Thanks to Yelp's search feature of "things to do", Vallarta Eats popped up in the top five. After seeing a 5-star average and doing some research, I thought this'd be the perfect activity for me and my spouse on our third visit to PV, and it was!
RESERVATIONS: I jumped online and easily booked and paid for the Signature Taco Tour at 10:30am just a week in advance at $55 per adult.
MEETING POINT: Be punctual and meet at the Insurgentes Bridge (a map link will be emailed to you). Our guide was Manuel. Very friendly, personable and engaging. I was surprised to learn he's new to the company as he was so well versed. We all received sturdy company logo tote bags and a bottle of water.
STOP 1: El Pechugón They were already sold out of tacos at 10:45am. Not to worry as we could double-up at the next spot.
STOP 2: Birria Chanfay We got to sample the savory broth that the pork simmers in which was amazingly good. A cup of guava juice was provided. Being from Hawaii, our guava juice is pink in color but this one was white yet tasted the same. We ate two pork tacos, in soft & crunchy shells. They were by far my favorite stop on the tour.
STOP 3: Carnitas Lalo The soft shell pork tacos here were cooked in lard and included chopped pieces of fat & skin in the mix. I had a couple bites then threw in the towel as I didn't care for them.
STOP 4: Panaderia Collins Bakery We got to see their gargantuan brick oven and sample different breads and pastries.
STOP 5: Obrador y Carnicerias Colin Hnos They specialize not only in fresh meats but chicharron, something I'm very familiar with. On top of the traditional deep-fried skin, we tried a version with the layer of fat still attached. Good but a tiny bite was enough for me.
STOP 6: Marisma We got to devour shrimp and mahi tacos which were good but I'm not a fan of fish in tortillas. A beverage of rice water was provided that was a mildly sweet, tan-colored drink. Volunteers also got to take a crash course on tortilla making too. The staff were very friendly.
STOP 7: Tortilleria y Molino This was a tortilla factory that locals kept lining up to take the goods home. The tour was an "observance stop" as we peered inside from the windows to old but sturdy machines churning out the discs and separating corn from the cobs.
STOP 8: Mariscos El Cólera I actually almost ate my worth of a tostada topped with finely shredded fish as they were really good, regardless of how full I was. I think it's the crunch that made it more delectable and found a tiny spot in my at-capacity tummy.
On the way to stop nine, our guide whistled down a vendor selling mamey (pronounced mah-may) which is a type of berry but had a soft exterior peel. The inside flesh is solid yet moist and tasted almost like papaya.
STOP 9: Taqueria El Moreno Pork quesadillas are their star item. It was served open-face like a tostada rather than with a second tortilla on top like the American way. I had just a bite as I was extremely stuffed.
STOP 10: La Michoacana Our dessert stop of either popsicles or ice cream. I'm an ice cream fanatic so a scoop of chocolate chip it was! The vanilla was yellow and deliciously good compared to the other location near the Malecón of the same name.
STOP 11: Dulces Tìpicos Mexicanos This was a candy store where we sampled different nuts and candies that are locally made.
TIPS: Bring hand sanitizer as most of the food stalls have no wash basin.
Our tour lasted almost four hours compared to the three that was advertised.
OVERALL: Very nice tour, affordable, nice eatery selections that are frequented by locals. Definitely...
Read moreDiscover Puerto Vallarta’s Culinary Gems with Vallarta Eats Food Tours December 2024
Finding the perfect food tour can be a challenge, especially when your time in a destination is limited. After some research, we struck gold with Vallarta Eats Food Tours during our stay in Puerto Vallarta—and it was an experience we won’t forget.
Our group of five adults and a two-year-old embarked on a 3.5-hour journey through the local food scene. While the length might seem daunting at first, time flew by as we strolled the charming streets, stopping at authentic eateries to sample a wide variety of Mexican dishes. What stood out was the thoughtful diversity of the menu: instead of focusing on just one style or dish (like burritos prepared five different ways), this tour offered a culinary adventure that let us explore the rich and varied world of Mexican cuisine.
One of the highlights of the tour was our guide, Kevin. Originally from Mexico City, Kevin brought a unique perspective to the Puerto Vallarta food scene, blending insights into local culture with his knowledge of Mexican gastronomy. His warm personality and focus on the group made the experience extra special. Unlike some guides who can become distracted or impersonal, Kevin remained fully engaged, ensuring that everyone—yes, even our toddler—felt included.
For one member of our group headed to Mexico City after Puerto Vallarta, Kevin even offered insider tips on must-see attractions and local dining spots—a delightful bonus. His passion for food and culture was infectious, and his personal attention to the group added a genuine connection that made the tour feel intimate and tailored.
If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Vallarta Eats Food Tours is an absolute must. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local flavors, learn about the culture, and enjoy a unique experience that goes far beyond simply eating. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned traveler looking to broaden your palate, this tour is the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and discovery.
Don’t miss out—this tour is a standout among food tours and an experience you’ll be talking about long after your vacation ends. Bon...
Read moreWe went on the Craft Brews and Bites Tour on Friday, June 2nd and had an absolute blast. Stephen, our tour guide, was beyond knowledgeable about Puerto Vallarta, each restaurant we went to, and almost everything we passed walking through the Romantic Zone.
We started our tour in the stunning Lázaro Cárdenas plaza. My husband and I went early to look through all of the mosaics, and Stephen provided further context for the project, as well as showing us the final pieces that will be completed soon.
Our first stop, Monzon Brewing Company, was like walking into a brewery at home. It has classic craft brewery vibes and fantastic tacos. Don’t skip the sauces! They were just as delicious and were a wonderful addition. The two brewers we spoke to gave us a tour of their stills and answered all of our questions about how they produce their beer. They were even as stoked as we were that we found a sticker for a brewery in our hometown on their wall!
The second stop was Mezcal y Sal, and it was phenomenal. The decor, the geometric glasses for fancy cocktails, but most importantly, the staff. We had the head chef of the day explain each dish and each beer paring, and she was so welcoming and enthusiastic about their food and beer. The food was so good I kept on forgetting to drink the (equally delicious) beer!
Our third stop was El Granero. Another craft brewery, but just to a bigger scale than Monzon. Their craft beers were amazing and the pepperoncini pizza is a must. Try it with the sauces! Our server was super knowledgeable about the beers they make, and was very welcoming of our questions.
This is a walking tour, so bring comfy shoes, but it is absolutley worth it. Between each stop Stephen shared so much information about Puerto Vallarta’s history, culture, and even just fun, random facts about the streets, stores, and everything in between that we passed. We are just tourists, but Stephen showed us the city in a way that helped us better understand Puerto Vallarta and made us feel welcomed and included. It really was a wonderful time that we are still talking about days later! Thank you so much Stephen and...
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