The Coolest Things to Do in Tequila & The Tequila Valley in Jalisco

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Looking for the best independent tour itinerary for the best things to do in Tequila & the Tequila Valley in Jalisco? Pues, look no further. I have put together the complete guide to both Tequila and the greater Valles Region of Jalisco.

Tequila is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. It was an early participant in the Secretary of Tourism’s Pueblo Mágico program and the crown jewel of the Tequila Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many fun and culturally significant things to do in Tequila and the surrounding Valley.

The magical town of Tequila is just the beginning of a spectacular ring of pueblos that circle the Tequila Volcano. There are pyramids built by the Native people, Spanish-era haciendas, and hundreds of years of Mexican popular culture all in one place. You could spend weeks getting to know all the towns, but try to spend just one extra day exploring the pueblos in the Tequila Valley.

This part of Mexico is famous for its agave culture. Tequila helps define Mexico’s international reputation, but it is only one facet of the local culture. Folkloric rodeo, ranching, and Native history all fit into what the state of Jalisco is known for.

Quick Guide: Things To Do in Tequila & The Tequila Valley

Most people only spend one day in the Valley. I think you need to plan for at least four days to see two distilleries, the agave fields, the pyramids, some waterfalls, and an ex-hacienda.

• Day 1: Guachimontones & Hacienda El Carmen: Pyramid tour and boutique hotel
• Day 2: Tequila & Distilería La Fortaleza: Pueblo Mágico and #1 distillery tour
• Day 3: Amatitán & Cantaritos El Guero: Authentic Ranching Culture & Cocktails
• Day 4: El Arenal & Distilería Cascahuín: My Favorite Distillery
• Day 5: Magdalena, Etzatlán & Ahualulco de Mercado: The Backcountry
• Day 6: El Rosario & El Manto Waterpark: The Best Swimming Hole
• How to Get to Tequila from Guadalajara

Things To Do in Tequila & Tequila Valley Overview

The region around the volcano is called the Valles Region, and Tequila is just one of the 11 municipalities. The Ruta del Tequila, or Tequila Route, is a collection of small towns that circle the Tequila Volcano, each with unique tourist attractions and things to do.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tequila includes over 85,000 acres from the Tequila Volcano up to the Santiago River. The town of Tequila is the crown jewel, but there is a lot more to see and do in the region.

One thing you will quickly realize is there are both tourist traps and culturally significant things to do in Tequila, Jalisco. The locals call Tequila “Disneyland for drunks” because there is a fair amount of overconsumption on display. I want to help you sift through the noise and find the hidden gems.

The first couple of times that I visited Tequila, I was unimpressed. It wasn’t until I got off the tourist track that I really fell in love with the region.

It is up to each visitor to decide what type of experience they are interested in. You can find the best tequila in the world mixed with historic and cultural experiences. You can also get stuck on a cheap tour with a group of belligerently drunk people getting sick on the bus ride home. A little planning will go a long way in Tequila, Jalisco.

This is the complete guide to the town of Tequila and the greater Valles Region.

Teuchitlan & Guachimontones Archeological Site

Teuchitlán is a little pueblo on the other side of the volcano from Tequila, Jalisco. Right above the town of Teuchitlán is the archeological site of Guachimontones.

Guachimontones was a significant pre-Hispanic community that is estimated to have had around 40,000 occupants. The conical-shaped pyramids are unique from all the other archeological sites that I have visited in Mexico and Central America.

The Tequila Volcano is long extinct but it left a large reserve of obsidian. That glass-like rock was made into all sorts of cutting tools and spear tips that were traded far and wide. Between agriculture and industry, this pre-Hispanic community must have been a sight to see back in the day. 

Teuchitlán is located right next to a lake that was an important part of the agricultural system that supported a large population.

Many people are familiar with the chinampa agricultural system of Mexico City’s Xochimilco. It is less well known that the same chinampa agriculture system sustained the population here.

Things to do near Guachimontones

• Tour the Phil Weigand Interpretive Center
• Hike up the hill to the Archeological Site
• Explore the ball courts and conical pyramids
• Go for a swim at the water park

Where to eat near Guachimontones

There is a small restaurant serving indigenous food right in front of the parking lot, but I always make reservations at one of the nearby historic haciendas for lunch. Hacienda Labor de Ribera is ten minutes away, and Hacienda El Carmen is fifteen minutes away. Take advantage of being in the area to experience these magestic properties.

You must make reservations to have lunch at the haciendas.

I have taken many groups of family members to eat at both hacienda restaurants and it is always one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Years later, an uncle will say something like, “You remember that time we went to the pyramids and that hacienda, that was awesome.” It is an experience you will remember.

• Hacienda Labor de Ribera
• Hacienda El Carmen

Where to stay near Guachimontones

There are a couple of budget places to stay in Teuchitlán but the best place to stay on this side of the Tequila Valley are the haciendas. These are my favorite hotels in Mexico. My family and I have been exploring these historic properties for decades now. There is a ton of history around here and reading a book about the hacienda system and staying at one of these boutique hotels will throw your imagination into overdrive.

We particularly enjoy these hotels with the kids. There are animals and huge gardens to explore. Riding horses is a very popular activity on these properties and in this part of Jalisco. Hacienda El Carmen has a distillery and a massive greenhouse where they grow much of the produce served at the restaurant.

• Hacienda Labor de Rivera
• Hacienda El Carmen
• Hotel El Centenario Etzatlán

Tequila, Jalisco Pueblo Mágico

Santiago de Tequila, more commonly referred to as just Tequila, is located at the base of the Tequila Volcano less than an hour outside of Guadalajara or four hours from Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

While Native people have settled the Tequila Valley for thousands of years, the modern town of Tequila wasn’t settled by Spanish Franciscan monks until 1530. The nearby city of Guadalajara wasn’t founded at its present location until later in 1542.

In 1560, Guadalajara became the capital of Nuevo Galicia when the Royal Audience and the Bishopric relocated to the area. Guadalajara would become an important market for the products made at large haciendas in the Tequila Valley.

The Coolest Things to Do in Tequila

The town of Tequila, Jalisco, has done an excellent job of creating a tourist destination. From the UNESCO World Heritage program to the Mexican Pueblo Mágico program, the community knows how to promote the region as a major tourist destination. There are some really special experiences with deep cultural roots if you can sift through the excess.

Tequila may be a victim of its own success. Many of the experiences are expensive. It seems that everyone is trying to jump on the bandwagon without actually contributing anything.

Before you go to Tequila make a plan. Don’t let some barker push you into a tour or some restaurant that just doesn’t care. There is exceptional living history to experience with the right recommendations.

• Tour the Fortaleza Distillery, the #1 rated tequila distillery on Tequila Match Maker.
• Experience the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, one of the finest museums in all of Mexico. Take the tour so you can see the surrealist sculpture garden.
• Take a Picture in the Plaza Principal de Tequila with the big Tequila letters.
• Pay your respects to Saint Toribio Romo González, who is laid to rest in Templo La Purisima, Parroquia Santiago Apostol de Tequila.

• Explore Mexican popular culture in the National Museum of Tequila
• Appreciate the grand mural and legend of tequila at the Palacio Municipal (Town Hall).
• Make reservations to witness the historic collection of tequila memorabilia at the Sauza Family’s Museo de los Abuelos.
• Listen to ghost stories at Los Lavaderos and the Watering Well.
• Hike to Los Azules Waterfalls for a cool swim on a hot day.
• Hike the Tequila Volcano trail or just get a good picture to understand how volcanic soil created ideal conditions for agave plants.
• Go for a swim Balneario La Toma.
• Get the perfect Instagram real at the Paraiso Azul Swings.

Best Distillery Tours in Tequila

In past editions of this article, I started with the general recommendation to visit a tequila distillery. Now that I have visited lots of distilleries, both big and small, I can say that La Fortaleza is the best distillery to visit in Tequila, without a doubt.

They make some of the most delicious tequilas in Mexico while celebrating a multigenerational connection to the region.

Taking a distillery tour will be one of the top things to do in Tequila, Jalisco. The estate is beautiful but the making of tequila is the highlight of the experience.

If you are short on time or don’t feel like driving, have a look at my article on the best tequila tours from Guadalajara. There are a lot of options and I recommend visiting something artisanal.

Make sure to book your tours in advance. The best distilleries don’t accept walk-ins and even the big distilleries sell out of English language tours during the holiday season. The tequila train is almost always booked a month in advance.

• Tequila Los Abuelos/Fortaleza (Tequila)
• Tequila Arette (Tequila)
• Tequila el Tequileño (Tequila)
• Tequila Atanasio (Tequila)
• Tequila El Ateo (Tequila)
• Tequila Amatiteña (Tequila)
• Tequila José Cuervo (Tequila)
• Tequila Sauza (Tequila)
• Tequila Herradura (Amatitan)
• Tequila Cascahuin (El Arenal)

Best Bars in Tequila

• Cantina La Capilla is the oldest drinking establishment in Tequila and the home of the Batanga cocktail.
• El Beso Cantina has an amazing selection of hard-to-find tequila and mezcal
• Ixtete Bar & Restaurant has an excellent selection of artisanal, high-end tequilas from across Jalisco.
• Bar Portales del Cielo is in the plaza under the arches with a great view.

Where to eat in Tequila

• Mercado Municipal and the Mercado de Comidas “Cleofas Mota”
• Birrieria La Mezcalera: Country-style birria
• La Antigua Casona: Jose Cuervo fine dining
• La Cueva de Don Chenobio: Sauza fine dining
• Patio Mayahua: Best breakfast in Tequila with quality liquor
• El Palomar: Tequila classic overlooking the plaza

Where to stay in Tequila

• Nueve Agaves Hotel (budget)
• Casona 1530 (mid-range)
• Hotel Villa Tequila by Mundo Cuervo (mid-range)
• Casa Salles Boutique Hotel by El Tequileño (luxury)
• Hotel Solar de las Animas by Mundo Cuervo (luxury)
• Matices Hotel de Barricas (concept hotel outside of town)

Amatitán

What I love about Amatitan is its authenticity. These are real cowboys and real farmers in the heart of Mexico. While the city of Tequila can feel like a tourist trap Amatitan is down-home Mexico.

The Herradura Hacienda and Cantaritos El Guero are both located in Amatitan, which both bring in a lot of visitors. There is a lovely downtown area with great food, but it is also easy to visit the agave fields just outside of town. Some of my favorite pictures of the agave fields were shot on the road out to La Presa.

Make sure to plan some time in Amatitán because this area includes some of the best things to do in the Tequila Valley.

Things to do in Amatitán

• Take a tequila distillery tour
• Check out the caves
• Explore Downtown Amatitán’s historic core
• Visit the agave fields
• Go horseback riding

Where to eat in Amatitán

• Ruinas Chimulco Restaurant
• Las Grutas Amatitán
• Cantaritos El Guero
• Tacos Godoy
• Arturo’s Carne y Tacos
• El Sazón del Rancho, Don Emilio & Doña Mary

Where to stay in Amatitán

• Hotel boutique Casa Lerdo
• Casa Amatl Hotel Galeria

El Arenal, Jalisco

The first stop on the Ruta Del Tequila, as you are heading out of Guadalajara, is Arenal. As you approach the town, you will start to see small agave farms on both sides of the highway. I recommend skipping breakfast in Guadalajara and getting some tacos in Arenal before your first distillery tour.

If you didn’t remember to bring a hat, you should stop and pick one up on your way into town. Don’t worry, you will see the roadside stand as you hit the first speed bumps. If you plan on spending any time at all in the agave fields, I can’t recommend a good hat enough. You will thank me later.

Things to do in El Arenal

• Tour the Cascahuin Tequila Distillery

Tequila Cascahuin is the under-the-radar, cult favorite distillery of serious agave enthusiasts in the Jalisco area. I’m talking about bartenders at agave-centric establishments and the guys who write books about Mexico’s agave culture.

While they make a number of different brands of Tequila here, everything is certified additive-free. They use brick steam ovens and produce a special type of tequila for one client that uses a mezcal-style pit oven.

There are both roller mills and a stone tahona to crush the agaves. Only the more expensive labels use the tahona. More tequila makers are installing tahona in the distilleries but it is still a novelty.

One of the coolest things about Cascahuin is that they continue to experiment with different techniques in the process of fermentation, distillation, and cooking the agaves. If you see a special edition bottle of Cascahuin you know the collectors will go crazy for it.

The Cascahuin Distillery is open to tours Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended. A general tour costs MX$100. A tour and tasting starts at MX$300 per person for the blanco, reposado, and añejo. The tour plus premium tasting costs MX$420 and is the cheapest tasting of ultra-premium tequilas you can find the Valles Region. They recommend booking a tour 10 days in advance. Send them an email at info (@) tequilacascahuin.com

Where to eat in El Arenal

The restaurants in El Arenal are simple and delicious. This is a great place to get to know country-style food.

• Carnitas La Fuente
• Tortas Ahogadas Los Primos
• Las Gorditas El Tío
• Taqueria El Chemo
• Carnes Asadas La Higuera
• Jarritos La Puerta Del Agave

Where to stay in El Arenal

El Arenal doesn’t have a lot of hotel options in town, but there is a lovely property 10 minutes away that can easily arrange a taxi to and from the Cascahuin Distillery. Finca Hotel by ALOFA is a historic hacienda

• Finca Hotel by ALOFA

Magdalena

Magdalena is a small town just 20 km down the road from Tequila that is famous for fire opals. There are a number of opal mines and jewelry stores that make an afternoon visit enjoyable.

Across the street from the main plaza, there is a small museum dedicated to the agave landscape and the mining industry.

Maru Toledo and Ahualulco de Mercado

Maru Toledo is one of the preeminent voices of Jalisco, documenting oral tradition and writing cookbooks. She hosts some amazing culinary experiences highlighting ranch-style food. Her recipes and cooking techniques are centuries old. They cook on a wood-fired comal and make cheese and vinegar in the old-school way. 

Maru hosts events every few weeks. Make sure to follow her Facebook page to get up-to-date notifications about her upcoming events. There is talk of opening up the ranch to do breakfasts on the weekends, but they haven’t started that just yet.

Etzatlán

Etzatlán is one of the best places to get to know authentic ranching culture in the Tequila Valley. Downtown Etzatlán is picturesque with a beautiful tree-lined plaza and gazebo. Cowboys ride their horses through the streets, and little kids practice swinging a lasso. It feels like something out of a storybook.

The town is famous for the largest crocheted canopy, which won a Guinness World Record in 2019.

The Hotel Centenario is a historic mansion that was converted into a boutique hotel. It is a time capsule with a historic cantina and restaurant in front.

I suspect that Etzatlán is in the running to be named one of the new Pueblos Mágicos in Jalisco. The town is really enjoyable and a great day trip from Guadalajara.

El Manto Balneario in El Rosario, Nayarit

El Manton Balneario is by far one of the coolest (figuratively and literally) places to visit on the Ruta del Tequila. A small river flows through a canyon creating a series of pools and waterfalls. The water is crystal clear and cool. We visited in May when the temperature driving in was over 100 degrees. Walking down the stairs under heavy foliage, the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the water felt wonderful on a hot day.

The town of El Rosario is not in the state of Jalisco but in the neighboring state of Nayarit. The municipality of Amatlán de Cañas is one of the eight municipalities in Nayarit that are approved to make Tequila. This is still the Ruta del Tequila as apparent by the agave fields as far as the eye can see.

This place is incredible and needs to be on your list of things to do along the Ruta del Tequila.

There are nice cabins and a campground on site. In the towns of El Rosario and Amatlán de Cañas, there are more accommodations and excellent country-style food. The road isn’t great when you cross from Jalisco into Nayarit.

It becomes narrower with sections of big potholes and some overgrowth creeping into the road.

The towns themselves are very well maintained with beautiful historic downtowns with churches, markets, and hotels. The tequila industry brings in a lot of money to the rural economy.

How To Get To Tequila, Jalisco

Most people will pass through Guadalajara on their way to Tequila. It is an easy and quick 60 km drive to Tequila from Guadalajara along a modern toll freeway.

There is also a slower yet more scenic free country highway that runs through the blue agave fields and pueblos along the way. 

Additionally, there are public buses to Tequila, private tour buses, a tequila train, and even helicopter rides.

I think the best way to visit Tequila is to have a private vehicle. If it were my first trip, I would spend a few days in the valley, hopping from pueblo to pueblo. The combination of distilleries, pyramids, ex-haciendas, and outdoor activities makes for a memorable experience.

A Brief History Of Tequila

The word Tequila has a number of different meanings. Originally, it comes from the Nahuatl word, “Tekilan”: “place of the workers” or “place of tribute” depending on the interpretation.

Long before the drink, there was the Tequila Volcano, the Tequila Valley, and a large population of Native peoples.

The fertile soil around the volcano is one of the reasons that agriculture is so prevalent in this area. The volcano also left large deposits of obsidian that were used to make tools that were traded across the region.

The archeological site at the base of the Tequila Volcano documents a large settlement of people in the region for more than two thousand years. The area has a unique form of agriculture and a ceremonial center that sustained the large population.

Spanish missionaries and conquistadors introduced the Catholic religion and built huge ranches called haciendas. Equestrian culture would evolve and devolop into two of Mexico’s most iconic trends: Mariachi music and Charrería folkloric rodeo.

Cristero martyr Santo Toribio Romo is laid to rest in the temple and there is a statue dedicated to him out front. Father Toribio Romo was originally from Jalostotitlán, Jalisco in the highlands. He attended the seminary in San Juan de los Lagos before being ordained in Guadalajara. He led ministries in Sayula, Tuxpan, Yahualica, and Cuquío, Jalisco before being transferred to Tequila.

In the 1920s atheist president, Plutarco Elias Calles instigated a religious war with the catholic population in Mexico. The Calles Laws were a draconian crackdown on the Catholic church and the people practicing the Catholic religion. The rural parts of Jalisco were the center of a popular revolt against the Calles Laws.

Father Torbio Romo continued to celebrate mass and perform the sacraments for which he was ultimately killed by federal forces on February 25th, 1928 in the tequila distillery of Sr. Leon Aguirre.

In 1992, Father Torbio Romo was beatified by Pope John Paul II. It was a really big deal when the Pope came to Jalisco and recognized a local martyr as a saint.

Today, Saint Toribio is the patron Saint of the migrants. Luis Alberto Urrea’s book The Devil’s Highway talks about miracles that are attributed to him and why the migrants need him. The Cristero Wars sparked a large-scale wave of migration from Mexico to the US in the 1920s.

The Legend of Tequila

A long time ago some Indians were strolling through the agave fields when surprised by a thunderstorm. The Indians took shelter in a cave to wait out the rain and watch the lightning in the distance.

Next to the cave where they were waiting out the storm, there was a pit full of agave piñas. In the early days, the Indians used just about every part of the agave except for the fibrous center of the agave called a piña. The agave piñas were thrown into a ditch with other scraps of wood and debris.

Not long after the Indians had taken shelter in the cave the lightning began to get closer and closer. The lightning struck the pit full of agave piñas starting a fire and cooking the discarded piñas. The delectable smell of cooked agave got the attention of the Indians who tasted it for the first time.

The Indians divided up the sweetened pieces of cooked agave between themselves and soon went on their way. One of the Indians left his share of the cooked agave in the cave only to return a few days later. When he returned to pick up the agave a magical transformation had taken place. The cooked agave sugars were starting to ferment into alcohol. Drinking the fermented agave juice gave him a mild buzz and a new industry was born.

Things to do in Tequila FAQ

These are the most common questions that I see in the Facebook groups and that I get on social media.

Should I rent a car in Tequila?

Yes! My favorite way to explore the Tequila Valley is with a vehicle.

Rent a car from Discover Cars and drive around the Valley. The Fortaleza Distillery is walking distance from a dozen hotels in Downtown Tequila, so you don’t have to worry about driving after a tequila tasting.

One of my favorite experiences was driving through the agave fields and pulling over at the lookout points and taking pictures.

And who doesn’t love pulling over on a whim to eat tacos at a busy restaurant?

You will see more of the region is you have a vehicle.

Are there Places in Tequila, Jalisco Worth Visiting?

Yes, Tequila is worth visiting. While the uneducated visitor may see Tequila as a huge tourist trap, there are plenty of cultural and historic activities hidden behind the excesses. Read my article. I think that I have done a pretty good job of calling out the toursit traps and directing visitors to the best things to do in Tequila, Jalisco.

Is Tequila, Jalisco Safe?

When tourists ask me if a place in Mexico is safe they are not referring to the drinking water or the air quality. They want to know about violent crime, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Tequila, Jalisco is very safe. The biggest problems with Tequila are the tourists who have too much to drink.

Is Tequila, Jalisco Expensive?

Visiting Tequila, Jalisco is not particularly cheap or expensive. There are activities for all budgets, hotels for all budgets, and there are both boutique tours and public buses. While there are plenty of overpriced tourist traps, with a little research it is easy to find the soul of Tequila.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tequila, Jalisco?

Much like the rest of Jalisco, my favorite time of year is the fall. September is the end of the rainy season and the agave landscapes will be vivid green.

Spring is the hottest and driest time of year. It is uncomfortable to be outside in the middle of the day but the evenings are lovely.

Summertime is the rainy season. It rains most days but not all day long. It usually rains in the afternoon, evening, or early morning. The storm clouds and lightning storms make dramatic photos.

Wintertime is dry and chilly. It doesn’t get too cold around here but a jacket or heavy sweatshirt will be needed at night. The daytime temperatures will probably be in the high 70s f during the day.

Is English Spoken In Tequila, Jalisco

Yes, English is widely spoken in Tequila, Jalisco. All of the major tour operators, all of the top distilleries, and all of the hotels will have a solid level of English. Not every tour will be able to accommodate English speakers but there are usually several tours per day that have an English-speaking tour guide.

Food servers and bartenders may not speak perfect English, but the most important services will speak decent English.

Is Tequila appropriate for kids?

I have never taken my kids to Tequila. There aren’t as many kid-friendly activities in Tequila as there are in other parts of the Valley.

Kids are going to enjoy the Guachimontones Pyramids and the old haciendas more than they are going to enjoy an open air bar.

Kids are not allowed in cantinas and on some of the tours so make sure to plan around that.

Where is the Tequila swing?

The swing you saw in an Instagram reel is on the Paraiso Azul complex just outside of town. Click here for directions.

Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Tequila Jalisco

I hope you have an amazing time in Jalisco and get a chance to see some more of the valley. There is a lot of authentic Mexican culture mixed in with a lot of tourist traps. Coming up with a plan ahead of time will help you steer clear of the bad margaritas so that you can focus on the good stuff.

While the big-name distilleries have created world-class tourist products, some of the smaller distilleries are making excellent tequila the old-fashioned way. This is where tequila comes from and you can’t find many of these tequilas in the international marketplace. Make it a point to try some of the smaller brands that you can’t find back home. Those are the bottles that make the best gifts for your friends.

As I mentioned earlier when you visit you should see a couple of the smaller pueblos. I like to see a big distillery and a small distillery to see the differences. I really love this part of Mexico and think that you will too.