Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place for food lovers. Unlike many tourist spots where the food can be predictable, PV offers authentic bites that reflect the city’s colorful character. Whether you’re wandering through lively neighborhoods, exploring old town, or cruising around on a boat, there’s always a chance to taste something memorable. We especially liked the Seafood Lover’s Tour with Vallarta Food Tours for its fresh octopus and ceviche or the Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour which offers full-sized tacos at bustling stands. The city’s diverse culinary scene makes it easy to find a tour that suits your style — be it a relaxed walk, a full-day exploration, or a specialty focus like tequila and mezcal. For an excellent overview, check out the Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour, which covers many highlights in just over three hours.
Quick Overview
From walking food tours in lively neighborhoods to seafood-focused explorations and regional road trips, Puerto Vallarta’s food scene is as dynamic as its scenery. Options include small-group walks through markets, neighborhood tastings, and even private excursions like the Private Botanical Garden and Petroglyphs Tour. This list provides a broad selection of experiences, each with its own charm and focus. Whether you crave authentic tacos, seafood, local drinks, or vegan options, you’ll find something that fits your appetite and curiosity.
1. Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
At number 1, this Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour offers a 3.5-hour walk through PV’s Emiliano Zapata and 5 de Deciembre neighborhoods. You’ll stop at four taco stands and carts to sample full portions of al pastor, seafood tacos, and sopes, along with churros and pozole. The tour emphasizes learning about the neighborhoods’ gastronomic history while enjoying generous tastings. Guests consistently praise Manu and Joana for their personable guiding styles and the quality of food. This tour is excellent for those wanting a relaxed, social experience with plenty of authentic bites. Costing $44 per person for a small-group experience, it offers great value, especially given the personalized attention and flavorful discoveries.
Bottom line: If your goal is to sample a variety of tacos and local treats while learning about PV’s neighborhoods, this tour offers a balanced mix of culture and cuisine.
2. Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours
Coming in at number 2, the Taste of Pitillal Food Tour is a 3.5-hour deep dive into one of PV’s lesser-visited neighborhoods. For $55, you’ll visit up to eight stops with a small group of just eight people, ensuring plenty of attention. Highlights include tacos, tortas, churros, and popsicles, as well as learning about local cooking styles and cultural traditions. Guide Joana’s warmth and knowledge come through in reviews, with visitors noting how she immediately connects and makes the experience feel like exploring with a friend. The tour’s focus on authentic, homegrown flavors makes it ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious eaters who want a comprehensive taste of PV’s local flavors while getting insights into its culinary customs.
3. Seafood Lover’s Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
At number 3, the Seafood Lover’s Tour is a 3-hour immersion into PV’s seafood scene. You’ll explore top eateries serving grilled calamari, fried octopus, aguachile, and shrimp tostadas. This small-group tour offers a chance to witness the city’s culinary expertise in seafood, with stops at beloved spots like Mariscos el Guero and Pajaritos. Guests rave about the variety and freshness of the dishes, and the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience. For seafood fans, this tour balances informative storytelling with delicious tasting—all for $59. It’s best suited for those who want to indulge in fresh local catches and learn about PV’s seafood traditions.
Bottom line: If seafood is your passion, this tour delivers with a focus on authentic flavors and vibrant presentation.
4. Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
Number 4 is the Vallarta by Road Food Tour. For 4.5 hours at $75, you’ll explore four neighborhoods, sampling regional dishes like tortas ahogadas, birria tacos, tamales, and more. Visiting roadside stands and culinary institutions, this tour gives a sense of local life and regional specialties. The guide ensures a diverse tasting experience, with seven tastings and bottled water included. Guests mention how this tour is ideal for serious foodies who want to enjoy Jalisco’s flavors.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers interested in regional dishes and small-group exploration of PV’s culinary landscape.
5. Breakfast Taco Tour with a Local Foodie
Number 5 offers a morning-focused experience with the Breakfast Taco Tour, perfect for early risers. Limited to seven, it takes you through lesser-known family-owned spots in Zona Romantica, sampling breakfast tacos that showcase local flavors and traditions. Priced at $55, it’s concise but packed with authentic bites. Many reviewers highlight the guide’s personalized approach and the quality of simple, delicious tacos that you might otherwise overlook.
Bottom line: Great for those who want an intimate, morning-only adventure focused on local breakfast favorites.
6. 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta
Number 6 is a 2.5-hour tour priced at just under $53. It focuses on Old Town, where you’ll visit five savor y stops, learn about chiles in Mexican cuisine, and sample authentic dishes. The guide emphasizes local culinary traditions and history, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to PV’s food culture. People appreciate the easy pace and the inclusion of market visits. For a budget-friendly, informative experience, it’s a good pick.
Bottom line: Best suited for history and food lovers wanting a compact but insightful tour.
7. Puerto Vallarta 3-Hour Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine
Number 7 offers a 3-hour walk that pushes you past polished tourist spots into traditional eateries. The focus is on authentic dishes prepared by colorful local owners, with tastings introduced by your guide. The tour is praised for its variety and local atmosphere, making it perfect if you prefer small, neighborhood-focused experiences. At $59, it’s an affordable way to understand PV’s culinary roots. Reviews highlight how the guide’s storytelling brings each dish to life.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies wanting an authentic, local experience with a relaxed pace.
8. Puerta Vallarta: Seafood Lover’s Food Tour
At number 8, this seafood-centric tour at $59 covers top seafood spots in Old Town, tasting ceviche, stuffed jalapenos, and grilled calamari. It’s a shorter, 3-hour experience perfect for seafood aficionados. The guide’s in-depth knowledge ensures you learn about local seafood traditions while enjoying fresh, flavorful dishes. If seafood is your main interest, this tour offers a focused, well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: A great pick for seafood lovers who want quality bites and local insight in a short timeframe.
9. Sayulita Magical Town Tour: Local food, and chocolate
Number 9 takes you outside PV for a full 6-hour experience at $95. Visiting Sayulita’s cacao farms and markets, the tour emphasizes chocolate making and regional cuisine. The guide shares family recipes and cultural stories, making it rich in hands-on learning. Visitors love the personalized attention and the chance to try local sweets and traditional dishes. Perfect for travelers who enjoy multi-sensory experiences combining food, culture, and nature.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a full-day, immersive experience combining food, culture, and nature.
10. Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
Number 10, the Downtown Vallarta Food Tour, is PV’s most popular. Over 3.5 hours, it covers seven stops including Zona Romantica, the Malecón, and iconic seafood spots. The tour is praised for its variety of food, local insights, and friendly guides. It’s priced at $59 and features seven tastings plus visits to historic sites. This tour suits travelers seeking a comprehensive yet manageable glimpse of PV’s culinary highlights.
Bottom line: A well-rounded choice for those wanting diverse food samples combined with cultural sights.
11. Private Tour: Botanical Garden, Petroglyphs & Mexican Food
At number 11, this private 6-hour tour costs $279 per group and offers an intimate experience. It combines nature, with visits to the Botanical Garden, and history through petroglyphs, along with authentic Mexican cuisine. The guide’s tailored approach makes it perfect for families or small groups wanting a customized experience. Reviewers highlight the guide’s patience and knowledge, especially with children. Expect a mix of botanical exploration, prehistoric art, and local dishes.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a personalized, multi-interest day that combines nature and culture.
12. Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food
Number 12 offers a full-day trip to the Marietas Islands with snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. For $89.14, you get food, open bar, and marine scenery. The tour is particularly suited for families or active travelers. Reviewers enjoy the variety of water activities and the spectacular scenery, although note that island access is limited—you can’t land on the island itself. It’s ideal if your main focus is nature and water with some casual eating and drinking.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous travelers who want water-based fun with some good eats.
13. Food & Mixology Tour: Tequila, Tacos, Mezcal, and Agave Cocktails
Number 13 is a 4-hour Food & Mixology Tour that combines tasting authentic tacos and desserts with learning about Mexican spirits like mezcal and tequila. Priced at $98, the tour includes visits to bars and eateries, with six cocktails and six food tastings. Guides like Bernardo and Silvia are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to pair food with drinks and understand Mexico’s spirits while savoring local flavors.
Bottom line: Best for spirit enthusiasts and foodies interested in culinary tradition and cocktails.
$98.00 per person
14. Tipsy Taco Food and Drink Tour in Puerto Vallarta
Number 14, the Tipsy Taco Tour, is a 3.5-hour adult-only experience focusing on tacos paired with Mexican cocktails and craft beers. For $108, it covers backstreet spots around PV’s Old Town and Cuale River. Reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and Alberto’s lively hosting. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy local nightlife along with tasty bites.
Bottom line: For those who want an exciting, adult-oriented evening with tacos and drinks in PV’s vibrant streets.
$108.00 per person
15. Vegan Food Tour in Vallarta
Number 15 offers a 3-hour vegan-focused experience, priced at $59. It explores neighborhoods like 5 de Diciembre and Old Vallarta, sampling handmade tortillas, vegan tacos, and local sweets. The guide emphasizes plant-based interpretations of traditional dishes and shares insider tips. Reviewers love the personalized service and the chance to try authentic vegan options you might not find on your own.
Bottom line: Perfect for vegans or plant-based eaters seeking authentic Mexican flavors without animal products.
$59.00 per person
16. Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food, and Open Bar
Number 16 is a full-day tour blending water activities, the scenic Yelapa village, and excellent food and drinks. For around $72, you’ll enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, waterfall visits, and a delicious buffet. The all-inclusive aspect makes it popular among families and groups wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation. Reviewers praise the friendly staff and beautiful scenery but note that the duration may be too long for some.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of water fun, scenic views, and casual dining.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta
When deciding, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you’re more interested in seafood, tacos, regional specialties, or drinks. For a rundown, the Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour offers a great introduction. If you’re a seafood fan, the Seafood Lover’s Tour might be your best fit. For those seeking vegan options, the dedicated vegan tour provides authentic plant-based eats. And for a private, customizable experience, the Botanical Garden and Petroglyphs Tour is hard to beat.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the downtown walking experience or private excursions. Consider what fits your interests and schedule, and you’ll be guaranteed a delicious, memorable time in PV.
Puerto Vallarta’s food scene offers a broad array of tasty adventures—from street tacos to elegant seafood. Whether you want a quick bite or a full-day culinary immersion, these tours provide authentic tastes and insights that go well beyond the usual tourist fare. For most travelers, a combination of top-rated tours like the Downtown Vallarta Food Tour and specialty options such as the seafood or vegan tours will ensure a well-rounded experience. Remember to book early, and prepare to enjoy the flavors that make Puerto Vallarta a true culinary destination.