Puerto Vallarta: Signature Taco Walking Tour in Zona Romantica

Summary

Walk old town puerto vallarta tasting birria carnitas fish tacos

You’ll wander Old Town Puerto Vallarta with a local foodie guide, tasting birria tacos straight from the grill and sipping fresh agua fresca between bites of carnitas or fish tacos. Expect laughter over new flavors and a sweet pause for paletas at the end. This is more than lunch — it’s a few hours living inside PV’s best smells, sounds, and stories.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell — grilled meat, sweet corn tortillas, and something spicy in the air as we turned onto a narrow street in Zona Romantica. Our guide, Luis, waved us over to a tiny stand where a woman was stirring something deep red and bubbling. “Birria,” he said, and handed me a taco dripping with broth. I tried not to drop any on my shirt (failed). It was messy and perfect — rich, salty, with that little squeeze of lime that wakes everything up.

We wandered through Old Town Puerto Vallarta for what felt like hours but was really just over three. The sun kept peeking out between clouds and the colors of the buildings seemed brighter after every stop. Luis told stories about each taquero — who had the best carnitas (he swore by one place), which spot did shrimp tacos with just enough crunch. At one point he tried teaching us how to order “agua fresca” properly; Li laughed when I butchered it. The hibiscus one tasted like summer should taste.

I didn’t expect dessert but suddenly we were at a little cart picking out paletas — I went for coconut, which melted faster than I could eat it. There was this moment where everyone just stopped talking and let the cold sweetness do its thing. Even now, I can almost hear the street sounds behind us: music from an open window, someone calling out orders in Spanish, shoes scuffing on old stone sidewalks. If you’re thinking about doing this signature taco tour from Puerto Vallarta, just wear comfy shoes and come hungry — you’ll need both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Town Puerto Vallarta

• Meet bilingual foodie guide
• Stroll historic Emiliano Zapata neighborhood
• Sample birria and carnitas tacos
• Try fish tacos and regional specialties
• Enjoy dessert and Mexican candies
• Drink traditional agua fresca
• Receive bottled water and shopping bag
• View complimentary tour photos

Top questions

How long is the Signature Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and covers roughly 1.5 miles on foot.

Is food included on the Puerto Vallarta taco tour?

Yes, all food tastings are included—birria, carnitas, fish/shrimp tacos, agua fresca, dessert paleta or ice cream.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Limited vegetarian options are available; vegan or plant-based diets cannot be accommodated.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?

The tour focuses on Emiliano Zapata (Zona Romantica) in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for all guests throughout the walk.

Can infants join the taco tour?

Yes; infant tickets include one taco at your chosen stop, water, sweet bread, and a popsicle for dessert.

How many people are on each Signature Taco Tour?

The group size is small—maximum of 10 guests per tour.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Tours operate rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing if rain is forecasted.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all taco tastings—birria, carnitas, fish or shrimp tacos—plus traditional agua fresca drinks in different flavors. Bottled water is provided along with dessert (paleta or ice cream), complimentary photos from your local guide, and even a colorful shopping bag for adults booking tickets. Infants get their own set of snacks too before heading back into town full (and maybe a little sticky).