Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Guadalajara and want to explore the tequila region beyond the usual tourist spots, this full-day private tour to La Fortaleza distillery and Cantaritos offers a compelling mix of tradition, taste, and culture. From visiting a historic distillery where tequila is crafted in the traditional way to sipping a famous local drink, you’ll experience the essence of Jalisco’s iconic spirit.

What we love about this tour are three things: the personalized attention from expert guides, the opportunity to see tequila being made using age-old methods, and the chance to taste handcrafted tequilas and local beverages like cantaritos. Plus, the scenic drive and the authentic stops make it a deeply cultural outing. A potential consideration is that this tour is mainly focused on the tequila experience and doesn’t include lunch, so plan your meal accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic cultural outings, those interested in learning about traditional tequila production, and anyone wanting a relaxed, yet immersive day with comfortable transport and exclusive attention.

Good To Know

• Private Transportation: Ensures comfort and tailored experience.
• Authentic Tequila Production: Visit La Fortaleza, known for traditional methods like the tahona stone.
• Cultural Stops: Explore the historic center of Tequila and walk through streets filled with tradition.
• Taste Experience: Sample handcrafted tequilas and enjoy the famous Cantaritos drink.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Ideal for: Those seeking a personalized, in-depth look into tequila’s roots without rushing.

In-Depth Review of the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This 8-hour experience begins with pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point in Guadalajara. The tour is entirely private, meaning you and your group will enjoy personalized attention and a more relaxed pace.

Stop 1: La Fortaleza Distillery and Tequila Historic Center

The first leg of your journey takes you to La Fortaleza, a distillery revered for its traditional tequila-making process. Here, you’ll get a guided tour of the distillery that lasts about 3 hours, which includes walking through the production process from raw agave to bottled tequila. Visitors often mention the use of classic tools like the tahona stone, which crushes the cooked agave in the traditional way — a notable detail that appeals to those interested in authenticity.

Many reviews highlight the quality of this experience: one user called it the “highlight of their trip,” emphasizing that La Fortaleza’s approach is different from other distilleries, with a focus on traditional methods using wooden fermentation tanks. The guided tour also covers the historic center of Tequila, where you can stroll through streets steeped in tradition, adding a cultural layer to the visit.

Stop 2: Cantaritos el Güero #1

After the distillery, the tour makes a stop at Cantaritos el Güero, a must-see spot famed for its large, refreshing cantaritos — a traditional drink made with tequila, citrus juices, salt, chili powder, and grapefruit soda. This stop lasts about 2 hours and is included in the price, with admission included.

Travelers often mention how much they enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere here; one reviewer said it’s a “icon for locals and travelers alike” and appreciated how the giant cantaritos are both visually impressive and delicious. It’s a fun, lively stop that allows you to savor a local specialty while soaking up the local vibe.

Transportation & Practicalities

The tour provides private transportation, which means you won’t be stuck with strangers and can enjoy a comfortable ride with flexible timing. The timing allows for a relaxed pace, with the entire day spanning roughly 8 hours — enough to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The pickup service makes logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in Guadalajara.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $155 per person, the tour offers considerable value, especially given the personalized attention and exclusive access. The main inclusions are transportation, the La Fortaleza tour, and the cantaritos stop. However, lunch is not included, so you might want to plan for that either before or after the tour.

Reviews & Authentic Insights

While the tour has only two reviews, both are glowing with a perfect score. One reviewer mentioned that La Fortaleza is “completely different” from other distilleries they visited, especially because of the traditional production methods. They praised the experience as “the highlight” of their trip, emphasizing the authenticity of the process and the friendly guides.

Another reviewer described the ride as “father and fun,” highlighting how enjoyable and lively the experience was, and praised the delicious tequila. These insights suggest that the tour strikes a good balance between education, culture, and fun.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who value authenticity and personalized attention. If you’re curious about the traditional way of making tequila or want to explore Tequila’s charming streets with a knowledgeable guide, this experience fits the bill. It’s also perfect if you prefer a relaxed, all-in-one day trip without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets.

However, if you’re looking for a meal included or a more extensive tasting session, you might need to consider other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into tequila’s roots, paired with fun stops and cultural exploration. The focus on traditional production techniques at La Fortaleza provides an educational edge that’s often missing from larger, more commercial distillery visits. The included cantaritos tasting offers a fun, social experience, adding to the relaxed, immersive feel of the day.

At $155, the value for money is solid, especially considering the convenience of private transport and the personalized tour experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want to learn about tequila in an authentic setting, enjoy a casual local drink, and explore Tequila’s charming streets without feeling rushed.

This tour manages to combine culture, craft, and fun in a way that makes it a memorable part of any Guadalajara visit focused on tequila.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
No, alcoholic beverages are only served to travelers over 18 years old. Travelers under 18 will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour is approximately 8 hours, including pickup, visits, and travel time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is included, ensuring a comfortable journey between stops.

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

What is the best time of day to take this tour?
The tour operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so mid-morning departures allow plenty of time for the full experience.

Are there options for meals during the tour?
Lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour or bring snacks.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What makes La Fortaleza stand out?
It’s known for making tequila the traditional way, using a tahona and wooden fermentation tanks — a different approach from many commercial distilleries.

How many people typically book this tour in advance?
On average, travelers book this tour about 97 days ahead, indicating its popularity.

This full-day tour balances educational depth, culture, and fun, making it an excellent choice for anyone eager to discover the true taste and tradition of tequila from Guadalajara.