Jump on the Tequila Train: 10 Years Aboard the Jose Cuervo Express

One early winter morning in 2012, in a sleepy train station in Guadalajara, the Jose Cuervo Express redefined the “Tequila Sunrise” experience. Along some 40 miles of restored train tracks and over two hours, travelers were transported back in time with tastings and music before arriving in the heart of Tequila for a full day of learning, exploration, and yes, more tequila.

Over the past 10 years, some 250 thousand visitors have traveled 52,000 miles aboard this unique rustic rail experience, sipping 86,000 bottles of Jose Cuervo’s finest tequilas and exploring the rich history of agave-led life along the way.

Created in 2012 as an authentic and memorable way to bring in travelers to the city, the train experience now welcomes over one million guests a year, up from 220,000 in 2012.

Romance on the rails

Wedding proposals and wedding parties are a natural on the Jose Cuervo Express. Proposals are easily arranged with the help of the conductor and with the other 50 people in the wagon, acting as cheering witnesses to the occasion. Groups also reserve entire wagons prior to a wedding, for what’s known as a rompehielo (icebreaker), and customize with a musical trio and DJ’s. The largest group ever reserved was for a wedding party which gathered some 100 people over two wagons.

Celebrations of all kinds

The Jose Cuervo Express has not only been chosen for wedding proposals, but also countless birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, bridal showers and girlfriend getaways – and even divorce parties! Many more celebrations are in store as Guadalajara prepares for the Gay Games in 2023 and FIFA World Cup Guadalajara in 2026.

Kid friendly

Kids are welcome abord the Tequila train. Families enjoy the Express Wagon, while adults can explore the Premium Plus and Diamond wagons, as well as the newest addition of the Elite wagon, a luxurious experience with floor-to-ceiling views, large and private spaces, an exclusive line of cocktails including Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia® and more.

Internationally revered

While the US is the principal international audience, travelers from all over the world – including UK, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Japan, China, Philippines, South Africa, Australia and more – have traveled thousands of miles to experience the 40-mile tequila-infused journey. In the US, the principal feeder cities are Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Seattle.

Say hi to Jimador

Jimador Ismael Gama has been an employee of the Jose Cuervo group for the past 50 years and still welcomes guests to see the ancient work of the agave fields which continues today.

The Express experience

The 11-hour experience on the Express is filled with entertainment. You’ll visit the agave fields with a harvesting demonstration, enjoy Mexican snacks and cocktail prepared with the tequilas, play a bingo game, tour the distillery and have a tasting class. You’ll have free time to explore the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo and enjoy lunch in the town of Tequila. A Mexican show follows, as well as a traditional tequila toast.

Get more information and reservations here.

Stay in Tequila

Take more time to enjoy the area by staying at  Solar de las Animas. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the town of Tequila, right at the foot of the Volcano and next to the “Santiago Apostol” church, central to all the attractions, tours and experiences that are offered. The hotel offers 93 rooms with charming Mexican architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, with its design based on a Creole colonial house.

Courtesy photos