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Tequila is an easy destination to manage in two to three days, whether you arrive from Guadalajara by bus, train, or car. This guide covers getting there, getting around, money, tipping, safety, and what to pack, plus a short list of where to sleep.
Tequila Travel Tips: Getting There
The nearest airport is Guadalajara International (GDL, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla), about 85 km southeast, a drive of roughly an hour and a quarter. Direct buses run from Guadalajara’s Central de Autobuses (also called Central Nueva) to Tequila with lines like Tequila Plus and Primera Plus; the ride takes about two hours and costs MXN 130 to 160 one way. The José Cuervo Express and classic Tequila Express trains also run from Guadalajara on weekends, starting around MXN 1,150 per person one-way for the classic train; the things to do guide details both. If you drive, take Highway 15 toward Nogales and turn off toward Tequila, roughly 65 km total.
Tequila Travel Tips: Getting Around
The center is walkable, and you can cover the main square, the museum, and La Rojeña on foot in an afternoon. For the agave-field hotels or Casa Herradura in Amatitán, taxis are cheap and plentiful at the plaza taxi stand; expect to pay MXN 40 to 80 within town and MXN 150 to 250 to Amatitán. There’s no ride-hailing in the town center, so agree on a fare before you set off. If you want to reach the volcano trailhead or multiple distilleries in a day, a rental car from GDL gives the most flexibility. The neighborhoods guide maps the walkable zones if you’d rather stay on foot.
Tequila Travel Tips: Money and Tipping
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), trading around 20 pesos to the US dollar. Cards are accepted at hotels, the big distilleries, and most sit-down restaurants, but bring cash for taxis, market stalls, and small taquerÃas; ATMs cluster near the main square. Tipping runs 10 to 15% at restaurants, MXN 20 to 50 for a taxi within town, and MXN 50 to 100 for a distillery or volcano guide per person. Hotel rates rise sharply during the fair, so check the best time to visit guide before booking, and see the where to stay roundup for specific picks.
Tequila Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Tequila is a safe, tourist-oriented town, and the main risks are routine: watch your wallet in the fair crowds, don’t leave valuables in a car, and stay on marked trails on the volcano. The tap water isn’t reliably potable, so drink bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere. At 1,180 meters of elevation, most people feel no effects, but stay hydrated and use sunscreen because the sun is strong year-round. Distillery tours involve alcohol, so pace yourself and arrange a ride if you’re sampling heavily. The crowds peak during the National Tequila Fair, covered in our events and festivals calendar.
Tequila Travel Tips: What to Pack
Pack for warm days and cool nights: light layers, a jacket or sweater for evenings (lows hit 8°C in winter), comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, sunscreen, and a hat. Add a compact rain jacket if you’re visiting between June and October, when afternoon storms roll through. For the volcano hike, bring real boots, two liters of water, and a headlamp if you start before sunrise. For more context on what to expect each season, see the weather by month guide.
Suggested Hotels in Tequila
Casa Salles Hotel Boutique
A four-star boutique with an outdoor pool, garden, and terrace about a ten-minute walk from the main square, rated 9.6 by recent guests. Best for couples and groups who want comfort and pool time. Check rates and availability
Plaza Jardin
A mid-range hotel with an on-site restaurant right on José Cuervo street in the town center, rated 8.4 by guests and 45 meters from the main square. Best for visitors who want a central, no-fuss stay. Check rates and availability
Casa Hotel Marchel
A quiet guesthouse with a garden, terrace, and free WiFi, rated 9.0 by recent guests at around US$67 a night. Best for budget travelers and solo visitors. Check rates and availability
