Tipsy Taco Food and Drink Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a way to taste Puerto Vallarta like a local, while enjoying a lively introduction to its culinary scene? The Tipsy Taco Food and Drink Tour offers a flavorful journey through the back streets of Old Town PV, combining top-notch tacos with refreshing Mexican cocktails and local craft beers. For $108 per person, this roughly 3.5-hour experience provides a relaxed, adult-focused way to explore and indulge in the city’s beloved street foods and drinks.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly blends authentic food tasting with local storytelling. The guide, a native who is friendly and knowledgeable—especially Alberto, as noted in reviews—makes the experience both informative and fun. Also, the variety of six different tacos and six drinks keeps the palate excited and the atmosphere lively from start to finish.

A potential consideration is the pace: with nearly two hours exploring the romantic zone and a fair amount of walking, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. And since the tour is adult-only, it’s not suited for families or those seeking a more laid-back, non-alcoholic experience.

Overall, if you enjoy vibrant street food, lively drinks, and engaging stories, this tour will be right up your alley. It’s an ideal choice for food lovers, singles, couples, or groups ready to socialize and discover PV’s best bites and sips in a fun, relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting Experience: Six tacos from fish to pork, paired with six Mexican cocktails or craft beers.
• Local Guides: Alberto and others share lively stories and cultural insights.
• Two Main Stops: River-side margaritas and tacos, plus exploring PV’s romantic zone.
• Adult-Only Tour: Focused on food and drink for travelers 21+.
• Comfortable Walking: About two hours of exploring in comfortable shoes.
• Book in Advance: Usually secured 59 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

An In-Depth Look at the Tipsy Taco Food and Drink Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins conveniently in El Centro at Vallarta Eats Food Tours office, near the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe church. This central location makes it easy to find and sets the tone for the day—casual, friendly, and full of anticipation. Right away, the guide welcomes you with a relaxed vibe, reminding you that this is about savoring PV’s flavors and having fun.

The First Stop: Puente Rio Cuale

Our journey kicks off along the Cuale River, a historic waterway that has played a significant role in PV’s growth. Here, we stop at a scenic spot to sip river-side margaritas and sample tacos—a perfect intro that highlights the city’s love of simple yet flavorful street foods. The setting is peaceful, with the gentle rush of water and lush greenery, making it a great spot to chat and get to know your group.

Reviewers like Gabriel_S praised Alberto, our guide, for sharing historical facts along with the food, making the experience richer than just eating. This part of the tour offers a taste of local life, away from the tourist-heavy areas, giving you a sense of authentic PV.

Exploring the Romantic Zone

After a short walk, we venture into Zona Romantica, the lively neighborhood famous for its colorful streets and buzzing bars. Here, the tour slows down to a two-hour exploration, allowing us to stroll through back alleys, and peek into local shops. You’ll sample an essential selection of tacos, including fish, shrimp, beef, and pork, each made fresh by local vendors.

The guide will point out the history behind each dish and the local spirit of PV’s street food scene. You might find yourself marveling at how simple ingredients come together in such satisfying ways, especially paired with a craft beer or a shot of tequila, as the tour includes six different alcoholic beverages.

The Drinks: A Celebratory Pairing

What sets this tour apart is the focus on pairing food with drinks, offering a variety of agave-based cocktails, shots, and local brews. This isn’t just a snack stop—it’s a true tasting experience designed to showcase the best of Mexican beverage culture. As one review states, Alberto’s knowledge made the drinks “incomparable to any other.”

Each beverage is served with a signature Vallarta Eats beer koozie, making it a fun and practical souvenir. The inclusion of bottled water also ensures you stay hydrated—important when sampling alcohol and walking in warm weather.

Authentic Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the group stays intimate, fostering relaxed conversations and lots of interaction. The guide, Alberto, is described as friendly, funny, and full of local stories—adding a personal touch to the experience. Many reviews highlight how Alberto’s personality makes the tour memorable, sharing historical tidbits while making everyone feel included and comfortable.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour runs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:30 AM, making it an excellent late-morning activity—perfect for a leisurely start to a day or as a tasty lunch alternative. The comfortable walking shoes recommendation is important; PV’s cobbled streets and uneven sidewalks mean you’ll want to be prepared for some moderate strolling.

Booking well in advance is advisable, as this tour is popular—often booked over 59 days ahead. The price of $108 per person includes all food, drinks, bottled water, and a branded beer koozie, making it a good value for a half-day of guided tasting that covers multiple neighborhoods.

Overall Experience and Value

This tour offers more than just a food tasting—it’s a lively, authentic introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s street food culture and casual drinking scene. The guided storytelling, combined with excellent food and drink pairings, provides a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and educational.

While it’s not designed for those seeking a non-alcoholic or family-friendly outing, it’s perfect for adults wanting to enjoy PV’s flavors in a relaxed, social setting. The 5-star reviews reflect how much travelers appreciate Alberto’s engaging style and the quality of the tastings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a foodie eager to explore local flavors beyond tourist restaurants, this tour will delight your taste buds. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy social outings, trying local drinks, and hearing stories from knowledgeable guides. Those who prefer a slower pace or have dietary restrictions should contact the operator beforehand, as the tour can accommodate allergies with prior notice.

In short, this experience suits adventurous, adult travelers wanting a lively, authentic taste of Puerto Vallarta’s street food scene and lively drink culture. It’s perfect as a fun midday activity that combines tasting, sightseeing, and storytelling in one compact package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
This tour focuses on tacos with meat, seafood, and pork, so vegetarians might find limited options unless they specify allergies or special requests in advance.

What kind of drinks are included?
You’ll enjoy six agave-based cocktails, shots, or local craft beers, providing a good variety of Mexican beverages.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including walking and tasting stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s exclusively for adults 21 and older, mainly because of the alcohol consumption involved.

Do I need to bring cash?
All food and drinks are included in the tour price; however, additional purchases or gratuities are not covered.

How many stops are there?
Two main stops—one at the Cuale River and another exploring the Romantic Zone—plus walking between them.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven streets and moderate walking.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any food allergies I should notify about?
Yes, it’s advised to email the tour operator before your tour to discuss any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Is the tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the small group size and friendly guide create a welcoming environment for solo adventurers.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a fun way to spend a late-morning in Puerto Vallarta, the Tipsy Taco Food and Drink Tour offers a lively, authentic taste of the city’s street food and local beverages. It combines the charm of PV’s back streets with the flavors that make this city special—an experience you’ll probably remember (or maybe not) for a long time.