Puerto Vallarta: City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Local Guide

3.82

(33 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I stepped off the bus in Puerto Vallarta and instantly felt that sticky sea breeze — you know, the kind that smells like salt and grilled fish from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Javier, waved us over with a grin and started walking us down the Malecón. It was louder than I expected: music from open bars, kids chasing pigeons, someone selling bracelets. I kept stopping to look at the ocean but also at these wild bronze sculptures lining the walkway. Javier told us stories about them — some funny, some kind of sad. I liked that he didn’t rush us.

We ducked into the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe next. I’m not religious but there was something about the hush inside — cool stone under my hands, candles flickering by old women whispering prayers. The ceiling looked almost painted on with light. Outside again it was noisy and bright; someone handed me a piece of candied coconut (too sweet but I ate it anyway). The main keyword here is city tour Puerto Vallarta, but honestly it felt more like wandering around with a local friend who knew all the shortcuts.

Later we drove out to Mismaloya — jungle closing in on both sides, windows down so you could smell wet earth and something floral I still can’t name. Lunch wasn’t included but we stopped at this place called El Patio where everyone seemed to know each other. There was laughter and clinking glasses and one guy tried to teach me how to say “gracias” properly (I failed). The last stop was the tequila distillery at Rancho Verano. The air smelled sharp and grassy in there; we learned about barrels and aging, then tasted three kinds — one burned going down but in a good way? Javier laughed when I made a face.

I keep thinking about that first moment on the Malecón — how alive everything felt. If you’re looking for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta that’s more than just checking boxes, this city tour is probably it. Not perfect or fancy, just real people showing you their city.