Day 1: Agave Spirits and Artisanal Chocolate in Ixtlán
The journey begins with a transfer from Tepic toward Ixtlán del Río. Upon arrival, our first stop is the Ma Nena Chocolate Workshop, where the aroma of roasted cacao sets the stage. In this artisanal space, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Mexican drinking chocolate from scratch: roasting the beans, grinding them, and blending the ingredients that define one of Mexico’s most ancient beverages.
The route continues to the Real de Ixtlán Tequila Distillery, where the blue agave takes center stage. During a guided tour, you’ll discover the entire tequila-making process, from cooking and distillation to aging. You’ll enjoy a professional tasting of different varieties, including Plata, Reposado, and Cristalino. The experience is topped off with a hands-on workshop to create your own “Cantarito de Barro”—a refreshing citrus and tequila cocktail served in a traditional clay pot, a staple of regional folk culture.
Later, the culinary journey moves to La Veracruz Campestre, where you’ll enjoy a meal featuring regional dishes in a relaxed, nature-filled setting. Here, you’ll also participate in a tequila mixology workshop, where an expert shares techniques for crafting modern cocktails using fresh, local ingredients.
Before heading back, we’ll make a final stop at the Ixtlán del Río Main Plaza, an ideal spot to stroll, soak in the small-town atmosphere, and discover local artisanal products. The trip concludes with a comfortable return to Tepic.
