Agave, music, and party drinks in one long day. This is a full-on tequila route outing that mixes factory tastings, a famous extreme swing, and then ends at a no-false-modesty party in Amatitán.

I like how the schedule is built around three tequila moments (tasting, scenery, town) and then one big celebration, so you’re not just riding around for photos.

Two things I really like: the included tasting at Tequila Selecto de Amatitán (7 tequilas plus 2 liquors) and the hands-on swing stop at Columpio Extremo, where the views actually feel like the point.

And when you land with a guide like Arturo or the Benji and Don Benjii team, the day stays fun and well explained in English.

One possible drawback: if you love slow browsing in the town center of Tequila, the timing can feel tight—especially when the group wants to linger after the factory.

Key highlights at a glance

• 7-tequila tasting at Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo plus 2 liquors
• Columpio Extremo swing with agave views, plus drinks and snacks on site (not included)
• Magical Town of Tequila stops built around real sights: church area, murals, the José Cuervo walkway, kiosk
• Market lunch options like quesabirrias or meat in Tequila (pay for food separately)
• Cantaritos el Güero #1 in Amatitán: live music, dancing, and giant cantaritos up to 21 liters (not included)
• Small group feel with a max of 20 travelers and private transportation

From Guadalajara to Amatitán: how this 10–11 hour day actually plays

This is a long day from Guadalajara, roughly 10 to 11 hours, and it works best if you treat it like a planned sequence, not a casual stroll. You’ll meet at an OXXO on Av. Ignacio L Vallarta (2912), then the van drives you out toward the tequila region.

A useful heads-up from the tour rules: come with breakfast already eaten, and skip white shoes. The day includes outdoor time and tequila tasting, and you’ll thank yourself later for wearing something you won’t stress about.

You’ll also want to pace your alcohol intake from the start. The itinerary front-loads tasting at the factory, then gives you time to move around and enjoy the agave sights, and only later turns fully party-mode. That order matters: it helps you get the educational part in before the dancing starts.

And you won’t be stuck with a tiny group drama either. The max is 20 travelers, and you’ll be on private transportation for your group size, so you’re not constantly waiting on a giant bus full of people.

Tequila Selecto de Amatitán: 7 tastings, a process lesson, and serious tequila branding

The first stop is Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, about 40 minutes from the meeting point, with around 60 minutes on site. This is the heart of the day because it mixes a guided explanation of how tequila gets made with real tasting time.

You’ll learn the tequila process and taste 7 types of tequila. The lineup includes blanco (white), reposado, añejo, extra añejo, plus two liquors. That mix is more useful than it sounds. Many tastings only give you one style or a short flight. Here, you can actually compare how aging changes the flavor profile, texture, and finish.

There’s also fun pop-culture trivia attached to the factory. The property notes that the music video for Cristian Nodal’s Adiós Amor was recorded there, and that tequila for Adam Levine is made in the same factory network. Even if you don’t care about celebrity tie-ins, it adds a real-world context for why this producer is built for scale and attention.

Value-wise, this is the part you should feel good about paying for, because the factory entrance is included, and the tasting drinks are part of the tour. You’re not rolling the dice on whether the experience will be more talk than pour.

Columpio Extremo: the swing stop where the agave views become the main event

After the factory, you’re about 20 minutes away at Columpio Extremo. Plan on roughly 90 minutes here, and yes, you’ll want that time.

This is where you get to ride the tequila swing, with one of the best views in the region—focused on agave and open countryside. The swing itself is the headline, but the real value is how it changes the tone of the day. You go from tasting and learning into something physical, scenic, and easy to share with your group.

On site, there are drinks and snacks, but they’re not included. That’s normal for stops like this. The practical move is to treat what’s included as your baseline and decide your extras based on how you’re feeling after the tasting.

Also, if you’re the type who likes a good photo, you’ll have a chance. Swing time naturally creates better shots than standing still. The key is to wear shoes you trust for uneven ground, and keep your phone secured when you’re on the attraction.

The town of Tequila: church area, market food you pay for, and local photo stops

Next comes the town stop at Tequila, a short 10-minute transfer, with about 2 hours to explore. This is your culture and food break.

You’ll spend time in the town center, including the historic church area, plus the main sights that give Tequila its personality. The tour highlights several stops you can actually use: a mural, the José Cuervo walkway, the historic kiosk, and the tradition connected to the Papantla flyers show.

Then there’s food. The itinerary includes time for lunch in the town market, where you can look for local favorites like quesabirrias or meat in Tequila. Here’s the money detail: the food is not included, and you should expect prices around $6 to $10 USD for the dish, based on what’s shown in the available info.

I like this setup because it avoids forcing you into one restaurant. You can match the food to your hunger level after the tasting. If you’re still feeling tequila-smooth, go for something hearty. If you’re sipping water and pacing, you can choose something lighter.

The one caution: this part of the day can feel rushed if your group lingers too long earlier at the distillery bar area. The itinerary is timed, so if shopping is your priority, use your town time efficiently.

Cantaritos el Güero #1 in Amatitán: giant drinks and hours of dancing

The grand finale is Cantaritos el Güero #1, in Amatitán, about 20 minutes from Tequila. Expect around 2 hours here, plus a ride back to Guadalajara that can take 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

This is the party stop—the place the tour is really known for. The venue is famous for its big daily atmosphere and its giant cantaritos, described as up to 21 liters (5.5 gal). The drink is typically loaded with tequila, juice, salt, and lemon, and it’s served in a way that turns a beverage into a group event.

Here’s the important part for budgeting: cantaritos are not included. So even though the tour gives you “party time,” you’ll still likely pay for what you drink or share. If you’re trying to keep costs down, you can still enjoy the music and dancing without ordering the biggest pitcher-style drink.

The vibe is not subtle. There’s dancing and regional music, and you’ll see why people treat this as a full evening of fun rather than a quick photo stop. If you’re looking for quiet sightseeing, this end-of-day shift may be too loud. But if you want the tequila experience to end with a celebration, this is exactly that.

Guides who keep the day fun: Arturo, Benji, Don Benjii, and the father-son energy

The success of a day like this comes down to how the guide manages timing and keeps people moving without killing the mood. In recent outings, guides like Arturo have stood out for clear English explanations and for staying attentive, especially when someone asks questions about tequila production or tasting differences.

Other names tied to great days include Benji, Don Benjii (and the father-son dynamic), along with helpers such as Alex and Julio. The common thread isn’t just friendliness. It’s that the day feels guided but not lecturing.

That matters because there’s a real learning component at the factory and a real party component at Cantaritos. A strong guide helps you bounce between those two worlds without feeling lost or stuck.

What’s included vs what costs extra: a simple budget check

From the included list, you’re paying for the structured parts of the day and not guessing whether you’ll get them:

Included:

• Private transportation
• Tequila factory entrance
• Alcoholic beverages tasting of 7 tequilas
• Entrance to the swing (Columpio Extremo)

Not included:

• Lunch/food in the market
• Cantaritos at the party stop
• Drinks and snacks at the swing (on site, not included)

The value angle is clear: you’re getting a factory tasting with multiple tequila styles and access to a paid attraction (the swing). Those are the expensive-feeling pieces that make the itinerary worth it.

Your extra costs will mostly be food at the market and drinks at Cantaritos. If you want to keep things predictable, set expectations early: eat lunch, hydrate, then decide how many drinks you actually want at the party.

Also note a key rule: alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed in the van. It’s for extra cleaning charges. If you’re tempted to bring your own bottles for the ride, don’t. Keep it simple and let the tour provide what’s included.

Practical tips before you go: water, shoes, and tasting pace

This tour is fun, but it’s still alcohol involved. So plan for comfort.

Do:

• Bring or plan to drink water through the day.
• Wear shoes you can walk in and won’t mind if things get messy. The rule says avoid white shoes.
• Pace your tasting. You have multiple rounds of tequila styles, and you’ll want to stay sharp enough to enjoy the town and swing stop.

Don’t:

• Show up expecting the party end to be a quick stop. The Cantaritos venue is built for dancing and lingering.
• Assume the giant drink is included. It’s not.

One more small logistics note: the tour runs with time for transfers built into the total duration. That’s good—less wasted waiting—but it means you shouldn’t aim to squeeze in extra stops on your own unless you’ve got flexibility.

Who this day trip suits best (and who might want a quieter plan)

This is ideal if you want a classic tequila-region day that mixes learning and celebration. I’d point you here if you like:

• tasting multiple tequila styles in one go
• a scenic activity that’s not just standing around
• a real party ending with live regional music and a big group energy

It may not be your best fit if you want:

• slow, quiet museum-style pacing
• minimal alcohol involvement
• lots of free time for independent shopping in Tequila town

The tour is also described as something most travelers can participate in, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with teens, the day is long, and the party stop is loud—so you’ll want to judge based on your family’s comfort level.

Should you book this full-day Tequila tasting and Cantaritos party?

Book it if you want the full package: factory tasting, an iconic swing stop with big agave views, a town walk with market food options, and then a party that takes over at the end in Amatitán. The included tasting and attractions make it feel like a real tequila experience rather than a basic bus ride.

Skip it or choose another option if you hate loud music, want a quiet schedule, or you’re not excited about paying extra for lunch and cantaritos. And if you’re the type who needs lots of shopping time, treat the town stop as structured time, not a free-for-all.

If you’re okay with a long, active day and you plan to pace your tasting, this is the kind of outing that leaves you with both tequila stories and party memories.

FAQ

How long is the full-day Tequila and Cantaritos experience?

It runs about 10 to 11 hours total.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

You visit Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, Columpio Extremo (the tequila swing), the town of Tequila for sightseeing and market food time, and then Cantaritos el Güero #1 in Amatitán.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation, tequila factory entrance, tasting of 7 tequilas, and entrance to the swing.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch/food in the town market is not included, and the dish price is listed as roughly $6 to $10 USD.

Are Cantaritos drinks included?

No. Cantaritos are not included, even though you’ll spend time at Cantaritos el Güero #1.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Can I bring alcohol in the van?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the van to avoid extra cleaning charges.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the experience non-refundable?

Yes. It’s non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, except in cases like poor weather or if minimum traveler requirements aren’t met (as described in the conditions).