Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Tequila has long been considered Mexico's national drink and plays an important role in Mexican culture. Its history dates back to the mid-16th century but didn't gain widespread popularity until after the Mexican Revolution. During this four-hour tour you'll discover the many secrets this elixir possesses followed by a self-guided tour to the nearby town of Tapachula.

From the pier, it's just a short ride to a local restaurant. Once you disembark you'll be led to a tasting room where you'll learn how the exotic plant called blue agave, cultivated for eight to 12 years before being harvested, is used in the production of tequila. During the demonstration, you'll learn that Mexico produces four different varieties of tequila: blanco (white), oro (gold), reposado (rested) and añejo (aged). By law, tequila is required to contain at least 51% agave, and tequilas labeled premium must contain 100% agave.

Mezcal, on the other hand is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from another type of agave called the maguey plant. Usually consumed straight, mezcal has a strong smoky flavor and some sip it along with salt and fruit.
After a brief history lesson, those 21 and up will have the opportunity to taste some of Mexico's best tequila and mezcal. (Drinking tequila in Mexico is an art form and the best tequilas are often sipped).

Following your tequila tasting, you'll re-board your transportation for a brief ride to the culturally diverse city of Tapachula. Its history and heritage has been influenced not only by the Mayans, Mestizo and Spanish but by German, Chinese, Japanese and French immigrants as well. After you arrive you'll have an hour to explore the city on your own. Stroll around the town square, home to an 18th century church, the city hall, as well as vendors and small stores. Sit in a café with a cup of café de olla, which is coffee spiced with cinnamon and refined brown sugar and leisurely watch the local citizens as they walk by. Or shop for clothes, amber jewelry and souvenirs in the many shops that surround the park.

Fascinating relics excavated from nearby Izapata ruins and other sites from around the region are on display at the Museo Regional del Soconusco archaeological museum (entrance fee not included). Among the stelae, pottery, musical instruments and clay figurine exhibits is an ornate Mixtec skull covered in gold and encrusted with turquoise.
At the end of your Tapachula tour, you'll meet up with your transport and return to your ship, perhaps laden with gifts from this charming town