Hike the Taco Trail in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
EAT
Puerto Vallarta’s food offerings start on the streets–wander around El Centro, or, better yet, book a Street Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours (vallartafoodtours.com). This 3.5-hour stroll lets you savor a range of surf-and-turf tacos (plus one churro stop!) from eight different stands and restaurants, each with a story behind its dish.
The tour’s final stop will have you rubbing your bulging barriga, sipping a Corona, and watching a taco artist expertly flick pieces of pineapple into savory piles of pork al pastor atop corn tortillas, aka the “king of all tacos.” For refined dining, head to the Zona Romántica; Makal (makalgastronomia.com) offers traditional Mexican with a modern twist, featuring a seven-course chef’s tasting menu that may include beef cheek tacos with oyster emulsion or grasshopper empanada with guacamole. ¡Qué rico!
True foodies should book a trip during several upcoming food festivals, including Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica (October 11–18, 2024, vallartanayaritgastronomica.com), or Festival Gourmet International (Nov. 7–17, festivalgourmet.com.mx).
PLAY
Start with a self-guided stroll down the Malecon, a seaside boardwalk filled with public art, vendors, and views of the beach, bay, and Sierra Madre Mountains. Then perhaps take a boat trip to Banderas Bay, with a snorkeling stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya. Or drive south to Vallarta Botanical Gardens to hike the garden trails, take a dip in the river, admire the orchid house, and stay for lunch and drinks at the on-site Restaurant Hacienda de Oro.
For a free urban expedition, walk up to the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz for incredible views. There is a plethora of forest hiking in the area as well, often including various combinations of coastal trails and waterfalls; two nearby options are Palo Maria Waterfall or Playa Colomitos, but scores of longer trails abound in the surrounding mountains. If visiting between December and March, be sure to book a humpback whale-watching tour as well.
STAY
For an adults-only retreat in a quiet part of town, Casa Velas (hotelcasavelas.com) offers luxury all-inclusive accommodations reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, including 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Located on Marina
Vallarta’s golf course, the hotel provides access to Táu Beach Club, a spa, and gourmet dining at Emiliano restaurant, all only a few blocks away via shuttle. Families can opt for Velas Vallarta, a sprawling all-inclusive resort with 345 suites, multiple restaurants, a kids club, and nightly entertainment. There are plenty of budget places too, including a variety of super affordable hostels. Ten to Ten Puerto Vallarta (ten-to-ten.puerto-vallartahotels.com) has 10 private rooms in a stunning central location, plus a bar and lounge (no curfew, no children), and gets consistently good reviews.
All photos by Cameron Martindell
