Tequila Tasting in Puerto Vallarta

Perched on the Pacific Coast, Mexico's Puerto Vallarta has long been a renowned vacation destination — its sun-kissed beaches, year-round warm climate and eccentric cultural scene make it a paradise for global visitors.

And, being the main coastal city of Jalisco – the world's tequila capital – there's no better place to try the high-proof spirit.

Tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta aren't just about drinking though. They're about highlighting a long-standing tradition and showing off an important aspect of local culture.

Here's all you need to know about tequila tasting, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Puerto Vallarta.

What are the best tequila tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta?

You have several options for tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta. The most popular options are listed below.

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting

Taking place in a traditional Agave house (usually the Saite Casa Agavera), this short, affordable tour welcomes you to try handful of samples with an experienced guide explaining the origins and production processes of each.

In addition to tasting different types of tequila, you can also try other spirits like mezcal and raicilla — two agave-based drinks that are native to the region.

Tequila Tasting at El Tequilero

Home to a roughly 2-hour tequila tasting tour, El Tequilero is a celebrated venue for its diverse lineup of tequilas

The tour typically starts with a brief history and production lesson before you're invited to sample at least four different types of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Super Anejo.

Connoisseur Tequila Tasting

Focusing on more top-of-the-line spirits — including one made from 100 percent blue agave — this tour at Vallarta Tequila Tastings is a great option for those looking to try some of the best high-proof spirits in Jalisco.

You'll also get to learn about the agave plants cultivation process and the distilling techniques.

Vallarta: Mexology Tacos & Tequila Tour

A great option for foodies, this 4-hour food tour takes you to various eateries around town. Usually, you'll get to try steak tacos, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, tacos al pastor and beef cheek tacos. Once you've lined your stomach, you can move on to the drinks!

Sure, you'll sample local tequila, but you'll also get to taste mixologist-crafted cocktails, such as a Jalapeño Margarita, as well as mezcal and raicilla.

Depending on your tour, you might also get to try coffee-flavored kahlúa and michelada too.

Are there any combos available with tequila tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, there are several combo tours with tequila tastings available in Puerto Vallarta. Let's take a look at the most popular options

Puerto Vallarta: City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour

An excellent option for first-time visitors, this half-day tour (about 6 hours) shows off a highlight reel of Puerto Vallarta's must-see attractions.

You'll typically get to take a stroll along the Malecon boardwalk, visit some of the beautiful churches in town (including the Church of the Lady Guadalupe), explore local markets and wander through the old-world cobblestone streets.

At the end of your city tour, you'll get to visit a traditional tequila distillery and sample some delicious agave spirits, followed by a coffee-tasting session at one of Puerto Vallarta's organic coffee factories.

ATV and Zipline Adventure Combo Tour with Tequila Tasting

Suited to adventurous types who prefer a bit of action, this combo tour takes you on an adrenaline-filled ride through the hills and jungles of Puerto Vallarta.

You'll get to cruise around on ATVs for about an hour, checking out some beautiful waterfalls and taking a quick swim in the El Salto natural pools along the way. From there, you'll take to the treetops for a multi-line zipline course, where you can take in the spectacular views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

After your adventure is complete, you'll get to relax and enjoy some tequila tasting, sampling the local agave spirits with traditional Mexican snacks.

Vallarta Botanical Garden and Tequila Tasting from Puerto Vallarta

A more low-key option, this half-day excursion is all about nature.

You'll get to admire 3,000 different plant species at Vallarta Botanical Garden, including some of the most exotic plants native to Mexico. From there, you'll be driven to Rancho Los Veranos where a hearty lunch and a tequila-tasting session await.

Which places are visited/seen?

What you can expect to see on a tequila-tasting tour in Puerto Vallarta depends heavily on the type of tour you’ve chosen.

Some tours will operate fully within a single location, such as El Tequilero, Vallarta Tequila Tasting, or a traditional Agave house, like the Saite Casa Agavera.

If your tour includes food, then you can usually expect to visit a Mexican restaurant or two, to sample different local specialties.

If your package also includes a city tour, you’ll get to explore some of the city’s most popular landmarks, such as the El Malecon boardwalk, Los Arcos amphitheatre, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Finally, some combination tours will include adventure activities in the jungles, or a stop at the Botanical Gardens.

How much do tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta cost?

The price of a tequila tasting tour in Puerto Vallarta depends on the type of package you choose but starts from as little as US$15 per person.

A basic tequila-tasting tour — such as the Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting — usually costs between US$15 and US$20 per person. A more high-end tasting, such as the Connoisseur Tequila Tasting, can cost up to US$80 per person.

Food and tequila tours cost between US$95 and US$100 usually.

As for combination tours, the City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour is the cheapest option at US$35 per person, while the Vallarta Botanical Garden and Tequila Tasting Tour costs around US$65 each.

Finally, an adventure combo tour that includes ATV rides and ziplining can cost upwards of US$170 per person. You can also choose cheaper options that don't include the zipline experience.

What is included?

First and foremost, a tequila-tasting tour package will always include the opportunity to sample a variety of local spirits, as well as a bilingual tour guide.

Depending on the type of package you choose, you may also have hotel pickup and drop-off included, as well as food.

If you opt for a combination tour, your extra activities — such as ziplining or a city tour — will also be included.

Each tour is different, so make sure to double-check what's included in your package before booking!

Where does it start?

The majority of tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta offer convenient hotel pickup. However, some do start from a designated meeting point, which is usually close to the main attractions in the city, such as Lazaro Cardenas Park, or directly at the  tasting venue.

How long does it last?

Tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta can last anywhere from 1 hour for the most basic tastes, up to 5 or 6 hours for more comprehensive combination tours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta are fully wheelchair accessible but require the wheelchair user to be accompanied by a support person. Every tour is different, so it is important to check before booking if the tour.

Most adventure-focused combination tours, unfortunately, are not suitable for wheelchair users

When is the best time for a tequila tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta?

The optimal time for tequila tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta is during the dry season from November to April.

Is it safe?

Yes, the tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment. Pay attention when booking a combo tour as these excursions are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns. If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Are children allowed?

For tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta most of the tours are not allowed unaccompanied minors.

Travel tips

• Respect local laws as the legal Mexico drinking age is 18.
• Opt for established tequila-tasting tours with knowledgeable guides for an authentic experience.
• Drink water between tastings to stay refreshed and avoid excessive intoxication.
• Sample in moderation and be mindful of your alcohol intake to fully appreciate the flavors.
• Check the transportation options and use designated drivers, public transport, or organized transportation to ensure safety after the tour.