Puerto Vallarta: Road Food Tour with Tastings & Local Guide

Summary

Puerto Vallarta food tour by van sampling tacos tortas ceviche flan

You’ll ride through Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhoods tasting everything from barbacoa tacos to beachside flan with a local guide leading the way. Expect real stories behind every dish, plenty of laughs in the van, and enough flavors for a full lunch — plus transport and water included. It’s more than just eating; you’ll feel part of the city for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I signed up for this Puerto Vallarta food tour mostly because I was curious — not just about the food, but what it’d feel like weaving through neighborhoods I’d never see on my own. The van was already buzzing when I climbed in, people swapping guesses about what we’d try first. Our guide, Paola, greeted us with that relaxed warmth you only get from someone who actually loves their city. She handed out bottled water and told us to pace ourselves — “seven stops,” she grinned, “and you’ll want room for dessert.”

The first stop was Pitillal. It’s not the postcard part of town; honestly, that’s what made it interesting. We ate barbacoa tacos so juicy they dripped down my wrist (no shame), and Paola explained how each family does their marinade differently. There was laughter when someone tried to pronounce “tortas ahogadas” — I won’t say who. The bread soaks up the spicy sauce in a way that’s both messy and perfect. At one point, a local vendor waved at us from her stall and shouted something I half-understood — felt like being let in on a secret.

By Versalles, the air started smelling faintly sweet — tamales steaming somewhere nearby. We sampled atole too, which is warm and thick and somehow comforting even though it was pretty hot outside. The seafood tostada at 5 de Diciembre was so fresh I could taste the lime before anything else hit my tongue. There were moments of quiet between bites, everyone just kind of nodding at each other like: okay, this is good.

We ended downtown with flan at a spot right on the beach. Sunlight flickered off the waves while Paola told us how her grandmother used to make flan for birthdays. Maybe it was the sea breeze or maybe just being full and happy after all those tastings, but I still think about that moment sometimes — sticky caramel on my spoon, sand underfoot, feeling like I’d seen a side of Puerto Vallarta most visitors miss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Food tour of Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods

• Start at meeting point
• Visit Pitillal neighborhood
• Eat fresh ceviche at iconic restaurant
• Explore 5th of December neighborhood
• Eat at hidden gem in 5th of December
• Try tortas ahogadas in the bay
• Enjoy flan at beachfront restaurant
• End at starting point

Top questions

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

Your ticket includes seven full-portion tastings across several neighborhoods.

Does this food tour include transportation between stops?

Yes, you travel between stops in a 20-seat Mercedes Sprinter van with your group.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Which neighborhoods do we visit during the tour?

The tour covers Pitillal, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, and downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Are drinks provided during the food tour?

Bottled water is included throughout the experience; other drinks may be available for purchase at stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants/small children can join in strollers or prams.

What kind of dishes will we try on this day trip?

You’ll sample barbacoa tacos, tortas ahogadas, tamales, atole, seafood tostada, birria tacos, aguas frescas, coffee, and flan.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable van transport between four Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods with seven generous tastings (enough for lunch), bottled water along the way, and guidance from a knowledgeable local who shares stories behind each dish as you go.