Puerto Vallarta: Night Street Taco Tour & Local Sweets Walk

Summary

Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town lights up with late-night tacos, laughter, and sweet surprises on foot

You’ll wander Puerto Vallarta’s lively Old Town by night with a local guide, tasting tacos hot off the grill and sipping agua fresca between stops. Expect five or more food tastings—from arrachera to cabeza—and finish with handmade ice cream or a popsicle before heading home full and happy.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down a narrow side street in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town when our guide, Carla, waved us over to a cart that smelled like grilled meat and lime. The city felt different at night—louder in some corners, softer in others. I could hear music spilling out from a bar somewhere behind us, but all my focus was on the sizzle coming from the grill. Carla handed me a taco—arrachera, she said—and I nearly burned my fingers because I was too impatient. It tasted smoky and bright at the same time. There was this older man next to us who grinned when he saw me go back for seconds. He told me his family had run that stand for decades.

I lost count of how many taco stops we made (five? six?) but each one had its own story. At one place we tried cabeza—I hesitated at first but Carla just smiled and said, “Trust me.” She was right. The tortillas were warm and soft, the salsa had this slow-building heat that made me laugh out loud when it hit. We walked between spots, passing painted walls and kids playing under string lights. Someone handed out little cups of agua fresca—cold, sweet, almost floral—and I remember thinking how good it felt after the spicy pork rib taco.

Somewhere near the end we stopped for handmade ice cream. The guy behind the counter let us sample flavors I’d never heard of (tamarind? cheese?). My Spanish is pretty bad but he laughed along with my attempts anyway. I still think about that first bite—creamy and cold after all those savory tacos. By then it was late but nobody seemed in any hurry to leave; people lingered on doorsteps or leaned against carts chatting with friends. I liked that pace—a little slower than home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening food tour in Old Town

• Stroll historic Old Town streets
• Sample 5 savory food stops
• Taste 6 to 8 tacos and foods
• Try handmade ice cream

Top questions

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

The tour includes around five savory food stops plus a dessert stop for handmade ice cream or a popsicle.

Is this street taco tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Vegetarian options are limited; the tour is not suitable for vegan or plant-based diets.

Are drinks included during the night taco walk?

Bottled water and traditional Mexican agua fresca are included during the tour.

Does this Puerto Vallarta food tour operate in rain?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included for this evening taco experience?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet your guide in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

Can infants join the night street food tour?

Infants can join; their ticket includes one taco at a location of choice, water, and a popsicle for dessert.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through Old Town Puerto Vallarta with multiple taco tastings (like arrachera and pastor), bottled water, traditional agua fresca between stops, photos from your tour, plus handmade ice cream or an ice pop to finish things off before you head back into the night.