Full Day in Tequila with Tasting and party in Cantaritos

The best part of this long day is its sharp change of pace: you begin with the careful work of making tequila, pause above the agave fields on a giant swing, stroll through Tequila town, then finish with music, dancing, and giant clay cantaritos at Cantaritos el Güero #1. It feels less like a single tasting and more like a full introduction to Jalisco’s tequila country.

I like two things in particular. First, the guides, including Arturo, Jorge, Benji, and Don Benji, are praised for clear explanations, warm care, and good food and tequila advice. Second, the route gives you real variety: seven tequila and liquor tastings, a scenic stop, local food, history, and a proper party.

The main drawback is the pace. Ten to 11 hours is a serious day, and lunch is not included. A delayed start at the distillery can also shorten your time in central Tequila, so this suits you best if you want a social, alcohol-focused day rather than a quiet village visit.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven pours at the distillery: Taste blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and two tequila-based liquors.
• A scenic swing above the agave fields: You get 90 minutes at Columpio Extremo, with drinks and snacks available for purchase.
• Two hours in Tequila town: See the church, mural, José Cuervo walkway, kiosk, and possibly the Papantla flyers.
• A large final party: Cantaritos el Güero #1 serves giant drinks, some as large as 21 liters, with music and dancing.
• A full day in a small group: Transport, tastings, the factory, and swing entrance are covered, with a maximum of 20 people.
• Bring breakfast and sturdy shoes: Lunch and cantaritos cost extra, and white shoes are a poor match for this outing.

Why this Guadalajara day trip works

Tequila is about an hour outside Guadalajara by road, but the experience begins with the drive from the meeting point at the OXXO on Avenida Ignacio L. Vallarta and Fernando de Celada. The tour lasts about 10 to 11 hours, including travel between stops and the return to Guadalajara.

That length is both its strength and its warning. You see far more than you would on a quick distillery visit, yet the day asks for stamina. You will be sitting in the van for roughly 40 minutes before the first stop, then taking shorter rides between the factory, swing, town, and Cantaritos.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the maximum group size is 20. That is large enough to create a party atmosphere at the last stop, but small enough for guides to keep an eye on the group. The strongest reports describe guides who answer questions, help people feel comfortable, and drive carefully on the return, especially after drinking.

The activity is offered in English. Arturo, in particular, has been praised for explaining the tequila process fluently in English and Spanish. Guide assignments can vary, but the names that come up most often are Arturo, Jorge, Benji, Don Benji, and Alex.

At Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, seven tastings and a working process

The first stop is Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, about 40 minutes from the meeting point. Entrance is included, and you spend about an hour learning how tequila is made before tasting seven different drinks.

The tasting lineup covers the main styles you will want to understand:

• Blanco, also called white tequila
• Reposado
• Añejo
• Extra añejo
• Two liquors

This progression gives the visit a useful structure. Instead of treating tequila as one uniform spirit, you can compare the lighter white style with the older categories. Reposado, añejo, and extra añejo show how aging changes the drink, while the two liquors add a sweeter or more flavored contrast.

The value here depends heavily on your guide. Arturo is praised for making the process clear and engaging, and Benji and his father are described as friendly, fun, and well informed. Ask questions as you go. This is the part of the day where a good explanation turns several small pours into something you can actually remember.

The factory also has a couple of unusual connections. The video for Cristian Nodal’s Adiós Amor was recorded here, and the tequila made for Adam Levine of Maroon 5 is produced at this facility. Those details add a bit of pop-culture interest, though the main reason to visit is still the production lesson and tasting.

Come with breakfast already eaten. The tour instructions specifically advise this, and it matters because lunch does not happen until later in Tequila town. Seven samples on an empty stomach can catch up with you quickly. Pace yourself, drink water when you can, and remember that alcohol is not permitted in the van. A cleaning charge equal to one day’s vehicle rental can apply if that rule is broken.

Columpio Extremo and the agave view

After the factory, you drive about 20 minutes to Columpio Extremo. You get roughly 90 minutes here, and the entrance to the swing is included.

The main draw is the view across the agave fields. From the swing, you can take photographs and see the setting that gives tequila country much of its character. It is a simple stop, but a good one after the indoor tasting because it gets you outside and changes the rhythm of the day.

Set your expectations correctly. This is a small hacienda-style stop rather than a vast attraction. One disappointed account expected a larger or more elaborate place. If you see the swing as a scenic photo stop with time for a drink, you are more likely to be satisfied. If you expect a major adventure park, it may feel modest.

Drinks and snacks are available here, but they are not included. The 90-minute visit gives you room to take photos, use the swing, and relax without being rushed. Wear practical shoes and avoid white footwear, as the day includes outdoor stops and dusty roads.

Tequila town, lunch, and a short walk through local sights

The ride to Tequila town takes about 10 minutes. You have around two hours here, including lunch and time to look around.

The town center gives you a welcome change from the factory setting. You can see the historic church, central kiosk, mural, and José Cuervo walkway. Depending on timing, you may also catch the Papantla flyers show, a traditional performance that adds movement and color to the town visit.

Lunch is not included. The suggested meal is in the town market, where quesabirrias and meat dishes are available. The stated cost is about $6 to $10 per person. That is a useful price range for planning, though food quality and value can vary by stall.

The timing of this stop deserves attention. The tour has a lot to fit into one day, and the distillery stop can sometimes run long. If that happens, your time to eat, shop, or walk around central Tequila may become tighter. One account described eating as late as 3 p.m. and feeling that the town visit was shortened.

I would treat the town stop as a focused introduction, not a full day of sightseeing. You can see several central sights, eat a local dish, and take a few photographs. You probably will not have time to explore every shop or linger over lunch. If Tequila town itself is your main reason for coming, a separate visit would give you more freedom.

Cantaritos el Güero #1, where the day gets loud

The final stop is Cantaritos el Güero #1 in Amatitán, about 20 minutes from Tequila. You spend roughly two hours here, though the guides may allow more time if the group is having fun. The ride back to Guadalajara takes another one to two hours.

This is not a quiet tasting room. It is a large, energetic party spot with regional music, dancing, tables, and enormous cantaritos filled with tequila, juice, salt, and lemon. The drinks can reach 21 liters, or about 5.5 gallons. You do not have to order the largest size, but the giant vessels are a major part of the spectacle.

Cantaritos are not included, so budget for drinks separately. A reserved table and waiter have been praised as useful advantages, especially when the venue is crowded. Having a place to sit and someone handling service can save time and make the final stop easier.

This is where the group often becomes more social. People begin as strangers in the van and may leave feeling like a loose party group, even when language differences are present. Benji and Don Benji are especially praised for joining the fun while keeping people safe.

Still, alcohol changes the mood, and everyone needs to act responsibly. The tour rules forbid hostile behavior and prohibit alcohol in the van. Those rules are not decorative. If you drink heavily, listen to the guide, stay with your group, and keep the ride back calm. One account described a conflict between a guide and a participant after drinking, which spoiled an otherwise enjoyable evening.

What is included, and what you will pay extra for

The tour includes private transportation, entrance to Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, seven alcoholic tastings, and entrance to the swing. That covers the core structure of the day and removes the need to arrange separate rides between the spread-out stops.

You still need money for three things:

• Breakfast before pickup
• Lunch in Tequila, usually about $6 to $10
• Cantaritos, drinks, and snacks at the later stops

Because the actual tour price is not provided here, I cannot judge the exact dollar value. I can say what you are paying for: a full-day vehicle, a guide, a factory visit, seven samples, a swing admission, a town stop, and reserved access at the final party. If you would otherwise hire separate transport from Guadalajara, the bundled format can make sense.

The value is strongest if you want variety and social energy. It is weaker if you plan to buy a great deal of tequila, need a long relaxed lunch, or want several hours of independent shopping in Tequila. Extra drink costs can also add up, so set a spending limit before the party begins.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Start with breakfast and water. The first tasting comes before lunch, and the day continues for many hours. Eat enough to enjoy the tequila rather than letting the tequila replace your meal.

Wear shoes that can handle an outdoor stop. The instructions specifically say to avoid white shoes, which is sensible for the swing area, agave fields, and transport between rural sites.

Be on time at the OXXO meeting point. A late start affects everyone, and the town stop is the part most likely to lose time when the day runs behind.

Keep alcohol out of the van. This is an explicit rule, and breaking it can lead to a substantial cleaning fee. The safe plan is simple: drink only at the designated stops and follow the guide’s instructions on the return.

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum group is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The group limit is 20, but the amount of walking and the drinking-focused format may not suit everyone.

Who will enjoy this tequila tour most

I would recommend this outing to friends, couples, solo visitors, and families with older children who want a busy day with several distinct stops. A 12-year-old has joined the experience successfully, particularly on a quieter weekday, but the final venue is still an adult party setting centered on alcohol.

It is a strong choice if you want:

• A first look at how tequila is made
• Several styles to compare in one sitting
• A scenic swing and agave-field photographs
• A short but useful visit to Tequila town
• Music, dancing, and a social finish
• A guide who stays involved throughout the day

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, late lunches, loud music, or group schedules. You should also skip it if your main goal is a slow, detailed look at Tequila’s shops and historic center. This is an active day with a party at the end, not a quiet cultural excursion.

Should you book this full-day experience?

Book it if you want the complete Guadalajara-to-Tequila outing in one package, especially if you like your sightseeing mixed with tasting and nightlife. The strongest features are the friendly guide service, the clear factory explanation, the variety of stops, and the final Cantaritos party.

Go in with realistic expectations. The swing stop is fairly small, lunch is extra, the town visit can feel brief if the distillery runs late, and the total day is long. Eat first, pace your drinks, bring cash for food and cantaritos, and keep your expectations focused on fun rather than a slow museum-style tour.

For an energetic introduction to Jalisco’s tequila country, this is a good call. For a calm, food-first, or history-heavy day, choose something with more time in Tequila town and less emphasis on drinking.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the OXXO at Av. Ignacio L. Vallarta y Fernando de Celada 2912, in Vallarta San Jorge, Guadalajara. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full day lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including transportation between Guadalajara, the tequila stops, and the return trip.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English. Arturo has been specifically noted for giving fluent explanations in both English and Spanish.

How many tequilas are included?

Seven alcoholic tastings are included. These cover blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and two liquors.

Are lunch and cantaritos included?

No. Lunch in the Tequila market costs about $6 to $10 per person, and cantaritos, drinks, and snacks are purchased separately.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather cancels the tour or the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.