Magic of Mexico: An Intimate Journey into Tequila, Heritage, and Flavor…a non cycling excursion

Begin your journey in vibrant Guadalajara, where you’ll spend a night exploring the city’s lively markets, authentic cuisine, and colorful plazas before heading into the heart of Jalisco. Just an hour away, the village of Tequila awaits, nestled amidst the iconic agave fields. Experience private tastings at top distilleries like Fortaleza and Cascahuín, where traditional tequila-making methods create liquid art. Stroll the charming streets, sip rare finds at local watering holes, and uncover the town’s rich history at the Tequila Museum. After an unforgettable day, relax at the luxurious Château Relais hotel, soaking in stunning views from the rooftop pool.

This is where Mexico’s heritage and flavors collide—every sip, every step a celebration of culture and indulgence.

Thursday - GUADALAJARA

Vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions

Just a quick 15-minute cab ride from Guadalajara Airport takes you to the heart of Tlaquepaque, where our boutique hotel, The Quinta Don Jose, awaits. After checking in and indulging in a refreshing arrival cocktail, we’ll step out into the magical streets of Tlaquepaque.

Imagine strolling through a living canvas of Mexican artistry—where bohemian vibes meet colonial charm. Cobblestone streets lead us past vibrant galleries, charming boutiques, and artisan shops showcasing the magic of traditional pottery and glassblowing. The air is filled with the sounds of lively mariachi bands, adding rhythm to our exploration. Tantalizing cafés and restaurants tempt us to pause and savor local flavors, blending perfectly with the artistic energy.

Tonight we dine at Xokol - Guadalajara. This quaint eatery in Santa Teresita neighborhood has gained notable acclaim despite its modest presence. Here, chefs highlight native corn varieties and traditional methods to craft a diverse menu of both modern and ancestral dishes. Guests primarily dine at a communal table, with the kitchen bustling in full view. Xokol promises an immersive culinary adventure, capturing the essence of Guadalajara’s vibrant food culture.

O/N The Quinta Don Jose is a boutique hotel located in Tlaquepaque Centro, just outside of the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Friday - GUADALAJARA To tEQUILA

Amatiteña & Cascahuín Distillers

Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast of chilaquiles and café de olla—crispy tortillas drenched in salsa, topped with cheese, crema, and eggs, paired with rich cinnamon-infused coffee. It’s the perfect Mexican wake-up call.

After breakfast, we’ll hop in the van for a 60km ride from Guadalajara to Tequila, a town steeped in Mexican pride and tradition. Along the way, we’ll hit two standout distilleries. First up is Amatiteña (NOM 1477), crafted by third-gen Master Tequilero Alberto Partida Hermosillo. Named after his hometown, every sip honors Jalisco’s agave fields and rich tequila-making traditions. After our tasting, we’ll fuel up on street tacos in El Arenal.

Next, we’ll head to Tequila Cascahuín (NOM 1123), a no-nonsense distillery that’s been in the game since 1904. Cascahuín keeps it old-school, using steam ovens and underground pit ovens to cook the agaves—no shortcuts here. Their unique recipes and traditional methods bring serious flavor to every batch.

After Cascahuín, it’s a short drive to Hotel El Solar de la Ánimas in the heart of Tequila, nestled at the foot of a volcano. This luxe Relais & Châteaux spot oozes colonial charm with its arches, courtyards, and artisanal touches.

End your day with a refreshing swim and a tequila at the Sky Bar, where you can soak up stunning views of the village and surrounding volcanoes.

Get ready for something special! We’re heading to Tiny Bar, an exclusive speakeasy run by Maestra Tequilera, Yannet Estrada. This cozy tasting room is where we’ll dive into some lesser-known tequila brands and hidden gems from local family distilleries for a truly unique experience with Yannet. Once we’re nicely liquored up, we’ll stroll over to Gatoro, a charming neighborhood restaurant owned by Yannet’s husband. There, Chef Eduardo Marin whips up the vibrant flavors of Western Mexico, blending traditional recipes with a dash of Italian flair to create modern dishes that are sure to wow your taste buds.

O/N El Solar de la Ánimas
Dining Gatoro

* Evening drinks in town at La Capilla +52 33 1163 4039
La Capilla is the ultimate spot to soak up history and tequila vibes in the heart of Tequila, Mexico. This legendary bar is all about celebrating the agave, but skip the margarita—it’s all about the batanga here. Think of it as a tequila twist on a Cuba libre, created by the bar’s owner, Javier Delgado Corona, way back in 1961. If you’re lucky, this tequila master, now in his 90s, might just mix one up for you himself. Cheers to that!

saturday - tEQUILA

Fortaleza & Cazcanes

This morning, kick off your day with a traditional breakfast at El Solar de la Ánimas before we head out to explore the town. Right after breakfast, don’t miss the Fortaleza Museum attached to the hotel; it’s a great spot to dive into the rich history of Fortaleza before we head to the distillery. You’ll also have plenty of time to wander the charming cobblestone streets as the village comes to life this morning.

Fortaleza (NOM 1472) is a truly exceptional tequila. This distillery is surrounded by enchanting agave-covered hillsides and mysterious caves. While the name “Fortaleza” means fortitude, you’ll find their bottles labeled Los Abuelos, honoring Guillermo’s grandfathers. Come prepared for a short hike through the agave fields.

Known as Tequila Los Abuelos in Mexico, Fortaleza offers one of the most sought-after tequila tours out there. They craft some of the tastiest small-batch tequilas, all while staying deeply connected to their roots. Guillermo Erickson Sauza is a throwback tequila maker from the iconic Sauza family, who have been in the game for five generations and were key players in establishing the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). Located on the Sauza family estate, the distillery has stunning views of the Tequila Valley right from its agave gardens.

Fortaleza sticks to old-school methods: agaves are slow-cooked in brick steam ovens, sugars are extracted using a two-ton stone tahona, fermentation happens in oak casks, and they distill with a classic copper pot still. You can really taste the love in every drop. The tour wraps up in the tasting cave, where sipping tequila becomes a flavorful adventure. The dimly lit, stylishly decorated tunnels set the scene for an experience you’ll be talking about long after.

At Fortaleza, quality is everything. They’re making tequila for themselves, and that passion shows—a dedication that’s earned them a cult following. As of May 2023, Tequila Los Abuelos is the highest-rated distillery on Tequila Matchmaker, with over 250,000 ratings.

After the tasting and tour, we’ll swing by Sandy’s Taco Shack at the distillery.

Cazcanes Tequila (NOM 1642), hailing from Los Angeles, is making waves. Co-founder Colin Edwards, a winemaker with a serious passion for tequila, leads a dedicated team that fuses tradition with innovation to create something truly exceptional. The adventure began with casual conversations between Colin and his brother Chris about agave, sparking their desire to craft unique tequila. Colin traded Napa’s vineyards for Mexico, where he immersed himself in the rich history and culture of tequila.

After exploring various distilleries, the brothers wanted to create something original, not just slap a label on someone else’s work. A taco vendor introduced them to Humberto, a master distiller, and Colin apprenticed with him to refine his vision. Their journey led them to a small, unlicensed distillery outside Tequila, where they partnered with the seasoned Francisco Jiménez Lazcarro, aka Don Chico. By using pristine water from Navichi Springs and blending traditional recipes with modern techniques, they crafted Cazcanes Blanco No. 9, which won a double gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Each handcrafted bottle reflects their dedication to quality, and as demand for their organic, additive-free tequila soars, they remain committed to sustainable growth without compromising the exceptional taste fans love. We will set up a private tasting at this small, but powerful distillery.

After our tour and tasting we will head back out to the Amatiteña garden to enjoy an evening under the stars. +52 374 114 1100
Address: Antiguo Camino Real, 45380 Amatitán, Jal., Mexico

O/N El Solar de la Ánimas
Dining Amatiteña Garden

Sunday - GUADALAJARA or PUNTA DE MITA, NAYARIT

Discover Punta de Mita: Your Ultimate Playground in Paradise

The choice is yours: head back home today with a quick transfer to Guadalajara Airport, or indulge in a few extra days of pure bliss at the beach in the charming village of Punta de Mita.

After a leisurely breakfast, you can either make your way to the airport or join the others for a breathtaking drive along the scenic new toll road, winding through the mountains to reach the paradise of Punta de Mita—just 2.5 hours away.

Punta de Mita, Nayarit’s exclusive escape where luxury meets adventure. Wake up to gentle waves and golden sunrises as you dive into thrilling activities like world-class surfing, deep-sea fishing in Banderas Bay, or teeing off on breathtaking Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking leisure, Punta de Mita is your ultimate playground.

After a day of excitement, unwind in style at private beach clubs, sipping cocktails by the infinity pool, savoring gourmet cuisine, or relaxing in a luxurious cabana. In Punta de Mita, every moment is a celebration of life’s finest pleasures in your own slice of paradise.

O/N Casa Aurora Tau is where luxury meets paradise on the edge of the Punta Mita peninsula. This sleek 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo offers jaw-dropping views and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

Enjoy your private plunge pool overlooking the Bahia Championship Golf Course and Banderas Bay. Adorned with custom furnishings and local art, this stylish retreat blends comfort and sophistication. Let our housekeeper handle daily cleaning and meal prep (groceries not included), while our concierge ensures a flawless stay. Beach clubs, golf, and top-tier resort amenities are just steps away. Casa Aurora Tau is your chic escape in Mexican paradise.

*Indulge in pure luxury with your choice of a 2, 3, or 4-night stay at Casa Aurora Tau—your personal paradise awaits.

DEPARTING AIRPORT - A quick 45-minute transfer from Punta de Mita to the newly renovated Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Airport makes your journey home smooth and effortless.