Cultural Walking Tour Eating, Shopping and Highlights of Vallarta

This walking tour through downtown Puerto Vallarta mixes food, culture and shopping in about four hours and roughly 3.5 km (2.2 miles). The route covers the Malecón boardwalk, the Romantic Zone and Isla Río Cuale, with several stops at eateries along the way. It is designed for first-time visitors who want to get oriented, learn some local history and pick up souvenirs.

The walk begins with food. Before reaching the boardwalk, you stop at two or three eateries near the meeting point, and once on the Malecón your guide explains a little of Puerto Vallarta's history, the meaning behind its decorative design, Huichol art and the symbolism of several sculptures. Whenever possible the guide also talks about the history of corn in Mexico and the dish you are eating at each stop. Tacos, empanadas, sopes and shrimp tostadas are among the foods mentioned.

From there the route passes through the nightclub district and the heart of the boardwalk: the Puerto Vallarta letters, the Aquiles Serdán open-air theater, the Main Square, City Hall and the church, with time for photos and anecdotes. A later stop is a jewelry store, where you can use the restroom and have a refreshment, and there is free time to look around and visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The tour also mentions Los Muertos Pier and the local artisan markets.

In the last stretch the group heads south to more eateries and, if time permits, to a place where you learn about alebrijes. The guide then checks how much energy and appetite the group has left. If everyone is still hungry, you take a longer walk past the Elizabeth Taylor house to another eatery; if not, you take a shortcut, do the artisanal tequila tasting followed by a candy tasting and finish in front of the largest craft market in downtown.

Expect moderate walking on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or guests with limited mobility, and travelers should have at least a moderate fitness level. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Included are street food from a variety of eateries, a bottle of water, a flavored water sample and the tequila tasting, plus the historical commentary. Tips for the guide (who handles tipping at the eateries) and for the host at the tequila tasting, and souvenirs, are not included. The listing does not list a meeting point, so confirm it when you book.