Five-star factory: Meet Orendain tequila.

Introduction

If you’re heading to Jalisco and have a curiosity about Mexico’s most famous spirit, a visit to the La Mexicana factory with Cabrales Tours offers an engaging glimpse into tequila’s craftsmanship. This tour not only covers the process of making award-winning tequila but also provides a fun, cultural journey through the town itself.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the opportunity to taste tequila directly from the distillery, as well as learning the detailed steps that turn cooked agave into the smooth spirit we love. Plus, the lighthearted barrel-shaped bus ride adds a playful element to the day. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the short walking tour inside the factory feels a bit quick, and guides may not always speak English fluently, which could impact understanding.

This tour is perfect for those who want a blend of education, tasting, and a bit of sightseeing—ideal for curious travelers, wine and spirit enthusiasts, or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of tequila’s cultural roots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive learning about the tequila-making process, from agave fields to distillation
• Tastings of first and second distillation tequila with high-quality agave
• Cultural exploration of the town with lively town walks and scenic views
• Fun transportation aboard a barrel-shaped bus
• Guides with certified knowledge providing reliable insights
• Photo opportunities in sprawling agave fields and scenic landscapes

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at C. Juárez 21, a convenient downtown location. From there, a 30-minute bus ride whisks you from the city into the heart of tequila country. The bus itself is part of the charm—the route offers a chance to get excited about what’s ahead. Some reviews mention the ride as “fun,” but others find the short scenic drive a bit unremarkable unless you’re eager for a lively atmosphere.

Scenic Stop and Town Tour

Next, there’s a photo stop and brief scenic views of the town, taking approximately 30 minutes. This is a chance to stretch your legs and snap photos of the lush agave fields that stretch into the horizon—perfect for Instagram or just imagining the spirit’s origin. The town tour itself is designed to introduce you to local legends, traditions, and culture, making this part of the experience more than just a quick drive-by.

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Visiting La Mexicana Factory

The core of the tour is the guided inside visit of La Mexicana, which lasts about 80 minutes. Here, the guide will walk you through the entire tequila-making process—from cooking the agave to distillation—allowing you to see each step close-up.

We loved the way the guide explains the process in detail, helping us understand why certain techniques matter. You’ll learn that La Mexicana has three gold medals for their tequila, which speaks to their quality and reputation. The tasting includes first and second distillation tequila, both showcasing the exceptional flavor of well-cooked agave. A review from Mexico highlights that the tour was “well-organized” and “instructive,” giving travelers confidence in the quality of the experience.

Town Walk and Cultural Insights

After the factory visit, you’ll hop back onto the barrel-shaped bus for another short ride, this time through the town. This part is often described as lively and educational, thanks to guides who share stories, legends, and traditions that give context to tequila’s deep roots in local culture. Photos of sprawling agave fields and charming streets are common, making it a delightful visual treat.

Final Return

The tour wraps up with a 10-minute bus ride back to the starting point, giving you a moment to reflect on the day. The entire experience lasts 2.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What to Expect and Practical Details

Value for Money

At $27 per person, this tour offers a surprisingly comprehensive look into tequila. The price covers transportation, a cultural town tour, agave field visits, factory entrance, tastings, and expert guides. You are paying for an authentic experience that combines education, culture, and fun—something more enriching than just a tasting session.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and multiple time slots are available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, offering flexibility. Meeting point is conveniently located just one door away from “Helados Piwi,” making it easy to find.

Group Size and Guides

While the tour provides certified guides with high knowledge, some reviews mention that guides may not speak English fluently throughout the entire tour, which could be a consideration for non-Spanish speakers. The group size isn’t specified but is generally moderate, ensuring a more personal experience.

Duration and Pacing

At just 2.5 hours, the tour is well-paced, though some may wish for more time inside the factory to explore at a slower pace. The short walking tour inside the factory has been described as quick by some, but it still offers a meaningful look at the process.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

One traveler from Mexico calls it “instructive and well-organized,” noting it meets expectations for both learning and fun. Conversely, a visitor from Germany describes the “small tour through the fabric” as less impressive and mentions the “funny ride” as the highlight, showing that experiences can vary depending on expectations.

A key highlight across reviews is the knowledgeable guides, who enhance the tour with their insights. The scenic views of agave fields are repeatedly praised—”amazing landscape photos” are a common takeaway, reinforcing the visual appeal of the experience.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This tour provides a well-rounded look at tequila making, from field to glass. It’s especially suitable for those curious about the production process, fans of spirits wanting to deepen their appreciation, or travelers interested in Mexican culture. The combination of tastings, cultural storytelling, and scenic views creates a memorable half-day outing.

However, if you’re expecting a lengthy, in-depth factory tour or a guide fluent in English throughout, you might find this experience somewhat brief or inconsistent. Still, the overall value—considering the price—is solid, particularly given the quality of tastings and the charming town exploration.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking an authentic, educational, and fun tequila experience, this tour hits a good balance. It offers a chance to see award-winning tequila production in action, taste the difference that quality ingredients make, and soak in the local culture—all within a relaxed half-day schedule.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate storytelling and scenic views alongside their tasting. If you’re looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly introduction to tequila’s roots, this tour provides a reliable, enjoyable experience.

While not perfect—some may wish for longer inside the factory or more fluent guides—it remains a worthwhile option for anyone eager to connect with Mexico’s iconic spirit in its birthplace.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from the starting point and back, along with scenic rides through the town.

What’s the meeting point?
It’s located one door away from “Helados Piwi,” a convenient and recognizable spot.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Are the guides bilingual?
Guides are certified and knowledgeable, speaking both Spanish and English, but some reviews mention that the English may be limited during certain parts.

Does the tour include tastings?
Yes, you will taste both first and second distillation tequila, along with cooked agave of high quality.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor photo stops is recommended.

Is this tour good for groups?
It is designed for small to medium groups, fostering a more engaging experience.

Considering all aspects, this tour offers a genuine taste of tequila’s heritage paired with scenic beauty and cultural insights. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or simply curious about Mexico’s most famous export.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby