Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about sun and beaches; it’s a city layered with stories, architecture, and vibrant traditions. The city’s streets, landmarks, and nearby villages reveal Mexico’s past in tangible ways—from colonial churches to old marketplaces and haunted alleyways. We particularly enjoyed tours that combine cultural insights with authentic local flavors, like the Pueblos Cultural Tour, which takes you into the Sierra Madre foothills to explore charming towns full of history and fresh produce. If you want a quick, fun snapshot of the city, the Puerto Vallarta History and Culture with Flavors Discovery offers a taste of Mexico’s flavors alongside city highlights. For those interested in spooky tales, the Historic Downtown Ghost Walking Tour adds a ghostly twist to local legends.
No matter your interest—whether it’s exploring old towns, uncovering haunted streets, or capturing memorable photos—Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse selection of historical and cultural tours. Here’s a detailed look at the eight best options to help you choose the perfect experience.
1. Pueblos Cultural Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (57 reviews)
Price: $109.00 per person
Duration: 6 hours
This tour is a delightful journey into Mexican cuisine and rural life just outside Puerto Vallarta. Over six hours, you’ll visit the picturesque towns of San Juan de Abajo and Valle de Banderas, famous for their lush produce and charming churches. The highlight is a local cooking class in San Juan de Abajo, where you learn to prepare traditional dishes using ingredients from nearby farms. The tour also includes walking through the main plazas, admiring quaint churches, and exploring stalls filled with local fruits and vegetables.
What makes this tour stand out is the seamless blend of culinary experiences and cultural insights. Guests consistently praise guides like Santiago and Carla for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. You’ll get a real taste of Mexico’s countryside, beyond the tourist spots, and walk away with new recipes and a deeper appreciation for rural life. The $109 price includes transportation, guided walks, and the cooking class, making it a good value for a full day of engaging, authentic activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and culture lovers who want an immersive experience in Mexico’s rural towns. It’s a full, well-organized day that balances sightseeing, tasting, and learning.
2. Photo Shoot in Puerto Vallarta Historic Downtown
Rating: 5.0/5 (27 reviews)
Price: $215.00 per person
Duration: 1 hour
Looking to get Instagram-worthy photos or mark a special occasion? This photo shoot specializes in capturing your best angles amid Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic spots. A professional photographer will meet your group in the heart of the city, setting up poses or snapping candid shots to reflect your style. The session includes up to 20 high-resolution JPEG photos delivered within ten days.
What makes this experience truly special is the personalized attention and the chance to have a professional document your trip. It’s suited for couples, families, or groups celebrating milestones. The $215 price covers the entire session for groups up to 10, providing excellent value for those wanting high-quality, professionally shot photos in a beautiful setting.
Guests have called their guides “wonderful and accommodating,” noting that the photographer went above and beyond to make everyone comfortable, especially on a hot day. It’s a quick but impactful way to preserve your Puerto Vallarta memories.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want quality photos of their trip, whether for social media or a keepsake, with minimal time investment.
3. Historic Downtown Ghost Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $27.86 per person
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
For those intrigued by stories of the supernatural and local legends, this ghost tour offers a fascinating stroll through Puerto Vallarta’s haunted streets. The private guide will take you through Parque Hidalgo, Plaza Malecon, and past the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, sharing ghost stories and legends rooted in the city’s past. The tour ends at Isla Cuale, famous for a legend of a ghostly presence, adding a thrill to the experience.
This tour’s strength is in its storytelling—recounting classical ghost stories and folklore—and its ability to connect you with Mexico’s cultural attitude toward spirits and ancestors. The small-group format makes it more intimate, and the storytelling is lively and well-researched. At just under $28, it’s an affordable way to add a spooky twist to your visit.
The review mentions the tour’s educational and cultural richness, making it more than just a jump-scare experience. It’s suitable for those interested in Mexico’s haunted heritage and local customs.
Bottom Line: A fun, atmospheric tour for history and ghost story enthusiasts who enjoy a little suspense and cultural depth.
$27.86 per person
4. Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Mexican Village Tour: El Tuito
Rating: 4.0/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $49.50 per person
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
This guided day trip offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican village life at El Tuito, a 400+ year old farming community. The journey begins with scenic views along Puerto Vallarta’s coast, then inland through a small mountain pass, where you’ll see old houses amid jungle canopies. Once in El Tuito, you explore a small town filled with historic architecture, colorful markets, and hillside farms.
The tour includes a visit to Hacienda del Oro, overlooking the river valley, and a chance to wander the local streets, meeting artisans and farmers. It’s perfect for those interested in local craftsmanship and rural traditions. Travelers love the chance to see Puerto Vallarta beyond its beaches, experiencing authentic life in a peaceful setting.
While some reviews mention the scenery and the chance to see how locals live, others note the tour is a good value for a full day of exploration. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural insights, and a slower pace. The 7-hour duration makes it a full, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to see how real Mexicans live outside the tourist zones, with a relaxed, educational vibe.
5. Puerto Vallarta History and Culture with Flavors Discovery
Rating: 3.0/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $47.00 per person
Duration: 5 hours
This shorter tour is perfect for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. It packs city highlights like the Malecón, Plaza de Armas, and the Tequila Museum into just five hours. The focus is on Mexican culture through food and drink, with tastings at the Chocolate Museum, a local restaurant, and the Tequila Museum. You’ll also enjoy a guided walk through downtown, learning about Puerto Vallarta’s origins and modern life.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of cultural sightseeing with local flavors, making it accessible and engaging for first-time visitors. The included tastings and the visit to the Tequila Museum make it more than just a walk—it’s a sensory experience. The price of $47 offers good value for a half-day of exploration, especially considering the included tastings.
Guests have enjoyed the guide’s friendly and informative style, and the lunch is noted as excellent. It’s best suited for those on cruise ships or with tight schedules but still eager to experience Puerto Vallarta’s essence.
Bottom Line: A compact, flavor-filled introduction to Puerto Vallarta for time-conscious travelers.
$47.00 per person
6. From Puerto Vallarta: San Pancho and Sayulita Cultural Tour
Rating: Not specified
Price: $79 per person
Duration: 8 hours
This adult gay-friendly cultural tour explores two lively towns: San Pancho, known as the “Capital of Art,” and the colorful, bohemian town of Sayulita. The day begins with a scenic drive along the coast, then a guided tour of San Pancho’s art galleries and artisan shops. Afterward, you’ll have about two hours of free time in Sayulita to wander, shop, and soak in the vibrant street life.
Highlights include enjoying local seafood and exploring the unique, laid-back atmosphere of each town. The tour is flexible, allowing you to choose how to spend your free time, making it ideal for those who like a mix of guided and independent exploration. The group-friendly vibe, with the emphasis on comfort and inclusivity, adds to its appeal.
At $79, it offers an immersive cultural experience at a reasonable price, especially suited for those interested in art, local life, and a relaxed pace. The tour’s length allows for a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: A great choice for art lovers and those wanting a relaxed, inclusive look at Nayarit’s artistic coastal towns.
$79 per person
7. Puerto Vallarta Historical City Tour
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $38.00 per person
Duration: 5 hours
This tour offers a comprehensive look at Puerto Vallarta’s urban history and landmarks. The itinerary includes walking through the city’s core, visiting the Malecón, and exploring key sites like the Mercado Rio Cuale and the Zona Romántica. Highlights include enjoying the city’s architectural gems and learning about its development from a small fishing village to a vibrant tourist hub.
Though it currently has no reviews, the $38 price makes it an attractive, budget-friendly option for travelers who prefer a self-guided style with guided highlights. It suits those interested in a flexible, laid-back day focusing on city landmarks, local markets, and cultural stories.
This tour works well for independent-minded travelers who want a structured yet customizable city experience at an affordable price.
Bottom Line: Good for budget travelers wanting a straightforward, city-centric tour with flexibility.
$38.00 per person
8. Private Panoramic and Cultural Tour of Puerto Vallarta
Rating: Not specified
Price: $550 per group (up to 14)
Duration: 5–6 hours
This private tour is designed for groups who prefer a personalized experience. You’ll visit local neighborhoods like Pitillal, walk the Malecón, and explore the Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale, with the option to customize stops based on your interests. The tour includes a walk through historic districts, offering insight into the city’s evolution and local life.
The benefit is flexibility—your group can choose what sights appeal most, and the guide will adapt accordingly. It’s a more relaxed way to see Puerto Vallarta at your own pace, with the added comfort of a private vehicle and guide.
At $550 for up to 14 people, this tour offers excellent value for groups wanting a tailored experience. It’s ideal for families or friends who prefer a private, leisurely exploration over a rigid schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking a customizable, private experience that covers the city’s highlights without the rush.
$550.00 per group (up to 14)
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour in Puerto Vallarta
When deciding which tour best suits your interests, consider your budget, physical activity level, and curiosity. If you’re eager to learn about local cuisine and rural traditions, the Pueblos Cultural Tour is a fantastic full-day option. For capturing memories, the Photo Shoot provides professional photos with minimal hassle. Ghost story lovers will enjoy the Historic Downtown Ghost Walking Tour, and those interested in authentic Mexican village life should consider the El Tuito tour.
If your schedule is tight, the Culture and Flavors tour offers a taste of the city’s highlights with local tastings. For groups or couples wanting a personalized experience, the Private Panoramic Tour allows customization and comfort.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the photo shoot or private tours. Consider your travel style—whether you prefer a full-day immersion, a quick cultural snapshot, or something spooky—and pick the tour that best fits your adventure.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta offers a surprising variety of historical and cultural tours for all interests. Whether you want to walk through colonial streets, explore traditional villages, or capture unforgettable photos, there’s something for all. For a well-rounded experience, the Pueblos Cultural Tour provides an excellent blend of food, history, and scenery, while the Ghost Walking Tour adds a fun, spooky dimension. If privacy and customization are your priority, the Private Panoramic Tour is hard to beat.
No matter which you choose, booking early will help secure spots and ensure you get the most out of your time in this vibrant city. Dive into Puerto Vallarta’s stories and traditions—you’ll find that history is never far behind the surf and sand.