Jose Cuervo Express train - direct to the best weekend of your life
I just experienced the ultimate weekend in Tequila, Jalisco, and the amazing thing is that I had no interest in this trip.
It wasn’t on my radar until my husband brought it up but I was like, “fine I’ll go.” To be honest, I haven’t been about Mexico for a while and I don’t like hard alcohol – or I didn’t until I went to Tequila.
Like, I knew I was going to drink the tequila because I like to drink, but I didn’t know I was going to enjoy it. I’m American, so I’m used to shitty tequilas, but the spirits we drank in Mexico were so. good. And they’re basically handing you these top-shelf liquors all day, for free.
One of the amazing things about this vacay is that it’s a weekend trip. There are direct flights between Guadalajara (the airport you use for Tequila) and San Francisco, Oakland, etc. – and then Tequila is just a 90-minute (2 hours max) train ride from the Ferromex / Tequila Express train station.
This experince is a hidden gem. You take an old-timey luxury train to this cute, colorful town that feels like 1950s Mexico – or at least how I imagine Mexico was before Americans took over it with cruise ships and an unwavering demand for high-volume, low-quality food, drink, and drugs – generally watering down a beautiful culture with our shitty one.
I loved it. So much that I’m already planning on going back. It’s an easy weekend, it’s super fun, not that expensive, and if you want to add 2 days of pure luxury to the trip (basically for free) I’m going to explain to you how to do that later in this article.
So how do you do the ultimate Jose Cuervo Express Tequila train weekend trip in Jalisco, Mexico in 2026?
📍 Location: Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico; Pueblo Mágico about 1 hour northwest of Guadalajara
🗣️ Language: Spanish (English widely spoken at distilleries, hotels, and tours; limited in town)
🛬 Airport: Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), then 1–1.5 hours by car, bus, or train
💰 Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN); 1 USD ≈ 18 MXN (Quick math: 100 pesos ≈ $5)
💡 Big Mac Index: A Big Mac in Mexico costs about 95 MXN (~$4.60 USD) on average, compared with roughly $5.79 for a Big Mac in the U.S., showing how local purchasing power can differ in everyday costs.
🛒 But how much does it really cost: Tequila is affordable by U.S. standards. Meals, cocktails, and tastings are generally inexpensive; distillery tours often range below $30–$50, though premium experiences and upscale mezcalerías push prices higher.
💴 Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10–15% at restaurants and for guides is standard
🕒 Time zone: Central Time (CT); same as Chicago, +1 to +3 hours ahead of the U.S. West Coast
🚇 Transportation: Walkable town; taxis, tours, and the Jose Cuervo Express train handle longer distances — no car required and you probably shouldn’t have one because you’ll probably be drinking tequila all day
☀️ Best time to visit: November–April (dry season, warm days, cooler nights). We just went in December. Brought a jacket it was perfect.
🌡️ Weather & 🏔️ Altitude: Warm and dry with daytime highs around 75–90°F; elevation ~4,000 ft, so the sun hits harder
🗓️ How many days do I need: A long weekend. 2–3 days is perfect for distillery tours, town exploration, and a slow mezcal-soaked pace
🍽️ Typical foods: Birria, tortas ahogadas, carne en su jugo, elote, fresh corn dishes, and of course, tequila in every possible form
Here is a basic outline of your itinerary with a few options and add-ons, which I’ll go into more detail about throughout the article:
Day #1 (Friday): Fly to Guadalajara, with 2 options for how to spend your night:
Option #1: Bougie night with a longer commute tomorrow morning: stay at the Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara in Colonia Americana – voted best neighborhood in the world – and have dinner at Campomar in the Andares Centro Commerical.
Option #2: Your more authentic, cheaper option is to stay closer in the downtown area (fun but chaotic) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico (only 32,000 points if you have them). Get amazing jewelry deals at Centro Joyero or Mercado San Juan de Dios and do street food or eat traditional pulque at La Última Lucha for dinner.
Day #2 (Saturday): Take the 9:00 AM Jose Cuervo Express Train from the Jose Cuervo Express Train station to Tequila town and do the whole Jose Cuervo experience, hang in the town of Tequila, then spend the night at Matices Hotel de Barricas
Day #3 (Sunday): Do breakfast at Matices, or lunch at their underground cave restaurant Taberna La Cofradia (although it doesn’t open until 1:00 PM), then tour their on-site distillery, La Cofradia at 1:30, before you head to Fortaleza (the best one) and Cascahuín.
End your day at Cantaritos el Güero #1, where mariachi is coming at you from 360 degrees and you smash open your 5-gallon barrel after your drink it.
Day #4 (Monday): You can call it a weekend and go home, or you can shoot to Cabo for a 2-night, ultra luxe extended vacay.
This requires a little planning ahead, which I’ll explain more about below, but the first night will be at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, where you’ll do an upgraded tequila tasting with bites pairing, and then restaurant hop at their 3 main restaurants.
Day #5 (Tuesday): You’ll stay at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at – normally $2,500+/ night but free for you), where you’ll have champagne on the cliffside bar and a 4-course tasting menu at El Farallon restaurant.
⛅️ Tequila weather & events: When to visit
Tequila is warm year-round thanks to its highland climate, but seasons absolutely affect crowds, prices, and how pleasant it feels to wander between distilleries. Here’s how to plan it right.
🌼 Spring
(March–May)
Spring is hot, dry, and ideal for distillery hopping before the summer rains arrive.
Days are sunny, nights cool off, and the agave fields are at their most photogenic.
Semana Santa (Easter) brings domestic tourism and crowds, so book hotels early if traveling in late March or April.
Highs: 85–95°F
Lows: 55–65°F
☀️ Summer
(June–August)
This is rainy season, with short afternoon downpours that turn the landscape lush and green.
It’s less crowded and cheaper, but humidity rises and some outdoor tours feel sticky. Great for slower travel, photographers who want dramatic skies, and people who don’t hate the rain.
Highs: 85–90°F
Lows: 60–70°F
🍂 Fall
(September–November)
This the best time to visit.
Rain tapers off, temperatures mellow, crowds are still not huge, and agave harvest season begins.
Next time I go to Tequila I’m hoping to tie it in with Día de los Muertos (late Oct–early Nov).
Highs: 80–88°F
Lows: 55–65°F
❄️ Winter
(December–February)
This is when I just went and it was great – dry, crisp, and comfortable.
It’s high season but didn’t feel crowded because we were there the weekend before peak season.
Nights were chilly, but I brought a coat. Daytime weather was perfect.
The Feria Nacional del Tequila in Tequila, Jalisco usually takes place from late November through early December, so plan around that if you can.
Highs: 75–82°F
Lows: 45–55°F
You’re going to fly into Guadalajara:
and these are your options to get to Tequila from there:
🚖 Option 1: Taxi or Uber (easiest + most flexible)
Time: 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic
Cost: Roughly 800–1,200 MXN ($45–70 USD) one way
The deets: This is the best option if you’re short on time, traveling with luggage, or staying at a distillery hotel outside town. Official airport taxis are available outside arrivals, or you can walk to the Uber pickup zone (it’s a bit of a walk, so follow these instructions: walk to this OXXO, in about 4 minutes you’ll come to this Chapala sign where the Ubers will be lined up).
🚌 Option 2: Bus from Guadalajara (cheap + reliable)
Time: About 1.5–2 hours
Cost: Around 200–300 MXN ($12–18 USD) one way
The deets: Buses leave regularly from Guadalajara’s Central Vieja bus station. Apparently they’re comfortable and air-conditioned, but I hate buses so I can’t vouch.
🚗 Option 3: Rental Car (best if you’re exploring more of Jalisco)
Time: About 1–1.25 hours
Cost: Varies by season; gas is inexpensive by U.S. standards
The deets: Driving gives you freedom to visit smaller distilleries and nearby towns, but if you’re a drinker play it safe and go cabbie.
If you’re not a drinker, check rental prices here:
🤷♀️ Option 4: Like a local
Cost: $6
The deets: So this option is totally unconfirmed but our Uber driver in Cabo told us that he and his friends paid $6 for a double-decker on-and-off bus that took them around Tequila and the surrounding distilleries for a whole day. He said they handed $6 and got a wrist band. Not fancy but cheap. Let me know if anyone has done this.
🚄Option 5: Jose Cuervo Express Train
(most iconic experience and – imo – the reason to come here)
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Cost: Starts around 3,000–5,000 MXN ($175–290 USD) depending on class. We did the Experiencia Elite – Amanecer, which is the best one and which cost MX$4,620 ($270 USD) each.
The deets: This is not a commuter train — it’s what you came here for. It’s a curated tequila experience with tastings, music, distillery visits, and transport all bundled together. It runs mostly only Saturdays, with some Thursdays and Sundays on the schedule. It leaves at 9:00 AM, which seems early but whatever. They have a night train but I feel like arriving on the train was the way to go so we bit the bullet and had tequila for breakfast.
The Experiencia Elite is basically all you can drink, and it’s top-tier tequila, with knowledgeable staff. It’s cute, vintage-style, and very fun for groups. Honestly, it went by too fast – I wished it was more like 4 hours. If you’re down to spend $600 per person, you could take the train there in the AM and also return on it, but you should definitely stay in Tequila for 1-2 nights, as I’ll explain below.
Some info that I couldn’t find online:
- They serve some food but it’s not a ton. If you’re a big eater, get some breakfast in you before the trip.
- Luggage – you can bring a small luggage, but this isn’t like an airplane, so leave the big boy at your Guadalajara hotel and pick it up when you get back
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis are easy to find around the main plaza and distillery areas, and they’re cheap. Uber and other rideshares are less reliable within Tequila itself, so just cab it like we did in the old days.
Public Transport (Metro, buses, bikes)
There is no metro or local rail system in Tequila, so any bus you’re on will be a tour bus.
On a map, Tequila Centro sits at the heart of the municipality, with distilleries clustered either inside the historic town or just outside it among agave fields.
When you zoom out, you’ll see nearby tequila-famous towns like Amatitán and Atotonilco el Alto — important to tequila production, but not part of Tequila town itself.
The Tequila municipality includes 10–15 small towns and rural localities, but nearly all tourism happens in Tequila Centro and a few nearby distillery zones. If a place doesn’t have a distillery, hotel, or tour attached to it, visitors usually won’t notice it by name.
For our purposes, we can think of Tequila in three practical zones:
1. Centro Histórico (walkable, tourist core): This is what people mean when they say “Tequila.” The main plaza, Jose Cuervo distillery, La Rojeña, museums, cantinas, hotels, and shops are all here. Walkable, busy during the day, quieter at night. If you’re staying overnight, this is where you’ll base yourself.
2. Outskirts & agave fields (short taxi rides)
3. Nearby tequila towns (separate destinations, separate drives):
El Salvador: A smaller town just outside the center, surrounded by agave fields. Some distilleries and boutique experiences sit here, and it feels more rural and working-class. You’ll likely pass through it en route to distillery visits but won’t hang out here unless you’re going deep into production-side tequila tourism.
San Martín de las Cañas: Another outlying town within the Tequila municipality, known locally rather than touristically. This is agave country first, destination second. You may see it referenced in distillery addresses or on maps, but it’s not a stop unless you’re visiting a specific producer.
Amatitán: Amatitán is not Tequila town, but it’s one of the most important tequila-producing areas in Mexico. If your distillery address says Amatitán, plan this as a dedicated stop, not a walkable add-on from Tequila Centro
José Cuervo (La Rojeña)
The oldest licensed tequila distillery in the world and the most famous name in tequila.
This is mass-produced tequila, not artisan, but the history is the draw. And the fact that it’s free with the train deal.
La Rojeña is still operating in the heart of Tequila town, and the tour leans heavily into legacy, scale, and branding. The interesting part is seeing how industrial tequila production works versus small-batch methods — and yes, this is where the Jose Cuervo Express train experience originates.
If you do the whole day tour, you end the day at the José Cuervo fields, which is pretty, educational, and fun.
To the left is the premium tequila they offer and they let my husband sample it directly from the barrel (above), and of course he bought it.
They have a special box that is designed (I think by a local artist), that’s different every year. Very cool gift!
💵 Price: Tours typically range from MX$600–1,500 ($35–90 USD) depending on experience level and tastings
⏰ Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
🎭 Vibe: Polished, theatrical, corporate, high-energy
🗓️ Best For / When: First-time visitors, short trips, people who want history and spectacle; best early in the day before crowds peak
⭐ Google Rating: ≈ 4.6 / 5
📍 Location: Tequila Centro Histórico, steps from the main plaza
Fortaleza
One of the most respected artisan tequila producers in the world.
Everything here is old-school: stone tahona wheel, brick ovens, deep agave flavor.
This is the anti–tourist factory tour — small groups, serious tequila, zero gimmicks. It’s harder to book. It was the one my husband was looking forward to most but it was closed when we were there, so get on it as soon as you decide you’re going to do the trip.
*I think Fortleza is the US version, so the Mexican version is Los Abuelos, or something like that – just look out when you’re booking that there are essentially 2 versions.
💵 Price: MX$700–1,200 ($40–70 USD)
⏰ Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
🎭 Vibe: Rustic, intimate, purist
🗓️ Best For / When: Tequila nerds, spirits lovers, people who know what’s up
⭐ Google Rating: ≈ 4.8 / 5
📍 Location: Just outside Tequila town (short taxi ride)
El Tequileño
A respected traditional producer that bridges the gap between craft and scale.
Known for high-quality blanco tequilas and transparency in production.
Less flashy, more substance.
💵 Price: MX$400–700 ($25–40 USD)
⏰ Time Needed: About 1 hour
🎭 Vibe: Informative, low-key, authentic
🗓️ Best For / When: People who care about quality but don’t need theatrics
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.7 / 5
📍 Location: Tequila Centro
Orendain (Arette)
Family-owned, traditionally made tequila with deep local roots.
Tours focus on production over performance. Underrated and often quieter than Cuervo or Sauza.
💵 Price: MX$400–600 ($25–35 USD)
⏰ Time Needed: 1–1.25 hours
🎭 Vibe: Classic, educational, no-frills
🗓️ Best For / When: Travelers avoiding crowds, second distillery stop
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.6 / 5
📍 Location: Tequila Centro
Casa Sauza
Big-name tequila with a long history, but firmly large-scale production.
Tours are polished and controlled, but still informative, especially for understanding modern tequila manufacturing.
💵 Price: MX$600–1,200 ($35–70 USD)
⏰ Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
🎭 Vibe: Corporate, polished, structured
🗓️ Best For / When: First-timers who want a recognizable name
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.5 / 5
📍 Location: Tequila Centro
Don Julio (Atotonilco el Alto)
One of the most globally recognizable tequila brands, originally founded as a quality-first producer and now operating at large scale.
Don Julio helped redefine premium tequila, especially for blanco and añejo drinkers, but today the experience is more controlled and brand-forward than artisanal.
What’s interesting here is the Los Altos (Highlands) terroir — sweeter agave, red clay soil, and a noticeably different flavor profile compared to Tequila Valley producers.
It’s important to note that Atotonilco el Alto is in the Los Altos Highlands, not Tequila Valley. Visiting Don Julio from Tequila town is a full travel commitment, not a quick add-on. If you’re short on time, choose either Tequila Valley or Highlands — not both.
💵 Price: MX$500–1,000 ($30–60 USD), depending on tour and tasting
⏰ Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
🎭 Vibe: Polished, modern, brand-centric
🗓️ Best For / When: Fans of the brand willing to make the trip, people curious about Highlands tequila, travelers based in Guadalajara
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.6 / 5 (Google)
📍 Location: Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco (about 1.5–2 hours from Tequila; separate region, requires a car or organized transport)
Casa Cofradía
This is the distillery attached to the Matices Hotel de Barricas, where we slept in giant barrels. It was awesome.
Production is more modern than Fortaleza, but the experience is the draw — tastings, art installations, and a very Instagrammable setting.
They produce several well-known brands, such as Casa Nobel and Casa Cofradía.
💵 Price: MX$500–900 ($30–55 USD)
⏰ Time Needed: 1 hour
🎭 Vibe: Experiential, creative, boutique
🗓️ Best For / When: Overnight guests, people who want a boutique experience
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.6 / 5
📍 Location: On the outskirts of Tequila, near El Salvador locality
Herradura (Amatitán)
One of the most important names in tequila and a key bridge between tradition and scale.
Herradura is large-scale but traditionally made — known for using 100% agave, brick ovens, and longer fermentation than many mass producers.
The estate itself is massive and beautiful, with hacienda-style grounds, historic buildings, and peacocks roaming around, making it feel far more immersive than a typical factory tour.
I actually didn’t know anything about tequila before this trip but when we were in Cabo the day before we got to tequila, one of the waiters had us taste what he called a ‘gentleman’s tequila’ and then the ‘ladies tequila.’ This was the ladies tequila and I loved it. Not just the fact that it did taste good to me, but also because I didn’t know that there were designated ladies’ tequila and I just love that idea.
Sadly, we didn’t make it to this distillery but next time I go to Tequila, you betchur ass I will be there.
💵 Price: MX$600–1,200 ($35–70 USD), depending on tasting level
⏰ Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
🎭 Vibe: Grand, historic, polished but still rooted in tradition
🗓️ Best For / When: Ladies!! Also, people who want history and quality without going fully niche.
⭐ Rating: ≈ 4.7 / 5 (Google)
📍 Location: Amatitán, Jalisco (about 15–20 minutes from Tequila; separate town, taxi or driver required)
To help you map your trip.
🤙 Which distillery should you go to? (decision guide)
If this is your first time in Tequila
→ José Cuervo or Casa Sauza + one smaller distillery
If you care about how tequila is actually made
→ Fortaleza, El Tequileño, Orendain
If you want a cool place to stay + experience
→ Casa Cofradía / Matices Barrel Hotel
If you only have half a day
→ Two Centro distilleries you can walk between
If you’re a spirits snob or collector
→ Fortaleza, no question
If you want photos, vibes, and cocktails
→ Casa Cofradía + Centro bars at night
My distillery reco is to do 2 nights, like this:
Day #1: Do the whole Jose Cuervo thing on the first day, go where they tell you and do what they say. You’ll take the train to Tequila, tour the Jose Cuervo distillery, roam freely in the town for about 4 hours, visit the Jose Cuervo fields, and then take a can to Matices, where you’ll sleep.
Day #2: Do breakfast at Matices, tour their distillery at 1:30, then Fortaleza, then end your day at Cantaritos el Güero #1. Then back to Matices to rest your tired head.
Wander the Centro Histórico
Shop, listen to music, drink tequila, eat… Tequila’s town center is compact and lively, with cobblestone streets, souvenir shops, cantinas, and live mariachi drifting through the plaza. It’s touristy, yes, but charming as fuck —especially early mornings and after hordes leave.
Tour a distillery (or two, max)
This is the reason you’re here. Choose one big-name distillery for history and one smaller producer for craft. Walking between distilleries in Tequila Centro is easy, but the best artisanal producers sit just outside town and require a short taxi ride.
Tequila tastings the traditional way
Skip the lime-and-salt shots – this isn’t Cancun. Guided tastings in Tequila focus on sipping tequila neat, understanding agave terroir, and learning how production methods change flavor. Many distilleries and cantinas will walk you through blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo in a way that feels closer to wine culture than partying.
Sleep in a tequila barrel
Yes, I’m talking about Matices again.
Ride the Jose Cuervo Express
The main character.
Visit agave fields at golden hour
The blue agave landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Sunset turns the fields dramatic and surreal, especially outside town where the land opens up. Frolic through it a bit but carefully – my husband came out with scratches all over his face and body 😆
Eat regional Jalisco food
Look for birria, tortas ahogadas, carne en su jugo, and fresh corn dishes. Tequila isn’t a fine-dining destination, but who needs fine dining when street food tastes like this?
People-watch in the main plaza
Locals, tourists, mariachi bands, and vendors all collide here. Grab a drink, sit, and watch Tequila happen around you—it’s part of the experience.
Ride the barrel buses
These oversized wooden tequila barrels on wheels blast music, pour aggressively, and turn getting around Tequila into a rolling party instead of transportation. I didn’t do it because I’m too posh but it looked trashy and fun.
Use Tequila as a base for nearby towns
If you have extra time, nearby tequila-producing towns like Amatitán or even a longer trip to the Highlands offer deeper context into how tequila varies by region.
Pueblo Mágico rituals
Tequila’s designation as a Pueblo Mágico shows up in small ways: public art, restored facades, cultural events, and local festivals. Wander without an agenda and you’ll stumble into pop-up performances, street vendors, and moments that feel unscripted.
Tequila’s lodging scene is small but surprisingly varied. Most travelers stay in boutique hotels and traditional hacienda-style properties clustered around the town center, making it easy to walk to distilleries, restaurants, and the main plaza.
Outside of Centro, you’ll find destination-style stays tied directly to tequila production, including barrel hotels and restored estates set among agave fields.
There are no big international chains here, which keeps the experience intimate and local.
Whether you’re looking for a simple place to crash after tastings or a fully immersive tequila-forward stay, accommodations in Tequila lean experiential rather than generic — and staying overnight noticeably improves the overall experience.
Affordable
Hotel La Rienda Misión Tequillan
A charming budget option set in a restored colonial-style building. Rooms are simple but atmospheric, and the property feels authentically local rather than tourist-polished.
💵 Price: $80–$120 per night
☕️ Amenities: Courtyard, on-site restaurant, Wi-Fi
💅 Vibe: Rustic, historic, understated
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.4 / 10
📍 Location: Near Tequila Centro
Mid-range
A small, design-forward boutique hotel that feels intimate and intentional. Great for couples who want something quieter and more curated than the big-name stays.
💵 Price: $140–$200 per night
☕️ Amenities: Pool, restaurant, stylish common areas
💅 Vibe: Boutique, artsy, relaxed
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.9 / 10
📍 Location: Near Tequila Centro
Luxe
Matices Hotel de Barricas (Barrel Hotel)
The most iconic place to stay in Tequila. Guests sleep in giant barrel-shaped rooms on distillery grounds, creating a fully immersive tequila experience.
💵 Price: $250–$400 per night
☕️ Amenities: Pool, spa, distillery access, restaurant, bar
💅 Vibe: Experiential, playful, unmistakably Tequila
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.1 / 10
📍 Location: Outskirts of Tequila, near El Salvador
More on Matices, because we loved it:
Matices is tequila first, hotel second. So even though it’s super Instagrammable, it’s legit, not kitschy.
The grounds are beautiful, with 200 pet ducks roaming around freely. Apparently one will let you hold him but we couldn’t find him.
They have mango trees that preceded the distillery but they kept them and actually use them as a natural cooling system for the distillation process.
And they have a saying that I love: “Sleep in a barrel and wake up reposado like a tequila.“ Reposado means aged, so the translation doesn’t exactly work out but it’s cute and I get that they want to say “wake up rested.” Which we did.
Go to the cave restaurant, Cueva Secreta. It’s freezing so wear a jacket – and bring cash for tips for the music guy.
There are a solid handful of good restaurants in Tequila — enough that food isn’t an afterthought on your trip, and you can actually plan meals around experiences, not just convenience. Most are Mexican-focused with regional Jaliscan cuisine, casual taquerías, and a few standout spots worth seeking out.
That’s ~13–15 well-rated restaurants in and around town you can actually plan meals around — plus more casual taquerías and stands that aren’t always reviewed online but locals hit for lunch.
In short: Tequila has a solid dining scene for a town its size. You won’t find Michelin stars, but you will find memorable regional food, quality sit-down meals, and places worth building an evening around.
La Antigua Casona: Classic regional dishes steps from the plaza (gourmet and traditional).
La Cueva de Don Cenobio: Charming spot with traditional Mexican food and live mariachi.
La Taberna del Cofrade: Popular bar & grill with strong reviews.
Fonda Chivo y Vaca: Casual Mexican fare, local favorite.
Restaurante Brasa y Sal: Well-rated restaurant a short drive from the center.
Restaurant El Fogón: Great value eats in La Villa area.
Restaurante La Fonda Cholula: Classic lunch spot with plaza views.
Patio Mayahua: Highly rated for breakfast/lunch.
Restaurante Bar Portales del Cielo: Casual bar/restaurant with long hours.
La Cuichi Crab Tequila: Seafood-focused option with good reviews.
La Terraza Tequilera: Great place for dinner with tequila flights.
El Barco de Noe: Small, highly-rated seafood spot (5.0!).
Birrieria La Mezcalera: Affordable local favorite.
Timotea Restaurante: Solid dinner option with good reviews.
El Beso Cantina: Small, highly reviewed cantina with great vibe.
Tequila’s nightlife is casual and social — more cantinas and laid-back bars than high-end cocktail lounges — and the plaza comes alive at night with outdoor drinks and people watching.
You’re going to be at distilleries all day, but if you’ve got stamina, here are some of the best bars and nightlife spots in Tequila – most are walkable from the centro, and each has its own vibe worth checking out.
Farmacia Rita Perez: Our bartender in Cabo (who is from Tequila) recommended this 50 Best, quirky cocktail bar disguised as an old apothecary, where drinks are served in beakers, droppers, and vintage glassware like they’re prescriptions. It’s dark, playful, and intentionally theatrical—part speakeasy, part mad-scientist lab—and has a huge library of spirits from small and independent brands from the region.
La Capilla de Don Javier: Legendary cantina and arguably the most iconic bar in Tequila — this is where the batanga was invented, a classic tequila cocktail with cola, lime, salt, and fresh tequila. Expect an authentic, old-school atmosphere full of locals, tourists, and live music.
El Beso Cantina: Highly rated neighborhood cantina with great drinks, good service, and a welcoming vibe — perfect for afternoon cocktails or a relaxed evening drink.
Bar Tequila Jalisco: A solid local bar in town with good reviews and a laid-back atmosphere — ideal for sampling tequila or other drinks with friends.
Catrina Cantina: A well-liked cantina with strong reviews and good vibes in the centro — great for starting a night out.
Ophe Club Tequilero: More of a nightlife spot with later hours — if you’re looking to keep the party going after dinner, this is one of the places locals mention for a livelier night.
Cantaritos el Güero #1: While not in Tequila centro, this hugely popular roadside bar in Amatitán is famous for cantaritos (fresh citrus tequila cocktails) — a fun stop if you’re touring distilleries out that way.
La Taberna del Cofrade: A bar/grill at Matices Hotel de Barricas (Barrel Hotel) with strong beverage reviews and a big drink menu — great for an early night cocktail before dinner.
Bar “Tequila”: Classic Tequila town bar with good reviews — simple, casual, and well-liked.
El Meson Del Mezcal: Chill bar with mezcal and tequila options, good for afternoon drinks or an early evening stop.
La Bodega Negra Mexico: A lesser-known but well-reviewed local bar with a relaxed vibe and good drinks.
Areas & markets
Most shopping happens in Tequila Centro, especially along streets radiating from the main plaza and near major distilleries.
Small family-run shops cluster around La Rojeña and Casa Sauza, selling tequila bottles, glassware, and agave crafts.
Distillery gift shops are the most reliable places for high-quality purchases, especially alcohol, since pricing and authenticity are clear.
Skip anything that feels mass-produced or aggressively branded; the best purchases are subtle and locally made. Buy directly from producers rather than hunting for one big bazaar.
What to buy
Tequila is not a shopping destination in the luxury sense, but it’s excellent for authentic, place-specific souvenirs.
The obvious buy is tequila, but be intentional — look for bottles you can’t easily find at home, limited editions, or distillery-only releases.
Glassware like hand-blown copitas, jícaras, and tasting sets make practical souvenirs, as well as handmade jewelry. Etnik Jewlrey, for example is super cute, handmade by this adorable Mexican girl. Check her out in the square. My husband got his mom 3 pieces of amethyst jewelry for $40.
You’ll also see agave-based products like syrups, candies, soaps, and creams, plus leather goods, woven bags, and simple textiles.
So I told you that after Tequila, you’re going to do a luxe-add-on in Cabo. This is how you do it:
You fly to Cabo. Tickets are $40.
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort
You’re going to stay at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, for 124,000 points, which you can get by opening 2 Hilton cards.
This gorgeous property sits on a protected cove along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which gives you that dramatic Sea of Cortez backdrop without the red-flag surf that sidelines so many nearby beaches. The rooms are solid, not crazy luxe, but they’re nice! And spacious. And, unless Montezuma is exacting his revenge on you, you shouldn’t be in the room anyway.
This is one of the few large resorts in Cabo where you can actually swim in the ocean. I don’t like going in the ocean (sharks eating my toes, salt in my hair, rogue waves knocking my drink out of my hand, etc.) but their multiple infinity pools cascading toward the water is a much more relaxing alternative.
There’s an endless supply of wide loungers sprawled across the entire property, and it’s a quiet corner of Cabo, shielding you from the spring breakers.
I saw some cabanas and a beach bar a few hundred meters from the resort. Their baron placement made them look so fancy and exclusive (ike somewhere a rich woman would read a book in a white beach coverup), but I just couldn’t be bothered to get out of the infinity jacuzzi, so here’s a picture of the cabanas from there.
There are 5 restaurants, all which lean upscale-resort solid rather than flashy, with outdoor restaurants make the sunset feel like an event that doesn’t occur every day.
My reco for dinner is to splurge – but in the most bang-for-your-buck way possible: do the Biblioteca – tequila tasting in the tequila library with a tequila somm and bites pairing. You could do anywhere from $88 per person to $1,000 per person.
Then restaurant hop starting with Vela, where you’ll order 1 dish and you’ll get 3x that in appetizers. Rinse and repeat until you’re drunk or full, and try to make Mio before the sun sets.
If you’re sporty, adjacent Cabo Real Golf Club course draws serious players, while the spa, beach service, and calm swimming conditions make it equally appealing if your main goal is to do very little, very well.
The vibe is polished but relaxed – not a party resort, but a classic, grown-up Cabo zone with space to breathe.
I’m just going to come out and say it – this is the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed at – and this is actually the reason we did this trip: we had a 1-night-anywhere-in-the-world Hilton credit that we needed to burn and this is one of the best value hotels you can get under the certificate.
This place was wild. It’s built around a real, protected petroglyph (built by indigenous people before Spanish colonization), carved into the granite cliffs overlooking the Pacific. You’re living in crevices between cliffs. It’s one of the rare cases where a luxury resort was literally built around an archaeological site instead of removing it. You can take a guided experience that explains its cultural significance and the Pericú presence in Cabo, which we didn’t know until we left.
We actually looked at the price when we were there and it was $2,400. Plus $250 if you bring a pet. 😂
Even the entrance was a whole thing – you drive through this ‘Dos Mares’ tunnel because you go from one sea to the other. It’s very dramatic – especially if you roll up in one of their private transportation options, like their black car service or post yacht charter SUVs.
The houses on the cliffs are residences of the Waldorf Astoria. Madonna has one. And the server at dinner told us he saw Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber there recently.
The reception isn’t at a desk; it was on this dreamy terrace, where you sit in loungey chairs and the staff brings you drinks while they check you in.
There are firepits and cliffside sunset viewpoints all over the property.
You have a personal concierge who you can text for reservations, transportation, in-room needs – basically anything. (Karen was the best!).
There are 6 tequila sommeliers on site, to make sure you get the tequila experience that suits your mood, which I didn’t realize was such a thing – Mexicans don’t have a favorite tequila, they have a use case for different ones. A tequila for each vibe, if you will.
Eric the somm also told us some interesting info: he said that there is a tequila-like spirit called Bacanora, which is basically between mezcal and tequila, but President Porfirio Diaz, from the early 20th century, preferred tequila so he shared it with all the important /influential people that came to visit Mexico and that’s why it’s globally more popular than both Bacanora and Mazcal.
They have a spa: Luna y Mar. It looked fancy and apparently is one of Cabo’s best spas, built around lunar phases with hot/cold plunge pools, healing rituals, and treatment rooms overlooking the ocean, but we didn’t even entertain the thought of going inside when we had these views. Plus we’re too poor for a Waldorf Pedregal massage.
Every room in this hotel has its own plunge pool – overlooking the Pacific – which is kind of hard to believe until you see it. Like, how expensive is that, to build 115 plunge pools on top of the 3 or 4 giant oceanfront infinity pools?
And the jacuzzi is open 24-7. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
After all of this, a 4:00 guacamole and beer room delivery and evening turndown service might not sound like a big deal, but for felt so special. Especially enjoyed in your upgraded room with luxury soaking tub, rain shower, high-end minibars with Nespresso machines and local treats with your name literally on it. The little things…
Okay the food: They have 5 restaurants.
And a really cute coffee shop.
Don Manuel’s is the main restaurant, where we ate breakfast. We upgraded from continental to the buffet for $20 per person, which was totally worth it because it was all these little amazing Mexican bites and salsas, and somehow when I asked how much the bottle of Dom was (not because I was going to buy it but because I was curious), we ended up with a tequila somm at our table giving us a tasting and a very interesting lesson.
The Beach Club is the all-day dining place where families seem to take their kids to get them out of the sun. Probably the least interesting place at the resort.
Crudo is the ceviche + raw bar that is next to and in the pool. You can sit at a table or order from a seat in the pool. If I had more time I would eat there.
El Farallon is the main character of the Waldorf Astoria in Cabo.
We had heard mixed reviews but we think the people who were unhappy had gone all-in and spent about $1,000 on the bill (easy to do with a champagne flight and the bigger tasting menu for 2), whereas we ordered a bottle of Albariño and did the 4-course, which was $100 each.
And while we loved most of the dishes, there were 1 or 2 misses, but we survived it for sure.
There’s a private dining table at El Farrallo where our server has seen Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Michael Jordan sitting. Like, at separate times. It’s free but you have to spend $1500/ couple, which would actually be very easy.
Even if you don’t feel like spending money on champagne and fine dining, you have to stop by here for 1 drink. It’s incredible.
Even if you don’t feel like spending money on champagne and fine dining, you have to stop by here for 1 drink. It’s incredible.
The hotel also does private culinary experiences like Chef’s Table dinners, beachside dining, tequila tastings, mezcal classes, and special events. A Chef Brady was actually coming in the day we left for a 5-day foodie event there.
If you have a family and you’re rich enough to bring them here, there’s a kids club, a family pool area, and family-friendly programming. We didn’t explore those areas but they exist.
There’s a photography studio in case you want an agreement shoot or something and a fitness center, which was fine but not as impressive as the rest of the hotel.
Regardless – this hotel is one of the best ways to spend your free Hilton night and I highly suggest you tie in a weekend in Tequila if you’re here.
Everyone thinks Mexico is this war zone where the cartels run around shooting people. I even had some reservations, even after living in Colombia for 3 years. Not the case.
Tequila is generally safe in the tourist core, but don’t treat it like a theme park. Stick to well-lit streets at night, keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas, and pace tastings so you’re not wandering impaired.
Common issues are the boring ones: inflated taxi quotes, tour upsells, and souvenir shops pushing “special” bottles that aren’t actually special. Ask the price before getting in a cab, confirm what’s included in tours, and buy bottles from distillery shops when you want authenticity and clean pricing.
If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Arrange a driver or taxi, especially for distilleries outside Centro.
Do I need to book distillery tours in advance?
For popular places and weekends, yes. Smaller distilleries can be easier to walk into, but booking avoids sold-out time slots.
Is Tequila worth staying overnight?
Yes. The town gets noticeably calmer after day-trippers leave, and mornings are a different, quieter experience.
How many distilleries should I do?
Two per day is the max before your palate and attention span give up. One big-name plus one smaller producer is the sweet spot.
Is Uber available in Tequila?
It’s not reliably available within town. Plan on taxis, drivers, tours, or walking.
Can I bring luggage on the Jose Cuervo train?
You can bring a small luggage, and they will transfer it to their bus and keep it safe until you taxi to your hotel. The hotels don’t have a pickup service so don’t get drunk and forget your luggage.
Can I bring tequila back to the U.S.?
Usually, yes, in limited quantities, but rules vary by airline and state. We got the intel that the limit is 3 liters per person, but they never checked us. Pack bottles safely and be prepared to declare alcohol.
If you’re planning on doing a Mexico trip, check out flights here!
I thought I’d be lukewarm on Tequila, Jalisco, but it fully won me over: agave fields at golden hour, a walkable little town with real character, and tastings that are actually about flavor—not lime-salt-shots. It’s the perfect long weekend because you can fly into Guadalajara, hop the Jose Cuervo Express, and be in Tequila fast.
Tequila is the main trip – and Cabo is just the optional free luxe add-on if you plan ahead.
You can tack on two luxury nights for free by opening the right Hilton credit card, stacking points and/or a free night certificate, and booking the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort plus the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal without paying cash rates.
If you want a high-reward, low-effort itinerary that feels way fancier than it should, go with the Tequila, Jalisco / Cabo Mexico weekend trip in 2026.
And if you’re trying to tack on another cool Latin American country, check out this article on the 21 coolest things to do in Medellín, Colombia.
As always, if you have any questions or want specific recommendations leave them in the comments and I’ll respond.
If you want to message me privately, I’ll respond on Instagram @Le_Gipset
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