cuervo express tequila tour

Viajar en tren es una experiencia inolvidable y subir al Jose Cuervo Express® aún más, ya que es el único tren de estilo antiguo de todo México y el último en Jalisco, sin duda es algo que no te puedes perder,  El tren los lleva al Pueblo Mágico de Tequila , donde les tenemos preparado un día repleto de actividades para todos. Visitarán nuestra destilería Rojeña® , Mariachi, baile, música y sobre todo mucho Tequila. Disfrutarán al máximo de un día que siempre recordarán.

¿cómo reservo,  elige la fecha , las salidas en tren son únicamente los sabados, el tour es ida y vuelta el mismo día, comenzando 8 am y regresando 8 pm (te recomendamos comprar tus boletos con anticipación uno o dos meses antes ya que los boletos se agotan rápidamente), elige el itinerario que más te agrade, contamos con dos opciones: amanecer (ida en tren y regreso en autobús) y atardecer (ida en autobús y regreso en tren), ambos se disfrutan mucho e incluyen lo mismo, sólo cambia el orden de las actividades. *más adelante vienen todas las especificaciones, elige la categoría que más se adapte a tus necesidades, contamos con tres: express ($3,195 mxn adultos y $2,675 mxn menores de 6 a 17 años) es la única que acepta menores y es la más económica, premium plus ($3,580 mxn por adulto ) es la categoría intermedia, es sólo para adultos y cuenta con una coctelería y asientos más amplios y diamante ($4,150 mxn por adulto ) es nuestra categoría vip  la más solicitada, cuenta con una barra de bebidas exclusiva y podrás entrar a la cava de la reserva de la familia de josé cuervo., una vez que ya tengas categoria e itinerario elegidos, da click para acceder al calendario y revisar disponibilidad (si hay alguna fecha que te interese y no hay disponibilidad contáctanos para ayudarte),  verifica la disponibilidad en el calendario elige la fecha en la que quieres realizar tu tour,  selecciona la cantidad de asistentes., revisa que los datos de tu reservación sean correctos y da click en “añadir al carrito” y después en “finalizar compra”, llena el formulario con los datos requeridos e ingresa tu tarjeta de crédito o débito y da click en “realizar el pedido” la página te confirmará una vez que todos los datos sean correctos que tu compra fue realizada exitosamente y te llegará por correo un comprobante del pago realizado con tu número de pedido (guárdalo para futuras aclaraciones),  te llegará en el transcurso del día un segundo correo confirmándote los detalles de tu reserva y las indicaciones necesarias., días antes de tu tour te llegará un tercer correo con tu pase de abordar el cual deberás de presentar impreso para tu registro, acompañado de los pasajeros y sus identificaciones y ¡listo disfruta del tren que si va a tequila., si necesitas ayuda con tu compra o no encuentras la disponibilidad, podemos ayudarte sólo da click aquí, .

ITINERARIOS

Itinerario amanecer  (tren – autobús).

Duración: 12 hrs de servicio.

08:00 hrs. / Bienvenida y Registro de pasajeros  (presentar pase de abordar impreso e identificaciones de los pasajeros) 

09:00 hrs. /  Salida de Jose Cuervo Express® de la Estación ( FERROMEX) de Guadalajara a Tequila, Jalisco

09:30 hrs. / Catado educativo guiado por un Experto Tequilero

11:00 hrs. / Llegada a Tequila

11:35 hrs. / Recorrido por  las instalaciones de Mundo Cuervo: Visita al centro cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo y a Fabrica La Rojeña® de Jose Cuervo®

13:00 hrs. / Tiempo libre para comer (comida no incluida)  y conocer el Pueblo Mágico de Tequila

16:15 hrs. / Espectáculo Mexicano

18:00 hrs. / Llegada a los campos de agave para demostración de jima

18:30 hrs. / Abordaje y salida de autobús

20:00 hrs. /  Llegada a Casa Cuervo – EDISA

ITINERARIO ATARDECER    (Autobús – Tren)  

09:00 hrs. /  Salida en autobús de Casa Cuervo – EDISA a los campos de Jose Cuervo® en Tequila Jalisco.

10:30 hrs. / Llegada a los campos de agave para demostración de jima

12:45 hrs. / Recorrido por  las instalaciones de Mundo Cuervo: Visita al centro cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo y a Fabrica La Rojeña® de Jose Cuervo®

14:00 hrs. / Tiempo libre para comer  (comida no incluida)  y conocer el Pueblo Mágico de Tequila

18:00 hrs. / Salida a bordo de Jose Cuervo Express® a la estación de Guadalajara

18:30 hrs. / Catado educativo guiado por un Experto Tequilero

20:00 hrs. /  Llegada a la estación de Guadalajara (FERROMEX)

*Itinerarios sujetos a cambios sin previo aviso, los tiempos de traslados de tren y autobús son aproximados y sujetos a situaciones ajenas a la empresa.

*Le informamos que no contamos con servicio de estacionamiento por lo cual se le sugiere usar otro medio de transporte (taxi, uber, DIDI)

*Presentarse a tiempo para realizar su registro, las salidas regularmente son puntuales.

Sube al tren que va a Tequila en el viaje más representativo de México, partiendo desde Guadalajara hacia el Pueblo de las Tradiciones. 

• Viaje en  Vagones Express
• Visita a los campos de agave  con demostración de jima
• Servicio de alimentos ligeros y coctelería con tequila  Jose Cuervo Especial®  Reposado,  Jose Cuervo® Tradicional  Plata y Reposado
• Catado educativo a una copa , guiado por un Experto Tequilero, con la línea de tequila Jose Cuervo Tradicional. 
• Recorrido por la destilería  La Rojeña®  de Jose Cuervo®
• Acceso libre a  Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo
• Tiempo libre para comer y conocer el  Pueblo Mágico de Tequila
• Espectáculo Mexicano
• Tradicional brindis con  uno de los tequilas Premium de la casa

PREMIUM PLUS

• Viaje en los amplios y lujosos  Vagones Premium Plus
• Servicio de bocadillos regionales y coctelería preparada con tequila  Jose Cuervo Especial®  Reposado,  Jose Cuervo® Tradicional  Plata, Reposado, Añejo y Cristalino
• Barra adicional de tequila  Reserva de la Familia®  Platino
• Catado educativo a tres copas  guiado por un Experto Tequilero con la línea de tequila Jose Cuervo Tradicional. 
• Tiempo libre para comer y conocer el  Pueblo Mágico de Tequila
• Tradicional brindis  con uno de los tequilas Premium de la casa

• Viaja en uno de nuestros vagones exclusivos de Jose Cuervo Express®,  Vagón Diamante
• Servicio de bocadillos regionales y coctelería preparada con tequila  Jose Cuervo® Especial  Reposado,  Jose Cuervo® Tradicional  Plata, Reposado, Añejo y Cristalino
• Barra adicional de tequilas  Reserva de la Familia®  Platino, Reposado y Extra Añejo
• Visita a la  Cava Privada de Reserva de la Familia

COMPRAR BOLETOS

Contáctanos 33 22 37 25 69  [email protected]

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The Ultimate Guide to Riding the Jose Cuervo Express Train to Tequila, Mexico

The Jose Cuervo Express Train experience is an absolute MUST when visiting Guadalajara! During this full day experience, you’ll get to ride a vintage style train wagon, sip on pretty tequila cocktails, and learn all about tequila tasting as you travel across the agave fields towards the magical town of Tequila.

Tequila is a magical town just an hour outside of Guadalajara, Jalisco. A magical town, or Pueblo Magico , is a town with historical importance, unique folklore, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty – this title is only assigned by the Mexican Government. So, you can already imagine the cute little town of Tequila with cobble stone streets and colorful buildings surrounded by agave fields with views of the Tequila Volcano. 

This tour is by far one of the best I’ve ever experienced! So, if you’re ready, let’s get into all the details so you can start planning a visit! 

Here is the Ultimate Guide to Riding the Jose Cuervo Express Train to Tequila, Mexico

TRAIN TOUR OPTIONS

Okay, so, let’s get all the details sorted! First of all, there are two tour options , a sunset train ride and a sunrise train ride. If you choose sunrise , then you will take the train from Guadalajara to Tequila and enjoy a sunrise experience. Once the tour is over, a charter bus will take you back to the city. If you choose sunset , then you will take the charter bus to Tequila and at the end of the tour you will experience the Jose Cuervo Express as you head back to the city. The only difference is whether you want to ride the train during sunrise or during sunset. 

I chose the sunset experience and I’m extremely happy with my decision! I didn’t want to start drinking a ton super early in the morning and then be worn out by noon, especially because I’m a lightweight. Haha! I thought it would be a better decision if I experience the entire tour with a drink here and there, and then go all out on the train after we’ve done all the walking and adventuring. This totally worked out for me, but whichever you decide to choose, I guarantee you, it will me MAGICAL! 

FULL ITINERARY

SUNRISE TOUR

You will depart to Tequila on the Jose Cuervo Express and return on a bus Duration: 11 hrs. 9:00 am | The Jose Cuervo Express departs from Guadalajara Train Station (Ferromex) 9:30 am | Educational tasting guided by a “Expert Taster” 11:00 am | Arrive in Tequila 11:35 am | Entrance to Mundo Cuervo facilities: visit to Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo and La Rojeña distillery 1:00 pm | Free time to have lunch, and enjoy the  Magical Town of Tequila 4:15 pm | Mexican Show 6:00 pm | Arrival to the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting) demonstration 6:30 pm | The bus departs from Tequila, Jalisco 8:00 pm |  Arrive at Casa Cuervo – EDISA

SUNSET TOUR

You will depart to Tequila by bus and return on the Jose Cuervo Express Duration: 11 hrs. 9:00 am |  Bus departs from Casa Cuervo – EDISA  to the Jose Cuervo’s agave fields 10:30 am | Arrival to the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting) demonstration 12:45 pm | Entrance to Mundo Cuervo facilities: visit to Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo and La Rojeña distillery 2:00 pm | Free time to have lunch, and enjoy the  Magical Town of Tequila 4:15 pm | Mexican Show 6:00 pm | Jose Cuervo Express departs to Guadalajara 6:30 pm | Professional tasting guided by a “Expert Taster” 8:00 pm |  Arrive at Guadalajara Train Station (Ferromex)

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Upon arriving to the train station or Casa Cuervo, you will be offered coffee, hot chocolate, breakfast snacks, Mexican pastries, and fruit cups. You will check-in and then find your assigned bus or train and cabin. Make sure to arrive at least 30-60 minutes early so you can enjoy this check-in process without rushing. They are very punctual and will not wait for anyone. 

AGAVE FIELDS + JIMADOR DEMONSTRATION

You will get to explore the agave fields all on your own and take as many pictures as you’d like! The volcano of Tequila sits at a distance behind Jose Cuervo’s agave fields so make sure to bring your camera – the views are EPIC!

During this part of the tour, there will also be an agave harvesting demonstration. A local Jimador (a Mexican agave farmer) will demonstrate how they cut and harvest agave to prepare it for roasting and distilling. You can try the raw root of the plant and you can also try to cut the plant, as well. It’s a very physically demanding job! So grateful for Jimadores! Without them, there is no tequila! 

LA ROJEÑA DISTILLERY

You will also get to tour La Rojeña Distillery, which is the oldest distillery in all of Latin America. It has been operating for over 250 years! During your time at the distillery you will learn the entire process of tequila making – from roasting the piñas and distilling, to the aging and barrel storage. This part is super fun and informative! 

EXPLORING TEQUILA TOWN

On your free time, you’ll get to explore the town of Tequila on your own. You can go grab a bite, have a few drinks, shop for some souvenirs, or just a take tons of photos of the pretty town square. If you decide to grab some lunch, make sure to check out La Antigua Casona. 

TEQUILA TASTING EXPERIENCE + DINNER

The guided tequila tasting was my absolute favorite part of this tour – and it’s not just because of all the tequila drinking! Haha! During this part of the experience, they teach you how to use almost all of your senses for tequila tasting, and it was all so interesting. You are taught how to smell, feel, taste, and even see the body (yes, you look at it)! CRAZY! I would’ve never thought to do this myself! You also learn how to drink tequila in a way that it doesn’t burn your throat as much. WILD! Like, you’re telling me this whole time I’ve been struggling with taking tequila shots when I could’ve been impressing my friends?! Haha! You will love this part of the tour, it is so incredibly fascinating! 

Also, dinner and the service was exceptional! I’m vegetarian and assumed they wouldn’t have a meal for me (I was okay with this), but when I mentioned that I don’t eat meat, the waiter rushed to the kitchen to tell the chef to prepare a vegetarian dish for me. I was literally amazed and shocked and how incredible this whole experience was!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Here’s a list of everything that’s included in this tour:

• Travel on their wide and luxurious vintage wagons
• Welcoming morning snacks (coffee, pastries, cookies, etc.)
• Breakfast or dinner (depending on sunrise or sunset tour)
• A visit to the agave fields  with a harvesting demonstration
• Mexican snacks and cocktails prepared with  Jose Cuervo Premium Tequila throughout the entire tour
• A fun lottery game (Mexican style bingo)
• Three-glass educational tasting  guided by an “Expert Taster”
• Tour of Jose Cuervo’s  La Rojeña  distillery
• Access to  Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo
• Free time to have lunch and enjoy the  Magical Town of Tequila
• Mexican show featuring traditional dance and music
• Traditional toast  with premium tequilas

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

This 11 hour tour is actually super affordable, considering everything it includes. There are four different types of wagons : Express, Premium Plus, Diamond, and their newest addition, Elite. The Express wagon is the most basic wagon and the Elite is, of course, the more upscale wagon with large glass windows, a full bar, and redesigned comfortable seating. Here’s the pricing information for all the wagons:

• Express – $129
• Premium Plus – $145
• Diamond – $162
• Elite – $175

*expressed in USD

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Pick up + drop off explained.

If you depart from the train station, you will get dropped off at Casa Cuervo. And vice versa, if you depart from Casa Cuervo, then you will get dropped off at the train station. This, of course, depends of whether you choose the sunrise or sunset tour. Once you arrive back to the city, transportation back to your car or hotel is not included, so you’ll have to get an Uber or taxi back to you car/hotel. These two locations are approximately 20 away from each other, so just keep that in mind. Here are the two addresses you’ll need:

Casa Cuervo – EDISA El Mante 8502, El Mante, 45080 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.

Guadalajara Train Station (Ferromex) Av. Circunvalación Agustín Yáñez 11, Moderna, 44190 Guadalajara, Jalisco.

HELPFUL TIPS

• If you want to visit the magical town of Tequila for a longer period of time then I suggest you take the sunrise tour, and simply, do not return with the tour. However, you will need to carry your luggage and find your own transportation back to Guadalajara. Or, you can take the entire tour and return to Tequila the following day. After all, it’s only an hour away. Tequila has some incredible hotels that are definitely worth a stay! 
• There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the entire tour, so I would suggest bringing an outfit change so that all of your photos don’t look the same.
• Wear SPF and carry extra in your bag, trust me! The sun is extra strong in Mexico! 
• Wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking! 
• You will be drinking LOTS of tequila throughout the entire tour so make sure you also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

I hope you found this Guide to Riding the Jose Cuervo Express Train to Tequila, Mexico helpful and I hope you’re inspired to add this experience to your bucket list! Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂

Follow me on instagram to see more photos and videos from this amazing experience i also share tons of behind the scenes, travel destinations, travel tips, outfit inspiration, and more, pin for later.

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Leave a comment cancel reply, 17 comments.

Loved your blog! My husband and I are planning on doing the sunset tour as well. Was it easy getting transportation to your hotel from the train station?

OMG! Thanks Daisy! I hope you have the best time! 🙂 Yes, it was super easy. They have Uber available so that’s what we did.

Thank you so much! We are so excited.

This info was very helpful as we are planning a trip to Guadalajara in Feb. Quick question…When you take the train to Tequila, do you get to tour higher end tequila distilleries or do they only take you to Jose Cuervo tequilas? Debating whether to venture out on our own or do the train tour with Jose Cuervo.

Hi Roberta! I’m so glad you found it helpful and I’m super excited for you, I hope you have a blast on your trip! 🙂

The Jose Cuervo train is exclusively for the Jose Cuervo experience, so they won’t take you to any other distilleries. But you will have a few hours to explore on your own. However, if you would like more time to visit other distilleries then I definitely suggest that you stay the night and return to Guadalajara by your own means. Just make sure to book the sunrise tour with Jose Cuervo and skip the return back in order to stay and enjoy longer. Matices Hotel de Barricas is an incredible hotel and they offer tequila experiences, as well, if you wanted to do something like that instead.

Hope that all makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

Can anyone explain the difference between Diamond, Premium Plus or Elite… we have already decided not to take the Express… there is a group of 8 of us going in April. I am not getting a lot of answers on their website. I know the Elite has a “better” train car and an open bar, but don’t the Diamond and Premium Plus have an open bar? Thank you in advance for any information

Hi Tanya! Omg, how fun! I’m so excited for you!

So, I haven’t experienced Elite or Diamond, but from what I understand, Diamond is more focused on the stylish wagon experience. They refer to it as, “Luxury of Yesteryear.” Elite is the wagon with the largest windows and an open bar, it’s also the best option for groups, I believe. The others have unlimited drinks but they are served by your waiter, as in, you can’t go up to the bar and choose any drink, but you can with Elite. On Premier, you mainly find private tables for 4 but they do host groups, I saw a big party there when I went. This is just my understanding, I hope it helps!

Do they serve any drinks on the bus TO Tequila if you take the Sunset tour?

Hi Tanya! No, they don’t serve any alcoholic beverages on the bus. But do serve coffee and hot chocolate in the morning for the sunset tour and you can take those on the bus.

Hi. Can you please tell me where you went to book this? I went on the Jose Cuervo website and it wont allow me to book anything right now.

Hi Jilandra! I booked directly from their website at mundocuervo.com. I just checked right now and everything seems to be working. However, I do see a lot of dates are sold out. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Great article and very informative. We will be looking at taking the train tour later this year. We will probably spend a few days in Tequila so wont be catching the return bus trip. Do you know if they have a wagon for luggage? We are travelling from Australia so will have at least a couple of suitcases/backpacks and don’t think it would be advisable to try and carry on with us.

Hi Jason! That’s so exciting! If you have luggage, then I would suggest you call Jose Cuervo to see if they can accommodate you, just to make sure. However, if I remember correctly, they did not have enough space in the van you take from the bus drop-off to the town. But it might be different for the morning tour, which is the one you’ll need to take to experience the train if you don’t plan on returning. Personally, I would take my luggage aboard the train, enjoy the train experience, skip the town tour, and take my luggage to the hotel by taxi. I hope that makes sense. I’m happy to clarify if necessary. 🙂

Thanks for the prompt response. As we are coming from Australia we will probably have a few bags. We are thinking of doing a Saturday trip on the train ( bucket list) and then head back the following day to stay in our accommodation. Hoping to be there for Dia De Los Muertos.

That sounds like a great plan! And Dia De Los Muertos is absolutely magical, you’re gonna love it! 💛

Great article! I’m curious to know whether or not this would be a good experience as a solo traveller? Thx!

Hi Candice! I think any experience can be enjoyed as a solo traveler. However, because you’re tasting tequila and getting a little faded, I would say it would be better with company. You can always meet people during the tour, but the groups are assigned their large seating areas prior to the trip. So, unless someone you meet invites you over, those areas are only reserved for the groups.

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On Board Mexico's All-you-can-drink Tequila Train

Hop aboard the Jose Cuervo Express for an unforgettable experience.

No, it’s not just legend: The tequila train, formally known as the  Jose Cuervo Express , is the only old-style train in all of Mexico, and it travels between the western Mexico city of Guadalajara and the community of Tequila, which the  Mexican Secretariat of Tourism has called a Pueblo Mágico (or Magic Town) .

Step onto the vintage vehicle and back in time for a glamorous day of cocktails by train car. When you ride the Jose Cuervo Express, you'll enjoy tequila tastings, agave harvesting, and good, old-fashioned sightseeing. You'll also be treated to Mexican snacks and Jose Cuervo tequila cocktails in addition to onboard entertainment like Loteria (Mexican bingo).

All riders receive access to  Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo , a tour of Jose Cuervo’s La Rojeña distillery (the oldest in Latin America), and free time in the town of Tequila. Jose Cuervo has been producing tequila at La Rojeña for over 250 years since Jose María Guadalupe de Cuervo began selling the first Vino Mezcal de Tequila de Jose Cuervo after the King of Spain granted him a charter to commercially produce the spirit.

The train features four different wagons — Express, Premium Plus, Diamond, and Elite — each offering its own experience. For instance, the Diamond Wagon evokes the old-school allure of train travel with leather and wood accents and an embossed ceiling. 

The most impressive, however, is the Elite Wagon , a luxurious wood-paneled car with floor-to-ceiling windows and well-crafted, comfortable spaces from which to watch the scenery fly by, tequila in hand. The Elite experience comes with a line of custom cocktails, as well as an open bar stocked with Jose Cuervo spirits like the brand's crown jewel, small batch Reserva de la Familia Platino, Reposado, and Extra Añejo tequilas.

If that’s not enough indulgence, the trip also includes a three-glass educational tasting led by a tequila expert, live mariachi music, and a tour of the Reserva de la Familia private cellar.

The website promises you “will be dazzled by the spectacular view offered by the [Elite] wagon’s large windows to admire the impressive beauty of the landscape.”

The 11-hour journey starts at 9 a.m. in Guadalajara — and you can choose from either a morning or sunset train experience, with the other leg of the journey by bus.  

Trips start from $130 for the Express wagon, which is also the only class that allows children. Tickets for kids 6 years old and over are $107 per person, while kids 5 and under travel for free without an assigned seat. 

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How to Take The Jose Cuervo Tequila Express Train to the Magical Town of Tequila, Mexico

I love a great Day Trip - and I love a great tequila! About an hour outside of Guadalajara , Mexico in Jalisco is the magical town (literally, Pueblo Mágico is an official designation from the Mexican Government) of Tequila, Mexico. The  birthplace of Tequila is vibrant, with cobble stone lined streets, and surrounded by stunning agave fields with views of Volcán de Tequila in the distance. Mundo Cuervo's train tour takes you on an ultimate day of drinking, learning about the origins of tequila, and experiencing a true Mexican tradition. When you're in Jalisco, it's great to see in a day - but also has a few amazing hotel offerings and restaurants if you want to stay and enjoy for a bit longer. 

Want to see more about Guadalajara? Read our full Travel Guide here .

The Basics:

The Jose Cuervo Express is a full day experience that will take you from the center of Guadalajara on a beautiful, vintage train out to the town of Tequila and your ticket price includes the entire experience - the train ride, guided tequila tastings, meals, a tour of the factory and agave fields, and the bus back to the city.

A standard-class ticket runs $119 for the experience.

The higher-end Premium Plus Cabin runs around $141 for a ticket, and the highest class Diamond Wagon is $157 per person. Tickets can be purchased from Jose Cuervo, or directly through TripAdvisor .

All aboard! Inside the beautiful Diamond Class wagon 

Our first tequila of the day - at 9:30am.

The Tequila Express departs every Saturday at 9:00am from Guadalajara Station. Arrive 30 minutes to an hour early to check in, and the waiting area has coffee, hot chocolate, and light breakfast snacks of bread and fruit cups. Then you head to the train and find your assigned cabin and seat.

The Train Ride:

The first time I took a train in Europe, I got to the station naively envisioning a James Bond style, wooden-lined vintage train experience. I was not exactly a clean, modern... train. The Jose Cuervo express is by far the closet we have ever come to finally having that vintage train experience. The seats are arranged in parties of four, and the ride lasts around 90 minutes. We were in the standard class cabin, and the team came around often with water and mixed tequila drinks, and big baskets of chicken and cheese tamales, as well as other snack skewers. Then took us through a couple of guided tequila tastings. The ride takes you out through the countryside and through endless fields of blue agave.

The higher class cabins have more extensive plated meals and more liquor and tequila options to choose from. The Diamond cabin has more expansive couch and table seating with a full bar.

Train dreams finally coming true!

Being guided through our first tequila tasting.

The Itinerary:

The Sunrise Train Standard Itinerary:

09:00 am - The Jose Cuervo Express® departs from Guadalajara Station

09:30 am - Professional tasting guided by a “Maestro Tequilero”

11:00 am - Arrival to Tequila

11:35 am - Tour of the Jose Cuervo “La Rojeña” Distillery

13:00 am - Explore the Tequila Pueblo Mágico

16:15 am - Mexican Show

18:00 am - Arrival to the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting demonstration)

18:30 am - The Bus Departs from Tequila, Jalisco

20:00 am -   Arrival at Casa Cuervo - EDISA, Guadalajara

La Rojeña Tour:

After arriving to the own of Tequila, a lux golf cart takes you over to the working Jose Cuervo factory La R ojeña for a tour of the entire process - from roasted of the agave piñas to the distilling process and barrel storage. The distillery is actually one of the oldest in the Americas and has been producing tequila for over 250 years. You'll get to stroll through, see how the tequila making process works, and what makes them so good at what they do. 

Atop a pile of agave piñas - the mature plant after the leaves have been removed.

Inside the Jose Cuervo factory.

Freshly roasted agave.

How many barrels can I drink in a day?

Tequila Town:

The town of tequila is beautiful and very easy to walk around and explore on your own. Take the free time in the afternoon to walk through the Plaza Principal town square, visit the historic Parroquia Santiago Apostol or grab a drink at the swanky Rooftop bar of Hotel Solar de Animas . 

Tequila city center from above.

The Agave Fields:

Walking amongst the endless agave fields was one of my favorite parts of tequila! The scenery is absolute beautiful and photogenic, and is such a cool sight to see in person.

Sunrise in the Agave Fields

Views of the Volcano in the distance.

Make sure to wear shoes that you can get muddy! 

The Jimadors:

While you are in the agave fields, a local Jimador (a Mexican agave farmer) demonstrates how they cut and harvest the agaves in preparation for roasting and distilling. He makes it look easy, but when we tried to cut a few ourselves, you find out how difficult and physical the job really is. 

Want to Stay Longer?

The best hotels to stay in:.

• Hotel Solar de las Animas - We stayed the night at the iconic Hotel Solar de la Animas , a gorgeous property right in the center of Tequila down with a popular rooftop bar, a lush garden, a very excellent on-ste restaurant and a bright orange-walled pool.
• Matices Hotel de Barricas - One of the coolest hotel options around, Matices Hotel de Barricas has rooms set up inside giant tequila barrels out in the agave fields. 
• Hotel Villa Tequila - Hotel Villa Tequila is a great more affordable option in Tequila town.
• Casa Salles Hotel Boutique - Casa Salles Hotel Boutique 's lush outdoor sitting areas and pool are great for summertime visits.

Hotel Solar de la Animas

Take a Horseback Ride in the Fields:

Schedule a horseback riding tour out in the agave fields for an extended experience. Here's one great tour option you can book directly online.

Where To Eat:

La Antigua Casona

Bar Chucho Reyes

After touring the distillery, you'll have a chance to explore the cute little town and maybe hit up the Margarita Bar or Plaza Juan Soriano. The town also has a couple of restaurants to grab a quick bite. For a casual dining experience, stop by La Antigua Casona , a contemporary Mexican restaurant known for its delicious and fresh organic ingredients

Stop by   Bar Chucho Reyes for a high-end cocktail in a beautiful setting.  

¡ Tequila !

Exploring Tequila Town

Agave Piña piles at La Rojeña

Arriving in Tequila by train!

Poolside at Hotel Solar De Las Animas

Beautiful Detail at Hotel Solar 

Pin It For Later:

What to Pack:

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Panoramex Tours & Travel

Tours activities and things to do in guadalajara, jose cuervo express tour by train.

The Jose Cuervo Express tour by train is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors the chance to explore the rich history and traditions of tequila-making in Mexico. This one-of-a-kind tour takes you on a journey through the stunning Jalisco countryside, passing through lush fields of blue agave and picturesque small towns along the way.

The tour typically starts early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel in Guadalajara or Tequila. From there, you'll be transported to the train station, where you'll board the Jose Cuervo Express – a luxurious and beautifully appointed train that offers all the amenities and comforts of modern travel, with a distinctly Mexican flair.

As the train sets off, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Jalisco countryside, with rolling hills, lush fields of blue agave, and charming small towns passing by outside your window. The train's spacious and comfortable seating allows you to relax and take in the scenery, while enjoying the company of fellow travelers and sipping on a refreshing drink or two.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to visit La Rojeña – the oldest tequila distillery in the world, founded in 1758 by Jose Cuervo himself. Here, you'll learn about the traditional methods of tequila-making, from the cultivation and harvesting of blue agave to the distillation and aging process that gives the spirit its distinctive flavor.

You'll also have the chance to explore the beautiful and historic La Rojeña distillery, with its towering brick ovens, wooden fermentation tanks, and gleaming copper stills. You'll learn about the art and science of tequila-making, and the role that this iconic Mexican spirit has played in the country's culture and history.

After your tour of the distillery, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of Jose Cuervo's finest tequilas, from smooth and silky silver tequila to rich and complex añejo. You'll learn how to properly savor and appreciate tequila, and discover the many flavors and nuances that make this spirit so unique and beloved around the world.

The tour also includes a gourmet lunch at Hacienda El Centenario, a beautiful and historic estate that offers stunning views of the Jalisco countryside. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Mexican dishes, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You'll also have the chance to relax and explore the estate's beautiful gardens and architecture, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Throughout the tour, you'll be accompanied by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will share their expertise and enthusiasm for tequila and Mexican culture. They'll answer any questions you have, provide insights and anecdotes about the places and people you encounter along the way, and ensure that you have a truly unforgettable experience.

As the train makes its way back to Guadalajara or Tequila, you'll have the chance to reflect on the many sights, sounds, and tastes you've experienced on this incredible journey. Whether you're a tequila connoisseur or simply a lover of travel and adventure, the Jose Cuervo Express tour by train is an experience that you won't soon forget.

What is included in the Tequila Train Experience:

The Tequila Train Experience is an all-inclusive tour that offers visitors the chance to explore the rich history and traditions of tequila-making in Mexico. Here's what is typically included in the Tequila Train Experience:

• Train ride: The tour includes a scenic train one way ride through the stunning Jalisco countryside, passing through lush fields of blue agave and picturesque small towns along the way. The train is a luxurious and beautifully appointed, offering all the amenities and comforts of modern travel with a distinctly Mexican flair.
• Distillery tour: One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to visit one of the most famous tequila distilleries in the world, such as Jose Cuervo. Here, you'll learn about the traditional methods of tequila-making, from the cultivation and harvesting of blue agave to the distillation and aging process that gives the spirit its distinctive flavor. You'll also have the chance to explore the beautiful and historic distillery, with its towering brick ovens, wooden fermentation tanks, and gleaming copper stills.
• Tequila tasting: After your tour of the distillery, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the finest tequilas produced by the distillery, from smooth and silky silver tequila to rich and complex añejo. You'll learn how to properly savor and appreciate tequila, and discover the many flavors and nuances that make this spirit so unique and beloved around the world.
• Gourmet lunch: The tour also includes a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant or hacienda, where you'll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Mexican dishes, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You'll also have the chance to relax and explore the restaurant's beautiful gardens and architecture, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
• Entertainment: Throughout the tour, you'll be entertained by traditional music and dance performances that showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of Mexico.
• Expert guide: The tour is led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will share their expertise and enthusiasm for tequila and Mexican culture. They'll answer any questions you have, provide insights and anecdotes about the places and people you encounter along the way, and ensure that you have a truly unforgettable experience.

Overall, the Tequila Train Experience is a comprehensive and immersive tour that offers visitors the chance to explore the rich history and traditions of tequila-making in Mexico, while enjoying the stunning scenery, delicious food, and vibrant culture of the Jalisco region.

Jose Cuervo Express Train: How to Plan Your Tequila Train Trip

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The Jose Cuervo Express train is one of the most fun train travel experiences you can do. As a solo train traveler, I love finding exciting trains worldwide. I am also a tequila girl, so when I heard about this train, I knew I had to take it myself!

However, planning a train ride abroad can seem daunting. But this Jose Cuervo Express guide makes it easy. Whether you want to take this train solo, on a girls’ trip, on a couples’ vacation, or even with friends, I have some insider tips for the Jose Cuervo Express train you should know. Let’s dig in! 

(FYI: This post may have affiliate links. If you buy something using my link, I get a small percentage for mentioning/recommending it. Lucky for you, it doesn’t change the price for you at all, and it’s a super easy and generous way to say thanks for all the work I put into writing this post!! )

Table of Contents

FAQs about the Jose Cuervo tequila train 

Where is the tequila train located?

The Jose Cuervo Express departs from two locations. If you are taking the sunrise itinerary, you will depart from Guadalajara. However, if you are taking the sunset itinerary, you will depart from Tequila. Both of these schedules are outlined below in a separate section.

How much are tickets on the Jose Cuervo Express?

Tickets on the Jose Cuervo Express vary as there are multiple classes of tickets. The most expensive ticket is $260 for the Elite car, with the cheapest ticket, the Express, at $175. The Jose Cuervo Express train also offers Premium Plus (the second cheapest) and Diamond (the ticket below Elite) for a variety of price points. Each one includes different perks, which you can find on the Jose Cuervo Express website . 

Which airport is the best to take the tequila train?

Getting to the Jose Cuervo Express tequila train is not as difficult as it seems. The closest option is to fly into Guadalajara’s airport (which is perfect for the sunrise train). However, it should be noted that Tequila has no airport so that is not an option if you want to take the sunset train to start in Tequila. Mexico City is another airport you could fly into, then fly to Guadalajara too.

Is the tequila barrel hotel a part of the train?

Matices Hotel de Barricas is not affiliated with the Jose Cuervo Express tequila train. You will have to book them separately. However, the staff on the tequila train can hold your luggage during the train experience for the day (for free).

When is the best time to take the Jose Cuervo Express train?

Most tourists visit both Guadalajara and Tequila while on their tequila train experience. Generally speaking, October to December is the dry season in Guadalajara, as the weather is neither too hot nor rainy. June to September is the rainy season and can also be humid for outdoor activities. I took the train in January and had perfect weather. 

Jose Cuervo Express train schedule

Sunrise Train Option

This is the sunrise train itinerary for the Jose Cuervo Express. The train departs on Saturdays from the Guadalajara Train Station every fifteen days. The entire experience is approximately 11 hours. 

• 9:00 am – The Jose Cuervo Express departs 
• 9:30 am – Educational tasting guided by an “Expert Taster”
• 11:00 am – Arrive in Tequila
• 11:35 am – Entrance to Mundo Cuervo facilities, visit Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo and La Rojeña distillery
• 1:00 pm – Free time to have lunch and enjoy the Tequila
• 4:15 pm – Mexican Show
• 6:00 pm – Arrival at the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting) demonstration
• 6:30 pm – The bus departs from Tequila, Jalisco
• 8:00pm – Arrive at Casa Cuervo – EDISA

Sunset Train Option

This is the sunset train itinerary for the Jose Cuervo Express. The train departs on Saturdays, every fifteen days from Casa Cuervo. The entire experience is approximately 11 hours. 

• 9:00 am – Bus departs from Casa Cuervo – EDISA to the Jose Cuervo`s agave fields
• 10:30 am – Arrival to the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting) demonstration
• 12:45 pm – Entrance to Mundo Cuervo facilities, visit Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo and La Rojeña distillery
• 2:00 pm –  Free time to have lunch and enjoy the Magical Town of Tequila
• 6:00 pm – Jose Cuervo Express departs to Guadalajara
• 6:30 pm – Professional tasting guided by an “Expert Taster”
• 8:00 pm –  Arrive at Guadalajara Train Station (Ferromex)

Highlights of the Jose Cuervo Express tequila train 

Participating in a tequila tasting and snacks 

On the Jose Cuervo Express, you experience a tequila tasting. You try three tequilas, and the train attendants lead the tasting. Based on my experience in the Elite car, they also offer an assortment of mixed drinks and snacks, such as tamales and chilaquiles. The tequila tasting is the majority of the train ride, which lasts roughly two hours.

La Rojeña Distillery tour 

Once you arrive in Tequila, you take a shuttle van to your next stop and tour the Jose Cuervo distillery. On this tour, you go to the cultural center and learn more about Mexican culture. The tour ends with a walk through the distillery with the guide explaining how they make the tequila, the different types of tequila, and the barrels where the tequila is stored. 

Free time exploring Tequila, Mexico 

By midday, the first half of the Jose Cuervo Express tequila train experience is complete, and you will have free time in the town itself. You can walk around, do some souvenir shopping, or buy more drinks because there is plenty of tequila in Tequila. This free time is also the best time to have a complete meal in town, so I recommend getting lunch.

Watching a Mexican show

Before the free time, your train attendant will tell you where to meet to walk to the Mexican Show.  You need to be at that meeting spot, or if you are running a little late, ask someone where the Jose Cuervo Mexican show is, and they will know, too. You could also follow the music! The show includes a few dances and musical numbers that represent Mexican culture.

Visiting the agave fields and Jimador demonstration

The final activity of the Jose Cuervo Express tequila train is visiting the agave fields. After the Mexican show, you will take a bus to the Agave fields. Upon arrival, you are given a Jose Cuervo Express water bottle with more tequila in it (as a mixed drink). There are also finger foods like churros and a full demonstration of the role of agave in the tequila-making process. 

Tips for taking the Jose Cuervo Express

Don’t forget your cash 

You don’t have to pay much when taking the Jose Cuervo Express. However, once you are in Tequila, I recommend having some cash or going to an ATM to get some cash. Sometimes, the Uber app isn’t available, so you need to take a taxi, and they only accept pesos.

What to do if you stay in Tequila

If you are not returning to Guadalajara, you will need to arrange private transportation to your accommodations in Tequila. When I checked into the Jose Cuervo Express train, my attendant asked if I was returning, and I said no. Therefore, she was able to arrange a taxi to take me to Matices Hotel de Barricas after the agave fields. But again, bring cash! 

Drink lots of water and eat 

As the name suggests, the Jose Cuervo Express train offers a lot of tequila. Throughout the experience, they offer water in addition to other mixed drinks. However, I recommend a refillable water bottle and snacks to eat throughout the day. Do not forget to eat during your free time in Tequila because that is the only time you have for a full meal before going back to Guadalajara. 

Wear comfortable shoes

Aside from riding the Jose Cuervo Express train, there is a good amount of walking. During your free time in Tequila, you will walk around Tequila. Also, at the end of the experience, you will walk around the agave fields, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes!

The Jose Cuervo tequila train is a safe ride. The staff is very attentive, and aside from the free time in Tequila, you are under their eye for the rest of the experience. However, you are still responsible for all of your valuables and your own personal safety. So, if you are taking this ride solo or with friends, remember to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings as you are under the influence of alcohol. 

How to plan your stay at Matices Hotel de Barricas

Book online 

If you want to stay at the tequila barrel hotel, your best bet to book Matices is through their own website . You can also research their availability on Booking . I booked my room a little over a month in advance. However,  the sooner, the better since this hotel is popular and unique.

Understand which room you want 

Matices Hotel de Barricas offers several room options. The most popular one is staying in the tequila barrel, which costs $175+ per night depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. However, there are also cheaper non-tequila barrel rooms if that option works for you.

Coordinate transportation with the train attendant 

Upon arrival at the beginning of the train ride , travelers let the train attendant about their plans for the day. I told the train staff that I would be staying at Matices and not taking the bus back to Guadalajara at the end of the day. They arranged for a car to pick me up with my luggage at the agave fields (the final stop on the sunrise tour).

Plan to pay for transportation in cash 

Once I got to Matices Hotel de Barricas, I needed cash. Luckily, the driver stopped by a local ATM on the way back to the Guadalajara airport. Therefore, if you run out, ask to stop before arriving at the airport to pay. 

Would I recommend the Jose Cuervo tequila train experience?

If you could not tell, I would recommend the Jose Cuervo Tequila train experience ! It is one of the coolest trains worldwide and one that you can convince friends or loved ones to take with you. It may only be the train for you if you drink. But if you are a tequila lover or willing to at least try some for the experience, you need to take this train ride. 

Are you looking for more inspiration for train travel? Read more here .

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Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

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¡Tour by Train Tequila José Cuervo Express!

¡The train that goes to Tequila! Live the experience of traveling on one of the last passenger trains in México. Explore the famous distillery "La Rojeña" by José Cuervo, the most renowned distillery in México and Latin America. Meet the beautiful and picturesque streets of the Magical Town of Tequila. Fall in love with the beautiful blue agave fields.

Each Category of Wagon includes:

Round trip from your hotel or home. Expert tour guide. Tour operated in English and Spanish. Free bar in beverages based on José Cuervo tequila. 12 hrs aprox. Tour of the La Rojeña distillery. Mariachi and folkloric show. * Does not include Food and Tips.

Passengers Wagon

This wagon is equipped with comfortable and elegant seats with a fresh and youthful style. Enjoy the exclusive cocktails based on José Cuervo tequila, which guarantees a pleasant journey to the town of Tequila.

Intermediate Wagon

The lounge car is the best option for a comfortable and private experience, the wagon has four comfortable seats found with a table in the middle to enjoy the Mexican appetizers and of course the cocktails based on José Cuervo tequila.

Club Bar Wagon

In this luxury wagon is the exclusive service of mixology, snacks and drinks based on José Cuervo tequila to liven up the trip. It is an experience with sophisticated lounge-type rooms, enjoy the music and entertainment that this car offers.

SUNRISE ITINERARY

(train - bus).

Transfer from your hotel or home address within the metropolitan area.

Registration at the Guadalajara train station.

Departure by José Cuervo Train from Guadalajara station to Tequila, Jalisco.

Professional tasting guided by a Maestro Tequilero.

Arrival to Tequila.

Tour of the José Cuervo La Rojeña Distillery.

Free time to enjoy the Magical Town of Tequila.

Mexican Show.

Arrival to the agave fields with “jima” (agave harvesting demonstration).

The Bus Departs from Tequila, Jalisco.

Arrival at Expo Guadalajara. Return to your hotel or private home.

SUNSET ITINERARY

(bus - train).

Registration at Expo Guadalajara.

Bus departs from Expo Guadalajara for the José Cuervo´s agave fields.

Tour of the Distillery La Rojeña of José Cuervo.

Free time to enjoy the Tequila Magical Town.

The José Cuervo Express Departs to the Guadalajara Station.

Arrival at Guadalajara Station.

Return to your hotel or private home.

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The Ultimate Guide to Tequila

Are you a silver, reposado, or an añejo kind of drinker? These 20 recommended bottles can help you decide.

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Tequila is unique in its versatility. Open-air fermented blancos can have the wild essences of mezcal, while extra añejos are smooth and as pleasing as sweet, woody XO cognacs. But tequila is an often-misunderstood spirit in the United States, despite the fact that a staggering 80 percent of the tequila from Mexico’s five tequila-producing regions is sold and consumed in the U.S. In fact, stateside bars have larger selections of regional mezcal made with agave tequilana variedad azul (or blue agave) than you’ll find in Mexico. The dizzying array of options is perhaps why drinkers face a wall of tequila behind a bar or in the well-stocked aisles of liquor warehouses.

Getting to know the various styles of tequila is key to choosing the right bottle for all occasions, whether drinking palomas at your Mazatlán beach condo, sipping aged tequila as a digestif, or slowly savoring fruity, smoky ancestral tequila at the end of the day. And as the pandemic increased demand for premium tequilas , including artisanal productions that are turning back the clock to pre-industrial methods, now is a particularly exciting time to expand your tequila shelf.

Here’s everything you should know to shop for tequilas in the four main categories — silver, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo — based on my years of drinking experience, with some highly recommended bottles for each. Plus, a few recommendations for the best well tequilas for margaritas, and a look at the newer style known as cristalino.

What is tequila?

Tequila is a regional style of mezcal, traditionally called tequila de mezcal, or vino de mezcal. To make tequila, producers bake the hearts of the agave plant in an oven or autoclave. The juice is then extracted by a stone wheel called a tahona, or a roller mill, and is fermented in stainless steel or wood tanks, and, typically, distilled twice.

The most popular tequilas fall into a few categories: silver, unaged tequila, called blanco; and reposado, añejo, and extra añejo, aged in new oak or used whiskey casks. For all of these, blue agave must mature between seven and eight years before jimadores (agave farmers) remove its leaves with a coa (agave-harvesting tool) to send to the distillery. Less popular are mixto tequilas made with 51 percent blue agave and 49 percent sugars, and tequila joven, or gold tequila, which are adulterated blancos. The latest trend is pricy platinum tequilas, which are aged, triple-distilled, then filtered to remove the color, producing a smooth, white spirit.

Tequila is actually a denomination of origin comprising all of Jalisco, and some municipalities in the states of Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. To qualify as a tequila, Mexico’s most famous spirit can only be made with agave azul, or blue agave, from this region. The finished tequila must have a minimum of 51 percent blue agave, although the majority of tequila is 100 percent blue agave, allowing for up to 1 percent additives. Tequilas must also be a minimum of 35 percent to 55 percent ABV, and bottles sold in the United States require a minimum ABV of 40 percent (water is used to lower the proof to the desired number).

These strict regulations do still offer considerable variations to the tequila consumer. There are some 2,270 brands registered by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), the regulatory board that upholds the standards of tequila manufacturing tracked by the Norma Oficial Mexico (NOM) for the Appellation of Origin. But the system is not without its flaws. In recent years, the CRT has allowed brands to add up to 1 percent additives to 100 percent blue agave tequila without disclosure. It has also allowed celebrities to easily release tequilas, including George Clooney, Xzibit, and Kendall Jenner, who has faced backlash for cultural appropriation over the launch of her 818 Tequila. It’s a practice that seems at odds with a legal body tasked with preserving tequila and Mexican tradition.

The CRT also draws criticism for primarily benefiting the largest tequila producers in Mexico, and standardization has handcuffed small distilleries looking to employ ancestral methods like pit-roasting and hand-maceration. Agave distillates that use such nonstandard production methods or aren’t produced in one of the denomination of origins, including mezcal, tequila, raicilla, and bacanora, are labeled “destilados de agave.” But while the label might deter some customers, destilados de agave, tequila, and raicilla are all in the family of mezcal, a drink that was born long before the DO.

Best well tequila

All tequila collections should include at least one affordable mixer for making margaritas and palomas, or for when a dozen of your friends show up and want to do shots. The moment they ask for salt and lime and slam the empty caballito on your table, you’ll be glad you didn’t pull out the Casa Dragones.

Olmeca Altos

It’s rare to find such a reasonably priced tequila that uses agave steamed in ovens and not an autoclave, which has a faster cooking time but produces less caramelized flavor and complexity. In the highlands of Jalisco, maestro tequilero Jesus Hernandez partially extracts the agave’s sugars with a tahona and distills the tequila in copper pots. With ample notes of citrus, pepper, and green herbs, this might be one of the best utility tequilas in the $30 range and works just as well as a sipper as it does for mixing.

• $35 at Wine.com

Bracero Blanco

This industrial tequila (meaning it’s made entirely with industrial tools, including an autoclave, roller mills, and steel tanks) from a small distillery in El Arenal is a solid everyday sipper, full of earthy agave. You almost don’t want to pour it into a cocktail, but at this price, you can make premium cocktails on the cheap.

• $28 at Old Town Tequila

Cabrito Blanco

From the well-respected Tequila Centinela S.A. de C.V, NOM 1140 distillery comes this old-school highlands tequila that’ll earn you respect from your abuelo and tio’s table for its agave-forward flavor and value.

• $20 at Old Town Tequila

Silver (Plata) tequila

Silver tequilas are both valued as sipping tequilas before a meal and for making cocktails. For purists, this is tequila in its truest form, and for aficionados, this is the tequila category to watch, as more and more next-generation distillers turn to artisanal practices, such as cooking in ovens and earthen pits, crushing the piñas with a tahona, open-air fermentation, and distilling with copper stills, the go-to for master distillers for its superior heat conduction.

In the last two decades, master distillers like Carlos Camarena (Tapatio, Tequila Ocho), and Fortaleza owner Guillermo Sauza (grandson of Javier Sauza, founder of Sauza Tequila) have led the way, with semi-artisanal productions, using ovens along with heavy machinery like roller mills. Today, there are several labels producing high-proof (45 percent ABV and above), ancestral expressions of unaged, silver tequila worthy of the names mezcal de tequila or vino de mezcal.

Cascahuín Plata 48

There is perhaps no better example of the future of artisanal tequila than Salvador Rosales Briseño Jr.’s high-proof tequila, made from select lots in El Arenal and never exceeding 2,500 liters of production. Those bottles are full of sweet agave with a buttery finish, accented by pepper, herbs, and light cinnamon. This is one of the distilleries to watch; it makes the finest tequilas in Mexico.

• $100 at Wine.com

Fortaleza Still Strength

Guillermos Sauza’s high-proof (46 percent ABV) tequila blanco delivers a long caramellic, nutty roasted blue agave taste and finish. It’s made from select agaves roasted in brick ovens, crushed with a tahona, fermented in wooden barrels, and distilled twice in a copper pot still.

• $63 at Total Wine

Tapatío Blanco 110

Legendary master distiller Carlos Camarena never changes the recipe for his 55 percent ABV blanco distilled in a copper still, allowing each production to express the terroir and seasonal variations of this famed highlands label. It’s a well-balanced expression of pepper, grass, and green fruit-flavored blue agave that’s a benchmark tequila blanco and affordable enough to make premium margaritas and cocktails.

• $52 at Wine.com

Best reposado tequila

Reposado tequilas, which have been rested in new, used, or neutral barrels (barrels that have been used three times) for a minimum of two months and up to just under a year are the ideal sipper for agave lovers who want some complexity from wood. New, toasted oak barrels from France or America can impart vanilla flavors and smoky notes. Neutral barrels, meanwhile, are great for softening the tequila while maintaining its blue agave profile. If you’re getting American rye whiskey, bourbon, or Jack Daniel’s (hello Partida) in the nose and on the palate, your reposado was rested in used barrels, which mostly come from the U.S.

Siembra Valles Reposado

From the esteemed Cascahuín distillery, NOM 1123, maestro tequilero Don Salvador Rosales Briseño applies a touch of vanilla accent to the robust baked agave in this tequila, which is rested in proprietary oak barrels fashioned from Missouri white oak. The pale-yellow-colored expression is aged a mere three months, making this mint- and citrus-tinged reposado an ideal choice for blanco lovers who prefer that distinct agave flavor.

• $90 at Liquormates

Volcán de Mi Tierra

In 2017, the Volcán brand moved from an industrial workroom in a sugarcane field near Huaxtla in the Tequila Valley into the Moët Hennessy portfolio. This also came with investment in the distillery, allowing for a more traditional production for this fruity, grassy reposado, which was previously cooked in an autoclave, an entirely industrial process. It was good then and has only gotten better.

• $75 at Wine.com

El Tequileño Reposado Rare

Founded in 1959 in the pueblo magico of Tequila by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, the La Guarreña distillery continues under his grandson, Jorge Antonio Salles. This intense, woody reposado is fermented in cement tanks, cooked with copper pot stills, and aged six years in giant wooden tanks, making for a truly rare high-end reposado. The extra time and production methods yield big natural vanilla, caramel, and spice flavors and aromas.

• $180 at K&L Wines

Best jóven tequila

Immortalized in the lyrics of the 1980 Steely Dan hit single “Hey Nineteen” are shots of Cuervo Gold, a jóven, or young, tequila (also known as oro or gold tequila). The song about this longshot age-gap relationship personifies the category of jóven tequila, which is defined as a blend of blanco and aged tequila, yielding a spirit that sips somewhere between blanco and reposado tequila. This isn’t your grandfather’s cheap drink associated with additives and hangovers. Consider a high-quality jóven for drinkers who want big agave flavor combined with a hint of wood aged-aged sophistication.

Suave Tequila Jóven 45G

This elegant blend of tequila blanco and aged tequila — crafted by fifth-generation master distiller Jaime Villalobos Sauza — is the result of organic practices and natural fermentation that’s free of additives. It’s also kosher certified. Enjoy lots of clove, pepper, and sweetness with lots of agave flavor (45 percent ABV) in this young sipper that’s a standout in the jóven category.

• $180 at Old Town Tequila

Xoloitzcuintle Jóven

Tequila blanco fans are in for a treat. Named after a prized dog breed indigenous to México, this beverage is a blend of 80 percent blanco, 10 percent reposado, and 10 percent añejo that clocks in at 96 proof, packing a lot of cooked agave in each sip. Green chiles, spices, and herbs season the rich blue agave taste that is characteristic of this pale cornsilk spirit.

• $100 at ShopWineDirect

Siembra Valles Aniversário Jóven

At Siembra Valles, one of the most exciting distilleries in the region, master distiller Salvador Rosales Torres employs traditional methods including brick ovens and natural fermentation in its first-ever limited edition jóven. The earthy, mineral blend incorporates tequila blanco with a 2-month-old reposado aged in both French and American oak barrels, resulting in a stellar jóven produced with artisanal practices that’s well worth the high price.

• $135 at Total Wine

Best añejo tequila

Tequila g4 añejo (6 barrels edition).

Master of master distillers, Felipe Camarena, has fun with this one. It starts with a cook in brick ovens before a maceration of 100 percent blue agave by tahona. Camarena uses an old copper pot still, then ferments his distillate in open-air wooden tanks utilizing a champagne yeast before aging in an amalgam of six barrels. The recipe calls for four different white wine barrels and a pair of cognac barrels. The resulting spirit is a bouquet of fruit, blanched by herbs, and a minerality that’s both complex and polished.

• $200 at El Cerrito Liquor

Caballito Cerrero Chato Añejo

Caballito Cerrero, founded by Don Alfonso Jiménez Rosales, a co-founder of Tequila Herradura in Amatitán, has rejected the tequila Appellation of Origin so it can make this unique mezcal de tequila, officially labeled destilado de agave, free of the limitations and costs imposed by the powerful bureaucracy. The key to this exquisite añejo is a combination of estate-grown blue agave, water from an uphill spring, and open-air fermentation.

• $280 at Old Town Tequila

Tequila Ocho Widow Jane Barrel Select 2023

The latest release from the Highlands of Jalisco employs copper stills and open-air fermentation to draw bacteria into the tequila, which is aged in Widow Jane bourbon casks. The result is a union of an agave-forward spirit with a sweet layer of bourbon flavor on the finish — and at 96 proof, consumers get plenty of agave in this exciting collaboration of New World spirits.

• $140 at Barbank

Best extra añejo tequila

The DO established this fourth category of tequila in 2006 for tequilas aged in wood for three years and beyond, and it’s seen more growth than any other category as demand for premium tequila has soared in recent years, stoked by sleek advertising and marketing campaigns. A rival to fine cognacs, whiskies, or rums, EAs are ultra-smooth, rested in a range of barrels. They tend to attract collectors and sippers seeking luxury, and are accessible to all for their ease of drinking. However, agave lovers often miss the core flavors of tequila, as the vanilla, caramel, and sweet flavors of wood dominate.

Reserva de la Familia Jose Cuervo

It would be hard to find a better EA at this price, an approachable splurge to sip on special occasions and the perfect gift for a tequila collector. Jose Cuervo, the biggest tequila brand on the planet, located at the La Rojeña distillery in Tequila, uses only the hearts of select, mature blue agaves, aged between 10 and 12 years. The agave hearts are then baked in ovens at the La Rojeña distillery and aged in both French and American oak — some charred — with older batches blended in to maintain consistency. There’s a nice balance of smoke, vanilla, sweetness, and whiskey, while the process has preserved enough blue agave in the glass to remind you it’s a tequila.

• $210 at Wine.com

Carmen Villarreal Trevino’s San Matías distillery ages El Rey Sol in French oak for six years. The result is a luxurious mouthfeel, full of nuts, butterscotch, and layers of sweetness and an attractive burnt sienna color that lights up the smiling sun decanter, designed by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante.

• $350 at Rey Sol Anejo Tequila

Gran Patrón Burdeos

Sitting on the patio outside the bar at Hacienda Patrón is the ideal setting to explore the perfect pairing of a fine cigar with an aged tequila. This tequila delivers a tawny drink full of luscious, buttery caramel and dried cherries. Born from a blend of used American oak and new French oak that’s finished in vintage Bordeaux casks, and lavishly displayed in a crystal bottle, it is everything you want from a luxury tequila.

• $510 at Wine.com

Best cristalino tequila

While not an official category, Tequila country’s divisive cristalino style is rising in popularity despite the disdain from tequila aficionados (like me). Cristalino is an aged tequila (reposado, añejo, extra añejo) that’s filtered, typically through activated charcoal, to remove the color imparted through the aging process while keeping the complex, wood-aged flavors of mature tequila. The result is a clear spirit that’s smoothed by the innovative production method, which loses some of its pep in the process while raising the price. (Consumers are also paying a premium for the high-end bottles.) It’s not for serious tequila drinkers, but if you find yourself wanting bottle service at Hakkasan, here are the ones to gravitate toward.

Volcán de Mi Tierra Cristalino Reposado

It was inevitable since the Volcán de mi Tierra-owning Gallardo family formed a partnership with beverage giant Moët-Hennessy that a cristalino would be included in its tequila portfolio. A 70/30 blend of añejo and extra-añejo tequilas, respectively, aged in the conglomerate’s Glenmorangie and Hennessy barrels yields light tobacco, caramel, and a mix of citrus fruit due to the muting of wood essences in the filtering of this reposado.

El Destilador Añejo Cristalino

From the Zapopan label established in 1946 by Enrique Guillermo Newton Alexanderson comes an añejo cristalino tequila rested for 18 months in white oak. A triple-distillation process creates an even smoother finish.

• $70 at Del Mesa Liquor

Bill Esparza is a James Beard Award-winning writer and author of LA Mexicano . Michelle K. Min is a food photographer based in San Francisco.

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Discover the soul of Mexico in the iconic town of Tequila, just 60 km from Guadalajara City! is town has become a Mexican pride, not only for being the birthplace of the spirit that bears the same name but for all the history, curious stories, and traditions that frame its picturesque existence. Visit us and discover the meaning of Mexico around every corner.

The train to Tequila. Passengers aboard! Travel with us on the most beautiful passenger train in Mexico. Jose Cuervo Express travels across the agave landscape with the magic of years past. Departures are on Saturdays, leaving the station in Guadalajara and arriving in Tequila.

A private visit to discover the tequila way of life: “jimadores”, “horneros” and expert “tequila blenders” await you. We invite you to tour La Rojeña, the oldest distillery in Latin America. Immerse yourself in more than 250 years of tradition and get to know first-hand the process of making tequila.

Hotel Solar de las Ánimas is set alongside the church of “Santiago Apostol”, right in the heart of the town of Tequila, nestling at the foot of the great volcano. It’s a perfect location for guests to explore and enjoy all the attractions and tours of the area, as well as to experience day-to-day life in this “Pueblo Mágico”, one of Mexico’s famed “magical towns”.

Enjoy a stay in the old-fashion style of Tequilense families in our luxurious hotel set in a fascinating 19th-century manor. Beautiful architecture, artistic gems that adorn areas full of history, first-class suites and the best culinary variety of Jalisco's haute cuisine await you at Hotel Villa Tequila.

Located in one of the most beautiful buildings in the region and graced by fascinating mural art, in our fantastic venue you will find exhibitions of painting, popular art, charrería, and more, that highlight the symbolism of identity and Mexican pride.

Hacienda El Centenario, an exclusive first-class event & convention center, offers an area of 7,000 sq. meters (75,347 sq. feet) distributed in various scenarios in the middle of gardens, patios, fountains and terraces surrounded by our natural heritage, valleys and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of Tequila. With space for groups from 10 to 1,500 people, it’s an ideal venue for exclusive events of any kind.

Jose Cuervo®

• La Rojeña® Distillery

Basic Info.

• Mundo Cuervo

Taste our tequilas, learn how we make our best tequilas in La Rojeña® , the flagship distillery of Cuervo® and the oldest in Latin America. Take your time to taste our  Tradicional® line , silver, rested and aged in our Experto Tequilero rooms and end with a professional tasting. A real luxury!

• Tour through the distillery   La Rojeña® of Jose Cuervo®. To know the process of tequila. 
• Professional tasting in the expert tequila tasting rooms.

Monday to Friday and Sundays:

11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00,

16:00, 17:00 hrs.

English tour:

(minimum 5 persons)

11:00, 15:00, 17:00 hrs.

11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 hrs.

Duration: 1hr. 30 min.

$ 535  mxn per person

*For a private tour, please consider an additional cost of 15% according to the individual rate. In groups of less than 15 people, the cost of the private guide is $1,600 mxn plus VAT.  *In this experience nobody under 18 years of age is admitted. *In case of cancellation or not showing up on time, no refunds are made. *This rate does not apply to national holidays, or holiday season. *Rate changes subject to occupancy without prior notice. *Taxes included. *Subject to availability. *Limited availability.

Do you have questions about your visit to La Rojeña® ? Please read these frequently asked questions so that you can fully enjoy your visit.

1. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN TEQUILA ? If you come in spring or winter, the weather is dry and mild, with temperatures around 20°-25°, and at night it goes down to 10°-15°. In April and May, temperatures can rise to over 35°, until the rainy season comes from June to October.

2. WHAT SHOULD I BRING? We recommend bringing light clothing in spring and summer, and a winter jacket and comfortable shoes in winter. If you are going to do outdoor activities such as visiting the agave fields, bring closed shoes, sunscreen, a hat and water. And don’t forget to bring your camera!

3. HOW LONG DOES THE VISIT LAST? A visit to La Rojeña® lasts for 1 hour. After that you will have free time in La Rojeña® to relax at Margaritas Bar or visit our shops with the best prices.

4. DO I HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE? Although most of the experiences do not require advance booking, we recommend booking to ensure that you get the time slot that best fits your itinerary. Please note that experiences that require preparation and trips on the Jose Cuervo Express ® always require advance ticket purchase. See each experience for more details.

5. CAN I TAKE PHOTOS? When visiting our La Rojeña ® distillery, visitors are not allowed to take photographs inside the factory for safety. There is no problem with taking photos in the outdoor areas.

6. WHERE CAN WE EAT? We recommend La Antigua Casona restaurant, in Hotel Solar de las Ánimas . If you want to make your meal a special experience, try our food pairing samples.

7. IS THE MARGARITAS BAR OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Our famous Margaritas Bar and shops are open to the public without an admission fee.

8. I HAVE BEEN TO LA ROJEÑA ®. CAN I VISIT THE MAESTRO TEQUILERO ® STORE? Of course you can! Go on the Jose Cuervo ® or Jose Cuervo® with fields experiences, so you can really get to know the Hacienda, walk through the extraordinary Los Limoneros gardens and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of our ‘Tahona’ at the end of the tour.

9. CAN I BRING CHILDREN TO LA ROJEÑA ®? Children are welcome in La Rojeña® , but there are experiences that are restricted to adults only. If you come with your children, we recommend the Weekend experience on the Jose Cuervo Express ®.

Adults are responsible for children during a visit to the distillery, and should always walk hand in hand.

10. WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR I AM TRAVELLING WITH A PERSON WITH SPECIAL NEEDS? If you are on medication or have a condition that requires special attention, please inform our staff so that the distillery’s doctor is available to assist you.

Please inform us in advance if you plan to visit with a person who has special needs, since the tour includes industrial areas that may not be accessible. We will assist you as much as we can, but we recommend that people with special needs travel with a companion who can help them.

11. ARE PETS ALLOWED? Sorry, but we can’t allow pets into La Rojeña ® for health and safety reasons.

12. WE ARE A GROUP, CAN YOU ASSIST US? Our group customer service department is available to organize your group visits. Check available discounts and our special programs for students, Vive Cuervo® University .

13. CAN I HOLD MY EVENT IN LA ROJEÑA ®? Our group customer service department specializes in planning events for companies, groups and social events. We have areas suitable for groups from about 8 to 1,000 people.

14. THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE. CAN I READ IT FROM MY MOBILE OR MY TABLET DURING MY VISIT? Our website is available in desktop, tablet and mobile versions. All our information is always at your fingertips.

15. WHEN WAS JOSE CUERVO ® FOUNDED? Jose Cuervo ® was founded in 1758. La Rojeña ®, the oldest distillery in Latin America, opened its doors in 1812, when the family business was managed by brother and sister Don Jose Ignacio Faustino and Doña Maria Magdalena de Cuervo.

16. WHY CUERVO®? Cuervo® is the surname of the family who founded the business dynasty. The first barrels used for commercial distribution were branded with the image of a crow (“cuervo” in Spanish), which is considered its first use as a trademark.

17. WHAT IS THE TEQUILA ROUTE ? The Tequila Route shows visitors the rich cultural heritage of the region. Archaeological sites, old haciendas and taverns, modern distilleries, opal and obsidian mines, canyons and mountains, as well as the living culture of the charro, mariachi, and trades associated with tequila, such as the jimador - the agave farmer. For centuries man and nature have shaped the agave landscape, which is now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The Tequila Route surrounds the volcano and runs through the municipalities of El Arenal, Amatitán, Tequila, Magdalena, Teuchitlán, Etzatlán, Ahualulco and San Juanito.

Mundo Cuervo ® and Jose Cuervo Express ® are part of the Tequila Route, which began as a sustainable tourism project funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, and by the Jose Cuervo Foundation.