Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta
Walking tours are the way to go in any city. Whenever we vacation in a new location, we seek out walking tours, the best way to learn about a place, its people, food, and culture. In Puerto Vallarta, we have Vallarta 101, a walking tour, in which you pay what you can afford. Some people have found their walks with a guide so valuable, they dish out as much as $50 USD per person, but you aren’t obligated to spend that much. You can pay as little as $5 USD, and still feel like a proper tourist. Mind you, these walks are first class and the experience is for everyone, young and old alike. The guides take you to unique places you’d rarely discover on your own. A normal tour is usually around two to three hours and you don’t pay until the end, giving you the chance to decide what your tour is worth to you. Locals with a command of English and Spanish will be your guides.
Walks last about an hour and a half and vary in their experiences. Some involved food, which you will receive advice on what to order and pay out of your own pocket (normally between $5 to $10 USD), or you could have a foodless tour. Old Town 101 is described as “a stroll with a friend through Vallarta’s most diverse and changing neighborhood”; Downtown 101 is comprised of the same but focuses on the historic and traditional neighborhoods. Small groups of up to six people make it easy to hear the guide and not miss any important details. Tours start at Los Arcos Amphitheater, across from the main plaza by the cathedral. The specific meeting place is by the benches and can be easily reached via taxi, Uber, bus or walking. A light rain will not deter plans for tours, but inclement weather will cancel the event.
A good example of a walk is the taco vegetarian stroll, where participants will visit up to five tacos locations in El Centro and Old Town that offer vegetarian fare. (There are also taco walks centering on meat and seafood.) On these walks, you’ll be advised on how to put together the tastiest taco with the most representative and authentic selections. You’ll walk away with confidence to order your own, both at street stands and in restaurants, plus be aware of pricing. There are no credit card exchanges so make sure to bring cash; dollars or pesos. For photos and more information, check out Vallarta 101 on Facebook and Instagram.