Playa del Carmen: Taco Tour & Pulque Tasting with Pickup

Summary

Eat tacos in Playa del Carmen, sip pulque and wander 5th Avenue after

You’ll eat your way through Playa del Carmen with stops at real-deal taquerías, learn to press tortillas by hand, sip Mexico’s oldest drink (pulque), and try your hand at mixing margaritas. Guided by locals and ending with dessert plus time to wander vibrant 5th Avenue—this is more than just a taco tour; it’s a slice of everyday Mexico you can taste.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a couple tacos in before I realized how much I’d underestimated the whole thing. Playa del Carmen’s streets were still waking up—someone was hosing down the sidewalk, a kid zipped past on a bike—and our guide, Diego, waved us toward a tiny taquería with no sign out front. The smell hit first: smoky pork and something citrusy. I tried to repeat the salsa’s name (Diego grinned; my accent was hopeless), then just gave up and ate. It was messy and perfect. I didn’t expect to laugh this much over lunch with strangers.

After that came the tortilla lesson. There’s something about pressing warm masa between your palms that makes you feel like you’re part of someone else’s kitchen for a second. My tortilla looked weirdly lopsided but nobody cared—especially not the abuela who showed me how to flip it right on the comal (she winked when mine stuck). We made our own margaritas too—mine was mostly lime juice because I got nervous pouring the tequila. Someone said pulque would “grow on me.” Not sure if it did, but it tasted like history more than anything else.

The tour ended with dessert (no spoilers) and then Diego led us down 5th Avenue where everything felt louder and brighter after all that food. I watched a vendor braid bracelets for a little girl while music played from somewhere behind us. It’s funny—I thought I’d just be eating tacos, but it felt more like being let in on something local for an afternoon. Still think about that first bite sometimes when I’m hungry at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taco adventure and 5th Avenue shopping

• Explore backroads of Playa del Carmen
• Eat traditional high-quality tacos
• Make your own margarita
• Make traditional tortillas and salsas
• Sample Pulque, Mexico’s oldest drink
• Enjoy a decadent dessert surprise
• Shop on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Playa del Carmen taco tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from most hotels in Riviera Maya is included.

Are vegetarian options available on this taco tour?

No, the tour is entirely meat-based with limited or no vegetarian options.

What drinks are included during the tour?

The tour includes pulque tasting, alcoholic drinks like margaritas, bottled water, and soft drinks.

Can children join this taco tour in Playa del Carmen?

The minimum age is 8 years old for participants.

How long does the taco tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including food stops and time on 5th Avenue.

Will we get to make our own tortillas or salsas?

Yes, there are hands-on activities for making tortillas and salsas during the tour.

Is dessert included in the experience?

Yes, a decadent dessert surprise is included before exploring 5th Avenue.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from most Riviera Maya hotels, all taco tastings at multiple stops, hands-on salsa and cocktail making sessions (yes—you’ll try your own margarita), pulque tasting—the oldest alcoholic drink in Mexico—plus bottled water to keep you going and dessert before strolling lively 5th Avenue with your local guide.