Aboard the José Cuervo Express, tequila flows non-stop. The elegant train ride between Guadalajara and Tequila is just part of a full-day adventure in the cradle of tequila. This post reviews a trip aboard Mexico’s iconic tequila train.

Practical Details

• The José Cuervo Express is operated by José Cuervo Tequila, one of the leading Tequila brands in Mexico and beyond.
• The train runs every Saturday, with start and endpoint in the capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara. Destination is Tequila, a charming town and birthplace of the spirit. Tequila is protected by a Denomination of Origin, meaning it can only be produced in this region.
• The train ride is part of a full-day, 11-hour adventure in the cradle of tequila. The spirit is served non-stop and in all shapes, from delicious cocktails to an actual tequila tasting.
• There are two itineraries to pick from that set the course of the day. On the Sunrise Itinerary, you board the train in the morning for the outbound journey to Tequila. The Sunset Itinerary includes the train in the afternoon for the return trip to Guadalajara. On both itineraries, the other leg is traveled by bus. We picked the Sunset Itinerary and are happy we did – more on that below.
• The train has four types of wagons: Express, Premium Plus, Diamond and Elite. Each wagon comes with different perks and price tags. Starting prices are $3,115 MXN or 150 USD per person. We paid just a little extra for the Premium Plus experience, which was worth it.
• You can book with Jose Cuervo through Viator or directly on their website.

Experience

Since we picked the Sunset Itinerary, we were making the outbound trip to Tequila by bus. This was probably the only time on the tour we didn’t have a tequila drink in our hand. Coffee and pastries are served to the excited crowd prior to the 9 AM bus departure. By this time on the Sunrise Itinerary, you would be tasting straight tequila on the train. As the bus gets closer to Tequila, blue agaves start to dominate the quintessential Mexican landscape.

We might have postponed the start of the tequila fountain, but not for long. Upon getting off the bus, everybody receives a personal tequila bottle. Unlimited refills at the tequila cart are included.

The Sunset Itinerary begins in the scenic agave fields, with a breakfast staple from Jalisco. The torta ahogada is exactly what the stomach needs to brace for a bottomless flow of tequila.

Breakfast is followed by an agave harvesting demonstration. A jimador shows off the skill and strength that goes into harvesting blue agave, the base ingredient of tequila.

The bus continues to the town of Tequila, where Fabrica La Rojeña is located. In addition to La Rojeña Distillery, the impressive José Cuervo Estate houses an art gallery and an exclusive tequila cave. Cuervos or black ravens are found throughout the estate as a reference to the family name.

The guided tour of the distillery and tequila cave is followed by of course, more tequila. We were served delicious mango and tamarindo margaritas from La Rojeña’s Margarita Bar.

The town of Tequila is an attraction in its own right, so we were happy with some free time to stroll the colorful streets. It’s a lively town full of restaurants, hotels and several other tequila houses. Tour busses shaped like tequila barrels roam the streets, adding to the ambience of Disneyland for grown-ups. Even so, Tequila manages to keep the feel of an authentic Mexican Pueblo Mágico.

The next activity is announced as a Mexican show of traditional music and dance. As most travelers on the Jose Cuervo Express are Mexican and well-versed in the art of traditional party atmosphere, the bar was set high. Everybody was impressed with the performance, aided by more tequila in the form of frozen margaritas.

The most anticipated part of the day still lay ahead, as the Sunset Itinerary keeps the best for last. We hopped on the José Cuervo Express just in time for golden hour aboard the train.

The journey on the vintage train car is the highlight of an unforgettable day. Riding in the Premium Plus wagon, we had our pick of elegant private booths. In addition to the tequila tasting led by an expert, a variety of delicious tequila cocktails and snacks are served.

Conclusion

The José Cuervo Express is a splurge, but worth every penny. The full day of authentic activities and never-ending flow of tequila ensure you get bang for your buck. It was one of our favorite experiences while living in Mexico.

---

Related Posts