Do you want to get drunk at 9am, keep the buzz going through many different venues until sundown,…read moreand still feel kind of classy? Then this is the experience for you. 10/5 stars if I could.
First, the train ride from Guadalajara to Tequila was out of this world. The waiters would not let me have an empty tequila glass and half the time it was full of top shelf drink. Additionally, the cocktails were amazing. I was able to have one of each and they all surpassed the best tequila cocktails I've had in the States. The food portions were small but pretty tasty. Our chaperone for the day was super fun and informative everywhere we went. Starting in the train, she guided us through a tasting of multiple bottles of tequila that utilized all five senses.
In tequila, the first thing we did was tour the Jose Cuervo distillery and museum. Again our chaperone guided us through everything from the clothing in the museum, to the chemical process behind the distillery. Again very informative and fun.
After the tour, there were so many shops and restaurants and sources of entertainment I could have spent a whole weekend in the town of Tequila but our chaperone suggested some of the best for the few hours we had. I suggest you not buy anything until you're walked around for at least 20 min because the first stands you approach are the busiest and most expensive. We found a BBQ buffet for lunch with the couple we sat across from in the train and got a much needed lunch. I also filled my backpack up with souvenirs and had a couple more drinks at this point.
After lunch there was an organized mariachi performance in the shade (shade was critical at this point in the early summer afternoon). The chaperones from the train walked around the amphitheater passing out more margaritas and water. There were many hungover faces at this point but I was still having an awesome time.
We then went by bus to an agave field. More margaritas welcomed us here for a demonstration of the harvesting of agave. This was followed by an open bar, food stands including corn and churros, and music and dancing.
Finally, the bus ride back to Guadalajara was quiet and peaceful. I had become good enough friends with our chaperone that I had more access to tequila shots on this trip too while most everyone else was sleeping.
This was definitely an unforgettable experience at a great price point. The Jose Cuervo Express is a must do for anyone who likes tequila and culture.
