Yep, that’s right… There really is a place called Tequila! And after spending months exploring this epic country I can honestly say this is my favorite place to visit in Mexico.
Why? It is honestly everything you ever thought Mexico would be!
Crowds of local, fun-loving Mexicans getting drunk in the streets on tequila and partying.
And on a scale of authentic to touristy, it still very much leans towards being a local holiday spot as opposed to an overwhelming tourist spot such as Cancun or Cabo San Lucas.
Likely because of its relative awkwardness to get to, it still has that wonderful Mexican charm.
So below I wanted to take you through what we believe to be the best things to do in Tequila, Mexico.
As well as top tips and tricks we learned from our visit!
Let’s get straight into it…
Whilst tourism is slowly increasing here, the magical town of Tequila itself is still a really great place to see the more real, authentic side of Mexico.
Here you’ll find many narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque colonial churches as well as street food vendors offering typical dishes from the Jalisco region.
Some of the nicest buildings to admire here include the Parroquia Santiago Apostol, National Museum of Tequila as well as the Museo los Abuelos.
Of course though, the Tequila spirit itself is the star attraction, and here we can really dive deep into the culture and history of it all.
From the edge of town we can see the blue agave farms on the horizon, and there’s tours where you can get a stunning photo next to them as well as see the distillery process in action.
There’s also many rural lesser-known gems worth visiting outside of town, which include the refreshing waterfalls of Cascada los Azules as well as a visit to an old hacienda for lunch.
Tequila is situated within the highlands of the Jalisco state, which is in Central Mexico.
Whilst getting here isn’t the easiest, it’s pretty straightforward what you’ll need to do. We’ll take a look at the different options below.
Whilst this sounds like a pain and the most complicated of all, it’s actually the easiest option and is best for those who have more time in Mexico or want to save on transport costs.
Mexico City is arguably the best connected airport in the whole country, meaning you can find cheap flights arriving daily here from all over the world.
From here we’ll then take a bus straight to Guadalajara, which takes around 7 hours and costs between $30-40.
Once in Guadalajara it’s just a 1 hour bus to Tequila, where you can stay the night or visit as a day trip from Guadalajara.
You can check out the bus routes below on BusBud.
This option is ideal for travellers already in Mexico, although there are some direct flights arriving into Guadaljara from other countries too.
Here you can fly from cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, Cabo San Lucas and Cancún for around $30-50 (a one-way flight without baggage).
It’s a good option for those on a tight schedule given the flight is just an hour or two compared to the longer bus rides.
You can also fly into Guadalajara internationally too.
Those in the USA can fly from either Houston, Los Angeles and Miami for between $120-150. The Colombian capital of Bogotá also serves the route directly ($140+), which is ideal for travellers who are in South America looking to come over (you can find our epic South America itinerary here).
There’s even a direct flight from Madrid in Spain too, which costs around $700 (a one-way). Whilst it’s definitely on the more expensive side, it will be better for those with less time and who prefer not to arrive into Mexico City and having to organise further connections.
We recommend taking a look on Skyscanner for flights, who compare the best fares and routes.
Those who are already in Puerto Vallarta along the coast also have a couple of different options when it comes to visiting Tequila.
If you’re happy with just spending a day here (you can still see all of the highlights easily), then you can hire private transport to and from the town.
It’s also the better option for those who want to explore the rural highlights, and to make spontaneous stops along the road for those impressive photos of wild blue agave fields.
You can also take the bus to Guadalajara first, however you’ll be looking at 6+ hours each way (so it would be best to then stay here overnight, and then onward to Guadalajara if on a longer journey through Mexico).
Just over 2 km wide, Tequila is a pretty small town, which means you can easily walk around to see the main sites with ease.
This also includes getting to the nearby waterfalls of Cascada los Azules, which is around a 45 minute walk from town.
Whilst there are some distilleries inside the town, the very best ones are outside in the highlands so you’ll need to either take a taxi or head with a local tour for easier logistics.
We highly recommend visiting the bigger sites, as the tours are more interactive as well as having epic landscapes you’ll explore and be able to take photos of.
Tequila is also a great place to hire a bike.
Not only does it make getting around town super quick, you’ll also have more independence to visit the surrounding landscapes with more ease.
Just make sure to bring lots of water and to keep reapplying sunscreen given how hot it can get here!
Most travellers visit Tequila as a day trip whilst staying in Guadalajara, however we think this is a real missed opportunity.
Whilst the town is small, there’s a variety of awesome accommodation options to stay at where you can make the most of your longer days here.
Ever wanted to stay in a Tequila shaped barrel in an agave field? We’ve got you covered!
Those looking to keep to a low budget will want to stay at La Casa de los Abuelos. Here you’ll be sleeping in a private air-conditioned room, with free wifi available throughout the property. There’s also an airport shuttle service to arrive directly from Guadalajara airport.
If you’re after a mid-range accommodation option, then we highly recommend the Capital O Hotel Posada Terraza (we had a really good experience there!). As well as having some really great views from the property, you’ll be staying in a private room with an en-suite bathroom with air-conditioning.
If you’re after luxury (or the most authentic experience possible in the entire region), then you simply must stay at the Matices Hotel de Barricas. Here you’ll be staying in the infamous barrel-shaped unit, with a private bathroom and minibar on-site. Your stay will also have breakfast included, as well as a local tequila tasting and distillery tour.
Although Booking.Com is by far our favorite accommodation provider, there are some other fantastic vacation rental sites out there...
Now we’ll explore 10 of the very best things you can see and do when in Tequila Town, Mexico
All over town you’ll find various joints and spots for trying out cocktails and other tequila-inspired concoctions, however our absolute favourite has to be the José Cuervo Margarita Bar.
Here you can order a variety of different drinks, although it’s worth starting with the locals’ favourite of Cantarito.
White tequila mixed with orange juice, grapefruit and lime, it’s the perfect blend of fruit and spirit to get things kicked off.
Other popular drinks to try here include Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise as well as a Paloma.
The Cadillac Margarita was our personal favourite and top recommendation - you can thank us later!
The Bar de las Margaritas is located just two blocks west of the Plaza Principal (we did say everything is pretty close together!), between the Calle San Martin and Calle José Cuervo.
Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Tequila so don't leave this place off your itinerary!
By far the most popular thing to do in Tequila has to be a visit to the local factories.
This is where the true birthplace of this spirit is found, where you’ll see endless rows upon rows of blue agave farms.
One of the most popular sites has to be La Rojeña factory (also known as the José Cuervo Distillery), which is actually the oldest distillery in all of Latin America!
Walking around you can see every step of the production process from plant to the shot glass, and you’ll also see a pretty sizable amount of Tequila in the endless rows of filled barrels too (you can also buy bottles at the site).
If you prefer having everything arranged for you in advance, then we highly recommend heading with this tequila factory tour.
Here you’ll head to the infamous José Cuervo, learning about the production process whilst also enjoying included tequila tastings.
As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off included, you’ll also have free time in Tequila to explore the plaza and nearby sights.
We already touched upon this popular local drink earlier, which is made out of tequila and various fruits (such as grapefruit).
And there’s nothing quite as memorable as slugging back a few of these with the locals in town!
Catrina Catrina and Bar Destilados are two great choices to get things kicked off.
Those who love a bit of history will want to head to La Capilla, which is the oldest bar in Tequila (also be sure to try out a Batanga whilst here too).
One of the best ways to really get into the local swing of things is to learn how to make your very own Cantarita.
On this day tour from Guadalajara you’ll do exactly this, as a local mixing pro will teach you all the secrets whilst right on the wild agave farms.
You’ll also get to visit the towns of Tequila and Amatitán as well as heading to the towering Tequila Volcano (which stands at 2920m way above the rest of these rolling plains).
If you're wondering what to do in Tequila, then don't miss out on this cool experience!
Mexico is full of unforgettable experiences, whether it’s living it up on tropical islands like Isla Mujeres or riding the train through the Copper Canyon.
However when it comes to the most memorable stay, few can compete with the iconic Los Matices Hotel de Barricas in Tequila.
A series of tequila-shaped barrel accommodations, here you’ll get the full tequila experience whilst living out on an agave field!
You’ll have your own private bathroom and minibar inside, as well as some truly epic late sunset views over the hills and plains.
During your stay you’ll have a tour around the distillery, tequila tasting and daily breakfast all included for no additional cost.
You’ll also be able to dine in the two on-site luxury restaurants too, which are the La Catrina (known for its bar) as well as Taberna del Cofrade.
The biggest surprise for those heading to Tequila isn’t actually the spirit itself; it’s the charming centre and streets of the town.
Known officially as Santiago de Tequila, the first civilisation to occupy these lands dated way back to the Middle Formative Period (around 3000 years ago).
However it wasn’t until the arrival of the Spanish in 1530, did these architectural gems begin to start springing up in and around the town.
The Parroquia Santiago Apóstol is the main attraction in Tequila, with its neoclassical features and bricked walls making the small church a really memorable sight.
Other worthy things to do in the centre include strolling around the Plaza Principal (and getting a photo next to the main sign) as well as seeing the epic mural of Mayahuel la Diosa de Tequila, which is located in a courtyard in between the main square and the National Museum of Tequila.
Even if you've only got one day in Tequila, don't forget to check out the town's incredible architecture!
Most of the hype here is about drinking Tequila and visiting the distilleries, which of course can’t be missed when in the heart of the Jalisco region.
However Tequila does also have other hidden secrets nearby, such as the beautiful waterfall of Cascada Los Azules which is located within the nearby forest.
It’s perfect for a cold refreshing swim, which will be needed given how hot Tequila can get (we recommend going in the morning to avoid the midday temperature spikes). There’s also several natural pools you can relax in after having swam in the crashing falls.
Those up for some extra adrenaline can even go rappelling down the waterfall too!
The Cascada Los Azules is located roughly 3.5 km from the Plaza Principal of Tequila, and can be reached on foot in around 45 minutes.
If you’re staying in Guadalajara and only have a day to experience Tequila, then we completely understand if you want to skip all the buildings and museums, and instead sink your teeth into the very best Tequila around.
If this is more your style, then we would recommend joining this day tour where you’ll head straight to distilleries in the towns of Tequila and Amatitán for a more “hands-on” experience.
As well as seeing how different blends of Tequila are made and altered during the distillery process (to produce different concentrations), you’ll also get to taste several of them.
It’s worth picking up a bottle here too which will make for a great (albeit short-lived) souvenir.
You’ll also have time included to get further boozy at the local Cantaritos in the heart of Tequila town too!
Heading to the distilleries and agave farms is a perfect introduction into Tequila, however those who want to go deeper (perfect for tequila fanatics or museum-lovers) will definitely want to visit this underrated gem.
The National Museum of Tequila shows the evolution of the spirit, where as many as 6 different exhibition rooms display various anecdotes and artefacts such as blown glass bottles and an old agave mill.
We also learn how agave was used in the pre-Hispanic times, up until the arrival of the Spanish who distilled the contents into the first glass of Tequila.
The National Museum of Tequila is located just one block south of the Plaza Principal in town, making it a quick and easy stop after some sightseeing.
It’s open from 10:00am until 5:30pm all days of the week.
This legendary train ride is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Central Mexico.
Starting in Guadalajara, you'll make your way along the wooden tracks to the La Rojeña Distillery, which is one of the overall best production sites to visit in all of Jalisco.
Here you can sample different Tequilas whilst wandering around the agave farms, such as the popular Tradicional Plata and Reposado blends.
They even have folk and other native cultural dance shows to get involved with too, before you all stumble your way back onto the José Cuervo Express.
You’ll also have the luxury of seeing an incredible sunset over the valley on your way back.
We highly recommend going with this all-inclusive tour from Guadalajara. Here you’ll have tequila tasting and old-Mexican style games included on-board, as well round-trip transport to and from your hotel.
By far the most novel experience you can have in Tequila, there’s nothing quite like exploring these wild rural areas by horseback.
Given most only ever visit the centre of town and a tequila distillery (or two), on this guided tour you’ll venture out further and see many memorable sites.
After passing many mountains and the beautiful blue agave plants that grow freely along the paths, you’ll stop for a lunch at an authentic former hacienda.
You’ll then saddle back up and head to a smaller family-owned distillery, who will share their secrets with you as you get to try some really high-quality tequila varieties. There’s also an additional stop in the underrated town of Amatitán.
Finally you’ll get to ride on horseback through the town of Tequila, where you can visit some of the sites before heading back to the city (this is why we recommend this above all others, given you can do literally everything here in just one day!).
As well as having all of the above included, you’ll also have hotel pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Guadalajara.
Considering the town of Tequila and its jaw-dropping surroundings (and industrial facilities) are considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it would be rude not to explore the area!
It’s important to remember that Tequila is located within the mountains of Jalisco, and as a result has a unique micro-climate.
This means temperatures can vary quite significantly throughout the day, along with having a dry and wet season.
The dry season (which runs from October until April) is the overall best time for a visit. Daily average temperatures range anywhere from 61-72°F. Highs can reach up to 87°F, whilst evening lows can dip quite significantly to around 43°F (January is the coolest month of the year to visit).
Rainfall is very sparse this time of year, with anywhere from as little as 0.1-2 inches falling in any month. This is an ideal time for exploring with that classic backdrop of blue, cloudless skies behind you.
The contrasting wet season begins in May and lasts until September. Daily average temperatures are much warmer here, ranging from 72-76°F (ideal for those who love hotter climates). Highs can exceed as much as 93°F (May being the hottest month), whilst lows are more comfortable at around 57°F.
Rainfall begins to pick up in late May, with anywhere from 3-8 inches falling within any one month. Whilst it puts many travellers off, it’s a great time for getting deals and also having less crowds.
Through experience, I’ve found that the very best time to visit Tequila is within the shoulder months of October and November, as well as February and March.
You can check the weather for Tequila here on WeatherSpark.
Although we think one day is too quick, you’ll quickly find that Tequila doesn’t need that much time at all (given it’s a small town and all).
We recommend spending between 2-3 days here, where you’ll be able to enjoy the very best tequila distilleries and landscapes that the town and region has to offer.
With this slightly longer timeframe you can also get to know the roots of the colonial town better, as well as visiting a couple of lesser-known sites such as the Cascada Los Azules.
Tequila is amongst the more expensive destinations you can visit in Mexico (which is a notoriously cheap place to visit anyway).This is due to a lack of hostels and budget accommodation, given it is a small town after all!
Those looking to stay closer to a low budget will be looking to spend between $30-40 a day here. Here you’ll be staying in a nice private room with air-conditioning, as well as eating mostly street food and local restaurants (in other words not the really fancy ones). If you decide to head to Guadalajara or into the Jalisco region, then you’ll be able to use the inexpensive locals buses that pass by.
If you want a more luxurious experience, then you’ll want to budget anywhere from $50-70+ each day. Here you can upgrade to a really nice hotel with memorable balcony views, or even to the legendary Los Matices Hotel de Barricas within the agave fields (which we mentioned earlier). You’ll be able to eat at nicer restaurants, as well as take taxis out into the region when exploring further afield.
It’s important to remember that these budgets only account for accommodation and food, with just a little left over for an attraction or taxi ride. It doesn’t account for flights, travel insurance or tequila tours in the region.
To make the most out of your hard-earned cash, check out our guide on how to travel cheaply!
Although we recommend spending a few days here, we completely understand if travellers only want to head to Tequila for the day (most still do it this way anyhow).
This day tour from Guadalajara is the very best option, where you’ll visit the legendary José Cuervo factory, learning about the distillery process whilst getting to sample various kinds of Tequila.
You’ll also get a tour around the UNESCO town and region, getting to explore many of its architectural wonders and other hidden gems.
As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off included, you’ll also have a knowledgeable, bilingual guide on hand to teach you everything you need to know about this unique town.
Once you’ve drunk as much Tequila as your body can handle, it’s probably a good idea to get moving on - whilst you still can at least!
Given Guadalajara is so close (which you’ll most likely have already seen) we instead recommend heading to Puerto Vallarta as your next stop.
Situated on the golden sands of the Pacific Coast, this lively town has everything that makes for a truly great travel destination.
This includes picturesque beaches, pumping nightlife, wildlife opportunities and even off the beaten path adventures to places like Yelapa and the Marieta Islands.
We highly recommend heading on this day tour, where you’ll explore the highlights of the surrounding region of Puerto Vallarta.
This includes visiting a rich coffee farm, the tropical botanical gardens as well as more tequila tasting (if you can still handle it) at a local Jaliscan distillery.
You’ll also have all transport provided which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Honestly, Mexico is a fantastic backpacking destination so your onward travel options are endless. If you don't fancy Puerto Vallarta, there are plenty of other choices!
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