections. Signage is limited too, so I’d recommend going with a local guide unless you’re confident navigating the route independently.
Water levels vary throughout the year, so it’s worth checking conditions locally before setting off. After heavy rain you’ll see the falls at their most impressive, but the trail can also become considerably muddier and more slippery.
Have Fun at Complejo Paraíso Azul
For something completely different from distilleries and museums, head to Complejo Paraíso Azul, an adventure park set among Tequila’s agave fields. You’ll find zip lines, giant swings, viewpoints and oversized cantarito installations, all overlooking the surrounding agave landscape.
It’s not for everyone, probably suited most to families and groups but the views from here over the Tequila agave fields are hard to beat.
Where to Eat in Tequila
Tequila has a good food scene for such a small town, with everything from casual local spots to more refined restaurants attached to distilleries and boutique hotels. Come hungry because there’s much more to try here than tequila. Here are the best restaurants in Tequila, Jalisco and foodie spots I recommend:
La Antigua Casona – Inside Hotel Solar de las Ánimas, this is one of the more refined places to eat in Tequila. The menu takes traditional Jalisco dishes and gives them a more contemporary treatment, making it a good choice for a nicer dinner. This was one of the best meals I had in Tequila.
La Cueva de Don Cenobio – Set within Casa Sauza, this is a lovely option to combine with a distillery visit. Expect traditional Mexican and Jaliscan cooking in a leafy, hacienda-style setting.
Fonda Chivo y Vaca – A much more casual, local option in the centre of Tequila. Come here for hearty Mexican cooking and a relaxed lunch rather than anything particularly fancy.
La Taberna del Cofrade – Part of the Cofradía complex just outside central Tequila, this atmospheric restaurant is actually built underground. It’s a fun choice for lunch or dinner, particularly if you’re already visiting the distillery or staying nearby.
Restaurante La Fonda Cholula – A long-standing Mexican restaurant right in the centre of town. It’s an easy option for traditional regional dishes, breakfast or a casual lunch between sightseeing and distillery visits.
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