Puerto Vallarta: Evening Taco Food Tour & Street Eats

Summary

Puerto Vallarta evening food walk with tacos marlin & agave drinks

You’ll wander Puerto Vallarta’s backstreets with a local guide, tasting seven different tacos (including fish and marlin) plus an agave cocktail as night falls. Expect laughter at family-run stands, new flavors like beef cheek or stuffed peppers, and the easy feeling of belonging—even if your Spanish is terrible.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a warm tortilla — I barely catch the name before it disappears under a heap of marinated pork. Our guide, Alex, grins and tells us this al pastor stand has been here longer than he’s been alive. There’s music coming from somewhere, maybe two streets over, and the air smells like grilled meat and lime. I try to copy how the locals squeeze salsa over their tacos (I get it everywhere). We’re in Emiliano Zapata but honestly, I’d have no idea if Alex wasn’t leading us — these streets twist around each other like they’re playing a joke on outsiders.

We stop at a family-run spot for fish tacos. The owner nods at us but keeps his eyes on the sizzling pan — he looks serious until someone cracks a joke about hot sauce and suddenly everyone’s laughing. That taco is crispy on the outside but soft inside, and there’s this smoky flavor I can’t quite place. Someone says it’s marlin next — I’ve never tried it before. It tastes richer than I expected, almost buttery? My hands are sticky from lime juice and it feels right not to care.

By the time we reach Centro, there’s more noise — kids darting between tables, people waving at each other across the street. Alex points out a cart selling cabeza (beef cheek), and I hesitate for half a second before just going for it. He tells us stories about each family running these stands; you can tell he actually knows them, not just reading off some script. At one point he tries to teach me how to say “gracias” with the right accent — I mess it up completely but nobody minds.

The last stop is this little bar where we get an agave cocktail — sweet but not too much, with that sharpness you only get here in Mexico. The light is softer now and everything feels slower somehow. I still think about that first bite of al pastor when I smell grilled onions back home. Anyway, if you’re into food tours or just want to see Puerto Vallarta at night without worrying about where to go or what to order… this evening taco adventure really sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening taco tasting tour in Puerto Vallarta

• Try a delicious fish taco
• Enjoy stuffed pepper tacos
• Have a delicious treat
• Taste the best marlin taco
• Learn about the famous pastor taco

Top questions

How many taco tastings are included on this Puerto Vallarta food tour?

The tour includes 7 different taco tastings during the evening walk.

Is there an agave cocktail included in the taco adventure?

Yes, you’ll enjoy an agave cocktail at El Tasting Room at the end of the tour.

Which neighborhoods does the evening food tour visit?

The tour explores Emiliano Zapata, Centro (Downtown), and 5 de Diciembre neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta.

What types of tacos will I try on this Puerto Vallarta street food tour?

You’ll taste carne asada, al pastor, fish tacos, marlin tacos, stuffed pepper tacos, and cabeza (beef cheek).

Are dietary requirements or allergies accommodated?

You should advise any specific dietary requirements or allergies when booking by filling out the ‘Special Requirements’ box.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included as part of your evening taco adventure in Puerto Vallarta.

Can infants or small children join this food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the tour start location.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through three lively neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta with seven unique taco tastings—think carne asada, fish, marlin—and ends with an agave cocktail at El Tasting Room. Bottled water is provided throughout so you won’t go thirsty along those bustling streets.