Full Day in Tequila with Tasting and party in Cantaritos

The best part of this day is its range: you learn how tequila is made, taste seven different pours, take in the agave fields from an extreme swing, stroll through Tequila, then finish with music and enormous Cantaritos. I especially like the serious factory visit and the way guides such as Arturo, Benji, and Don Benji keep the day friendly and social.

I also like that transportation, the factory entrance, seven tastings, and the swing are included. The main concern is pacing. This is a long day, and if the distillery stop runs late, your time in Tequila town can shrink. Food and drinks at the market and Cantaritos are extra, so bring enough cash or a card and plan to eat before you get too hungry.

Key points at a glance

• Seven tequila tastings: Try blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and two tequila-based liqueurs during a guided factory visit.
• Agave-field swing: Spend about 90 minutes at Columpio Extremo, with striking views and optional snacks and drinks for sale.
• Two hours in Tequila town: See the church, kiosk, mural, José Cuervo walkway, and possibly the Papantla flyers.
• A loud final stop: Cantaritos el Güero #1 brings music, dancing, and clay cups that can hold up to 21 liters.
• Friendly English support: Arturo has been praised for clear English explanations, while Benji and Don Benji are known for a warm, family-style approach.
• A full 10 to 11 hours: The day begins and ends at the OXXO on Avenida Ignacio L. Vallarta, with driving time included.

What this Guadalajara tequila day is really about

This is not a quiet tasting tucked into a small bar. It is a full regional outing that combines production, scenery, town life, and a rowdy Mexican party. You leave Guadalajara for the Tequila area, spend roughly 40 minutes reaching the first stop, and continue between locations in private transportation.

The experience works best if you want variety. You get a real look at the tequila process before the day shifts into views, food, photos, music, and drinking. It is less suited to someone who wants a slow, formal tasting with long conversations about agave chemistry.

The scale also matters. The group can reach 20 people, so this is not necessarily a private tour in the one-party-only sense. Still, private transportation gives the group more control than a large public coach, and several guides have made a point of keeping everyone together, comfortable, and on schedule.

The provider has received a 4.9 rating from 356 reviews, with 97 percent recommending the experience. That high mark makes sense when the guides are at their best. Arturo is repeatedly praised for careful bilingual explanations and attentive driving. Benji and Don Benji are often described as warm, funny hosts who help strangers become a group. Guide assignments can vary, so treat those names as examples of the team rather than a guarantee.

Seven pours at Tequila Selecto de Amatitán

The first stop is Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, about 40 minutes from the meeting point. The visit lasts around an hour, and the factory admission is included.

This is the most educational part of the day. You learn about the tequila-making process and taste seven products, including blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and two liqueurs. That lineup gives you a useful comparison. Blanco shows the spirit in its clearest form, while the aged styles let you notice how time changes the drink. The liqueurs add a sweeter, less traditional contrast.

The factory also has a few bits of pop-culture interest. The video for Cristian Nodal’s Adiós Amor was filmed there, and the tequila made for Adam Levine of Maroon 5 is produced at the facility. Those details will not replace the production explanation, but they give the stop an extra talking point.

I would pay close attention to the order of the tasting and ask questions early. Seven pours can add up quickly, especially before lunch. Eat breakfast before pickup, drink water when you can, and pace yourself. The tour information specifically advises arriving with breakfast, and that is sound advice.

One point needs a little caution. A factory tasting can become the social center of the day, and at least one account of the experience found that too much time at the distillery reduced time in central Tequila. If you care more about shopping and town sights than the tasting, keep an eye on the schedule and let the guide know.

Columpio Extremo and the agave views

After the factory, the van travels about 20 minutes to Columpio Extremo. You get roughly 90 minutes here, and entry to the swing is included.

The attraction is simple: you sit on a large swing high enough to open up the view across the agave-growing country. This is the main photo stop, and the broad view gives the day a needed change of pace after the indoor tasting.

The setting is described as one of the prettiest viewpoints in the area, but expectations matter. One person found the hacienda and swing area smaller than expected. Think of this as a scenic stop built around one main activity, not a sprawling park with hours of attractions.

Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but they are not included. You may find this a good place to buy something small before reaching town, particularly if you are not ready for a full meal. The swing itself is included, so you are not paying an additional admission just to take the ride.

This stop is also useful for group rhythm. You have time to take photos, ride the swing, look across the agave fields, and enjoy a break before the town visit. Wear shoes that can handle dust and uneven ground. The advice to avoid white shoes is practical, especially on a day that moves between a factory, outdoor viewpoints, town streets, and a busy drink venue.

Two hours to see the town of Tequila

The transfer from the swing to Tequila takes about 10 minutes. The town portion lasts about two hours, and there is no separate admission fee.

Tequila is more than a name on a bottle. The center gives you a chance to see the place behind the drink, with its historic church, central kiosk, mural, José Cuervo walkway, and everyday street life. Depending on the timing, you may also see the Papantla flyers show, a traditional performance in which flyers descend from a tall pole.

This is the cultural center of the outing, so I would use the two hours with some purpose. Walk the main center first, take your photos, then leave time for the market. You may prefer the church and kiosk, while someone else in your group may care more about snacks, shopping, or the mural. Two hours is enough for a first look, but it is not enough for an unhurried town exploration if you also want a long lunch.

Food is not included. The recommended market meal costs about 6 to 10 US dollars, and quesabirrias are one of the regional choices. You can also try meat dishes associated with Tequila. The market is a practical choice because it keeps lunch within the town visit rather than sending you to a separate restaurant.

Here is the main timing tradeoff: if the first stop runs long, lunch may happen late. One account put the meal around 3 p.m. and felt the food did not match the price. I would not treat that as a reason to skip the tour, but I would eat breakfast and carry a small snack if possible. You may also want to tell the guide if you need enough time to eat before browsing.

The town stop gives the itinerary balance. Without it, the day would be mostly alcohol and party time. With it, you see a church, public spaces, local food, and the place that gives tequila its name.

Cantaritos el Güero #1 finishes the day loudly

The final major stop is Cantaritos el Güero #1 in Amatitán, about 20 minutes from Tequila. The planned stay is around two hours, followed by a one to two-hour drive back to Guadalajara.

This is the most energetic part of the outing. Expect regional music, dancing, a social crowd, and large clay cups filled with tequila, juice, salt, and lime. The biggest Cantaritos can hold up to 21 liters, or about 5.5 gallons. That is a group drink, not a sensible personal serving, so order with care and ask about the size before committing.

Cantaritos are not included. That is important when judging the value of the day. Your package covers the transportation, factory admission, seven tequila tastings, and swing entrance, but your market lunch, snacks, and final drinks come from your own budget.

A useful advantage is that the group may have a reserved table and waiter. That can save you from standing in a long line, and it gives the group a home base while the music picks up. Some guides may allow extra time here if the group is enjoying itself, but you should not count on an extended stay. The return drive still has to happen.

The party is fun precisely because it is not polished or quiet. If you want live regional music and a big communal atmosphere, this is likely your favorite stop. If you dislike loud venues, heavy drinking, or unpredictable party energy, it may be the point where the day feels too much.

The safety rules are sensible. Alcohol is not allowed inside the van, and the operator warns that spills can lead to a cleaning charge equal to one day’s vehicle rental. Do not try to bring a Cantarito aboard for the ride home. Also, follow the guide’s instructions after drinking. One account described a disagreement between a guide and a participant that spoiled the evening, so respectful behavior matters on both sides.

What the long drive and group size mean

The advertised duration is 10 to 11 hours, including all transfers. The meeting point is the OXXO at Avenida Ignacio L. Vallarta and Fernando de Celada 2912 in Guadalajara, and the tour returns to that same point.

You should plan for a full day, not a quick excursion. The drive to the first stop takes about 40 minutes, later transfers take around 20 and 10 minutes, and the trip back can take one to two hours. Traffic and the timing of the stops affect the final arrival time.

The air-conditioned vehicle has been praised for comfort, which matters on a long day. A careful driver also matters more than usual because many people will be drinking. Arturo, in particular, has been praised for driving slowly over uneven roads on the return trip.

Come with breakfast already eaten. Water is wise, though the supplied information does not promise that it will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid white shoes. The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the experience includes a swing, uneven outdoor areas, a long day, and alcohol, so consider your own comfort level.

Is the included value strong?

No tour price is provided here, so I cannot give you a dollar-for-dollar verdict. I can still explain what you are getting for the fee.

The included elements cover the costly bones of the day: private transportation over a wide route, factory admission, seven tastings, and the swing entrance. You also get a guide who handles the driving, movement between stops, and explanations. If you tried to arrange all four stops independently, transportation alone could become a hassle.

Your extra costs are lunch, snacks, and Cantaritos. The market meal is estimated at 6 to 10 US dollars, but the final party stop can add more depending on what you order. If you want the full Cantaritos experience, budget beyond the tour fee rather than treating it as an included finale.

The value is strongest for someone who wants one packed day and does not want to choose between a distillery, Tequila town, scenic views, and a party. It is weaker for a person who wants a small, quiet tasting or plenty of free time in town.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this tour if you want a social day with a clear schedule and a mix of learning and fun. Couples, solo visitors, and friends can all fit the format, especially if you enjoy meeting people in a shared van and group setting.

It can also work for families, but remember that the final stop is centered on alcohol, music, and dancing. One family brought a 12-year-old on a quieter Wednesday and found the day suitable, but that does not mean every date will feel the same. The day is most naturally aimed at adults who want to drink responsibly.

You should also be comfortable with a flexible schedule. The guides are often praised for being attentive and willing to help, and some groups have stayed longer at Cantaritos when everyone was having a good time. At the same time, a long stop early in the day can reduce time in Tequila. If you want control over every minute, hire a private driver for your own itinerary instead.

The experience has a firm cancellation policy: it is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum group size are exceptions, with a new date or full refund offered if the operator cancels. Confirmation arrives at booking.

Should you book it?

Book this day if your ideal Tequila visit ends with music, giant clay cups, and a little friendly chaos. You will learn enough about production to understand the tasting, see the town itself, and get the scenic swing that many shorter distillery trips leave out.

Skip it if your priority is a slow lunch, extensive shopping in Tequila, or a formal tasting without a party afterward. For everyone else, the combination is compelling: seven pours, a real town visit, agave views, included transport, and Cantaritos at the finish. Eat first, pace yourself, keep your expectations realistic about the swing stop, and protect your town time if that part matters most.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

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

How long does the experience last?

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

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation is included, and driving time is part of the total tour duration. The vehicle is air-conditioned according to the experience information.

How many tequilas are included?

Seven alcoholic tastings are included at Tequila Selecto de Amatitán. The tasting includes blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and two liqueurs.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is purchased separately in the Tequila market. The estimated cost for a market dish is 6 to 10 US dollars.

Are the Cantaritos included?

No. Cantaritos are purchased separately at Cantaritos el Güero #1. The venue serves large drinks made with tequila, juice, salt, and lime.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and the guides may also provide explanations in Spanish. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.