For our annual New Year’s trip, we decided to visit a new part of Mexico by heading to Guadalajara. We absolutely loved Mexico City and were excited to check out another metropolitan area but in all honesty we added Guadalajara to the itinerary specifically so we could ride the tequila train (more on that below).

Guadalajara

When you land at the airport, Uber is technically legal, but we learned that the National Guard prevents them from picking up on airport grounds. You may have to leave the airport pickup area to meet your driver or jump in the front seat so they don’t know it’s an Uber.

We only had one day in Guadalajara, so we spent most of it walking around the Centro Histórico area, taking in the sights.

A highlight of our day was the food (and how inexpensive it was). We had breakfast at La Gorda. Their chilaquiles were incredible and the restaurant had a friendly, local atmosphere.

La Chata was high on our list for dinner because no matter what time we walked by, there was a line. 22,000+ reviews on Google will do that! Our waiter was super friendly and helpful. He steered us toward some dishes specific to Guadalajara and Jalisco: Pozole Blanco, a Mexican stew with chicken, hominy (large corn kernels), and a light broth; Torta Ahogada, a “drowned” sandwich featuring carnitas (slow-cooked pork) in a crusty roll, submerged in a spicy tomato sauce. Delish!

Tequila

Alright, let’s talk tequila! In case you didn’t know, Tequila isn’t just a beloved ingredient in margaritas, it’s actually the town in Mexico that gives the spirit its name. The town sits at the foot of the Tequila Volcano which you can spot in some of my photos. The volcano ashes have made the soil perfect for growing agave, the main ingredient in tequila. We’d been wanting to get to Tequila and a friend recommended the Jose Cuervo Express and it was one of the highlights of our trip!

Getting There

The logistics were very easy. We chose the sunset tour so the day started with a bus ride. We Ubered to the bus stop in the morning, giving ourselves ample time. They divide the buses into English and Spanish speakers and provide coffee and pastries while you wait.

The Agave Fields

The first stop of the day is breakfast, and of course tequila, in the agave fields. The scenery was beautiful! Rows of blue agave as far as the eye can see. There was live music, demonstrations and a few local vendors.

Tequila

Next up, the buses took us into the town of Tequila and I’m not sure what I was expecting but I don’t think I was expecting it to be such a party! Think Bourbon Street in New Orleans. There were tequila bars and wagons driving tequila drinkers around town.

We were given a tour of Fábrica La Rojeña, Mundo Cuervo’s distillery which is considered the oldest functioning distillery in Latin America and the world’s oldest tequila distillery. It was similar to other brewery and distillery tours we’ve done but my favorite part was the Reserva de la Familia cellar where their most premium tequila is aged in oak barrels.

Before the train, we had lunch at Restaurante Bar Portales del Cielo, and wow—what a meal! It ended up being one of my favorite stops of the entire trip. I highly recommend the guacamole, enchiladas and mango lover cocktail, just know that it’s cash only. In hindsight, we probably didn’t need such a large meal because once you get on the train, the drinks and snacks don’t stop coming.

The Train

We splurged on the most premium train package, which meant unlimited drinks, snacks onboard and a premium train car that gave “Murder on the Orient Express” vibes. They keep the cocktails coming and the service is top-notch. If you love tequila, you’ll be in heaven. We were able to taste all of their tequilas from the most basic to the most premium. I almost lost my lunch when they were pushing the strong stuff on us, but I went to Michigan State University, so I know how to rally.

The Jose Cuervo Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; the history, scenery and plenty of tequila. If you’re visiting Guadalajara, a trip to Tequila, whether on the train or not, is a must! Though you won’t be disappointed by the train!