Tequila Day Trip from Guadalajara with Jose Cuervo Express Train

Planning a day trip to Tequila can be both exciting and a little daunting—especially if you’re trying to balance seeing the sights and enjoying a relaxed experience. This particular tour, offered by Aventurate Por Jalisco, promises a full day of learning about Mexico’s most famous spirit, with plenty of opportunities to taste, see, and experience the town’s vibrant culture. While I haven’t done this exact trip myself, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear idea of what to expect—and whether it might be a good fit for your travel plans.

What really caught my eye about this tour are two things: first, the fact that it includes round-trip transport in the elegant Jose Cuervo Express Premium Wagon, which elevates the whole experience, and second, the variety of activities like distillery tours, agave harvesting demos, and a lively Mexican show. That said, the experience isn’t perfect—some reviews mention crowdedness and inconsistencies, especially with the tequila tastings—so it’s worth considering if you’re after a more intimate or flexible tour.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a full-day cultural excursion with a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and entertainment, and who are okay with a lively, sometimes crowded environment. If you’re into learning about tequila, appreciate good value for your money, and don’t mind early mornings and busy schedules, this might just be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Includes a luxurious train ride in the Jose Cuervo Express Premium Wagon, making the journey part of the adventure.
• Comprehensive experience, with distillery tours, agave demos, tastings, and cultural performances.
• All-inclusive with snacks, cocktails, and a lottery game on board.
• Flexible itinerary options, with time to explore Tequila town on your own.
• Transport and logistics are well-organized, with hotel pickup and bus transfer.
• Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and delicious food, but some note crowded spaces and variable tastings.

What to Expect on Your Day Trip

This tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup in Guadalajara—note, the pickup is offered only from specific areas like Guadalajara center and Tlaquepaque, so check your hotel details. From there, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned bus that whisks you away through the scenic agave fields—an iconic sight that really sets the mood for the day.

The Agave Fields and Harvest Demo

Your first stop is the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila. Here, you’ll see the sprawling fields of blue agave, the heart of tequila production, and witness a traditional jima (harvesting) demonstration. This is a chance to see the plant up close and understand what makes tequila unique. One review mentioned that this stop is about an hour, and that admission is included, giving you plenty of time to soak in the view.

The Distillery Tour at Fabrica La Rojena

Next, you’ll head to Fabrica La Rojena, where the real magic happens. Here, you’ll explore the Mundo Cuervo® distillery, learning about how tequila is made from agave to bottle. This part of the tour is about five hours—plenty of time to get a good look at the production process. A highlight for many is the guided tequila tasting led by an expert tastero, where you’ll sample various premium tequilas like Jose Cuervo Tradicional® and Jose Cuervo Especial® Reposado.

However, a few reviews point out that tequila tastings can sometimes be watered down or limited, especially if the tour is crowded. One visitor expressed disappointment about the lack of tasting of special reserves or more exclusive tequilas, which suggests that the tasting might be somewhat basic during peak times. Still, the opportunity to taste and learn from a professional adds serious value.

Tequila Town Free Time & Cultural Show

After the distillery, you’ll have free time in Tequila, about an hour, to explore the town’s vibrant streets, visit the Museo Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, and perhaps grab lunch at your own expense. The town itself is lively, colorful, and full of shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and, of course, tequila bottles.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to the train station to board the Jose Cuervo Express® back to Guadalajara. The train ride itself is a highlight—sipping cocktails made with tequila, munching on Mexican snacks, and enjoying the views. Some reviews mention the beautiful scenery at sunset on the return journey, which makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and scenic.

Onboard Experience & Entertainment

The journey includes snacks and cocktails, with drinks like tequila Tradicional® and Jose Cuervo® Especial. You might find that the drinks on the train are watered down, as some reviewers pointed out, but the atmosphere with mariachi music, folkloric shows, and the lottery game keeps things lively. The train’s premium wagon adds a touch of comfort, but it’s also busy—some travelers find it crowded, especially during peak seasons.

The Realities of the Tour

While many travelers rave about the experience, calling it “amazing” and “well-organized,” others have expressed frustrations. For example, some reviews mention long wait times, crowded spaces, and less-than-ideal tastings, especially when the tour is at capacity. The tour’s price of $275 per person reflects a full-day experience with transportation, activities, and entertainment, but whether it offers great value depends on your expectations.

One reviewer pointed out that the tour can be quite busy and loud, which might not suit travelers seeking a peaceful, in-depth tasting experience. That said, the guided commentary, scenic train ride, and lively atmosphere appeal to those who enjoy a bustling, social environment.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour hosts up to 300 travelers, so it’s a sizable group, which can sometimes lead to less personalized attention. However, the organization of transportation and the logistics seem to handle the crowds reasonably well, with hotel pickup and air-conditioned buses making the day smooth.

Tips for Making the Most of It

• Be prepared for an early start—the tour begins at 9:00 am—and the day is quite full.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking around Tequila and the agave fields.
• If you’re interested in more in-depth tastings or rare tequilas, consider that these might be limited, and plan accordingly.
• Since lunch isn’t included, budget some time and money for a meal—the town has options, but they can fill up quickly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for tequila enthusiasts and travelers who want a full-day cultural experience. It’s a good choice if you’re after a well-organized trip that combines scenic views, some history, and plenty of tasting opportunities. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy lively environments and don’t mind sharing the space with many fellow travelers.

If you’re traveling with family members or friends who like to socialize and explore, they’ll likely enjoy the combination of guided tours, tasting, and entertainment. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed, intimate experience—or have specific expectations about exclusive tastings—you might find this tour a bit crowded or commercial.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Guadalajara, transfer by bus, and a scenic train ride in the Jose Cuervo Express Premium Wagon back to Guadalajara.

Can I choose between different itineraries? Yes, the tour offers two full-day options, allowing some flexibility depending on your interests.

Are drinks and snacks included? Absolutely. You’ll enjoy Mexican snacks, cocktails, and tastings with tequila throughout the day.

How long is the tour? It’s approximately 11 hours, starting at 9:00 am with an early pickup and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, so you’ll need to plan for that during your free time in Tequila.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s suitable for most travelers over 18, especially those interested in tequila and Mexican culture. Keep in mind the busy environment and the need for comfort with long hours.

What is the cancellation policy? This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

Wrap-Up

All things considered, this Tequila day trip from Guadalajara offers a fun, immersive, and well-organized way to experience Mexico’s iconic spirit. The luxurious train journey, engaging distillery tours, and lively cultural shows make it a compelling choice for those who want a full day of sightseeing and tasting without stressing over logistics.

It’s best suited for social travelers, tequila lovers, and those looking for a lively, cultural outing. If you’re after an authentic, educational experience with some entertainment thrown in, this tour hits most marks. That said, if you prefer a more intimate or exclusive experience, you might want to explore other options, perhaps with smaller groups or more focus on tasting.

Overall, for the price and the scope of activities, it offers good value—especially when you consider how much you’ll experience in a single day. Just come with an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes, and an eagerness to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Tequila.

Additional Notes

• The tour is most suitable for those who don’t mind a busy schedule and large groups.
• The scenic views during the train ride and the colorful town itself are worth the trip.
• Be aware of the variable quality of tastings, especially during busy times, and manage your expectations accordingly.
• Remember to call ahead for your boarding pass and confirm pickup details to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Enjoy your trip to Tequila—cheers!