Breakfast Taco Tour with a Local Foodie

The tacos were amazing, but pairing it with a walking tour led by a wonderful local guide (shout out to Anna Lo!) who shared about the area, PV history, and food culture took it to the next level. It felt great to get more familiar with the area by walking around it, and since they keep the groups small it was really personal. Highly recommend Vallarta Local and would love to do more of their tours in the future!

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and want to eat like a local, Vallarta Local is the way to do it. This 100% Mexican, family-owned business—run by the incredible Cha-Cha and her wife—offers more than just a food tour. It’s a delicious deep-dive into the heart of the Romantica Zone, packed with culture, flavor, and community. Our tour started bright and early at Carnitas Don Gil, open daily from 8 to noon across from Los Mercados. We kicked things off with a crunchy carnitas taco—but if you want a personal tip, go for the taco dorado de papa con carnitas, sin chili. Pure crispy, savory heaven. Next up was Tacos Mi Esperanza, where we had a grilled steak quesadilla and a juicy, marinated pork taco that came with fresh-squeezed juice. Flavor-packed and satisfying. Then came Tacos de Cabeza Guzmán—a true local experience. These tacos are made from parts of the cow’s head. We went with neck and cheek (so tender!), but adventurous eaters can go for brain and other cuts. At Tacos Chanfay, we were served a crunchy birria taco with a side of rich birria broth—absolutely mind-blowing. A must-try for any taco lover. One of the most unique stops was Tortillería AltaVista, where we got to see firsthand how tortillas are made fresh daily. The smell alone was incredible, and learning the process gave us a new appreciation for every taco we ate after. Our last savory stop was Marisma Seafood for what I can honestly call the best fish taco of my life—a smoked marlin tostada that was bursting with flavor. The marlin was cooked to perfection, and again, all family-run and full of heart. We were too full for dessert, but the final stop is usually La Michoacana, known for its wide variety of popsicles, sorbet, ice cream, and juices. If your stomach allows it, definitely go for it. What makes Vallarta Local stand out isn’t just the amazing food—it’s the connection to the community. Every business they partner with gives back, and Vallarta Local itself supports a local charity monthly. You’re not just eating, you’re contributing. They also offer tequila tastings and photo shoots, so you can make a full experience of it. I highly recommend booking a food tour early in your trip so you know exactly where to go back for seconds (and thirds). Just make sure to come hungry—the amount of food is no joke!

My boyfriend and I had a great tour today with AnnaLo! She was super fun and easy to talk to and was very knowledgeable on the area/the taco stands we visited! It was a great way to start our vacation as we already know where we want to go back to eat! Would recommend to anyone visiting Puerto Vallarta to learn about the city and taste authentic food! Really nice way to support local as well!