Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours

This food tour explores the everyday eating spots of Puerto Vallarta by vehicle rather than on foot. You ride in a 20-seat Mercedes Sprinter with a guide from Vallarta Food Tours and stop in several neighborhoods, namely Pitillal, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre and downtown Puerto Vallarta. The scheduled time is 270 minutes.

The point of the tour is to try regional dishes at places that visitors rarely find on their own. The operator says the portions are full-size samples, enough for a satisfying lunch. The tastings listed include barbacoa tacos, tortas ahogadas, tamales, atole, aguas frescas, coffee, a seafood tostada, birria tacos and flan. The included tasting count is given as seven, so not every dish listed may be at every stop.

The itinerary starts and ends at the same point and covers four different neighborhoods. Among the stops it lists are an iconic restaurant for fresh ceviche, a beachfront restaurant for flan, the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, where you eat at what the operator calls a hidden gem, and a stop for what it describes as the best tortas ahogadas in the bay. Each of these is listed at about 15 to 20 minutes.

This is a good choice for food-minded travelers who want a broad view of local cooking in one afternoon. It is described as wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. A vegetarian option is available if you ask at the time of booking.

On the practical side, the price includes bottled water, seven tastings, the food tour guide and transportation. Alcoholic drinks are sold separately, and gratuities and hotel pickup are not included. Tell the operator about any dietary requirements when you book. The listing gives no meeting point, so confirm where the tour starts in your booking details.