About Us

At Vallarta Food Tours, our mission is to help visitors and residents alike experience the very best of Puerto Vallarta by uncovering the city’s hidden gems. We take you off the beaten path to explore “non-touristy” food, drinks, and cultural treasures, offering an authentic and flavorful journey through this beautiful destination.

Founded in 2011, our company was the brainchild of Paul and Lindsay Mayer, whose hearts were stolen by Mexico. Paul, born in Mexico City, and Lindsay, originally from Portland, have called Puerto Vallarta home for over 17 years. Both of their boys were born here, proudly earning the nickname “pata saladas” (or salty feet, a term for locals). Their deep love for Puerto Vallarta—its people, culture, and stunning natural beauty—inspired them to create the city’s finest culinary tours.

Driven by passion and curiosity, we tasted our way through Puerto Vallarta to create a world-class experience for our guests. From sampling the perfect mole to savoring traditional regional dishes, sipping refreshing tuba water, and discovering fresh ceviche from one of the best vendors in the country, we’ve curated tours that showcase the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine.

The Vallarta Food Tour Philosophy

As the #1 Rated Tour Company in Vallarta, our goal at Vallarta Food Tours and Vallarta Mexology Tours is to help people experience the depth of Vallarta by awakening taste buds and encouraging discovery. You may think of us as guides, but we think of ourselves as storytellers, showcasing each neighborhood through its local people, unique places, and outstanding food and drinks.

From our humble beginnings in 2011 to today, there are a few key principles that continue to guide us:

• Love the Journey of Discovery: Every corner of Vallarta offers something new to learn, taste, and experience.
• Have a Passion for Adventure: We embrace the thrill of exploration and invite you to join us in celebrating the unexpected.
• Variety Is the Spice of Life: Whether it’s tacos, mole, cocktails, or ceviche, we’re passionate about offering diverse flavors and experiences.
• Authenticity Is Priceless: We honor and celebrate the traditions, stories, and people that make Vallarta so special.

We love Vallarta and can’t wait to show you why you should too!

Why Choose Us?

• Passionate Local Team: With a team of passionate locals—including 6 federally licensed guides, chefs, mixologists, and other incredible individuals who love this city—you’ll get the insider’s view of Puerto Vallarta’s food and culture and most of our team has been with us over 6 years with our oldest Manuel at 11 years. 

• Empowered Guides: Our guides are the highest-paid in the city and co-owners of our business. By supporting them, we ensure your experience is led by passionate, knowledgeable, and motivated locals who truly love what they do.

• Celebrating Diversity: We embrace what makes each of our guides, partners, and guests unique, celebrating authentic stories and experiences that make every tour special.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Award-Winning Tours: Vallarta Food Tours is proud to be recognized globally for our outstanding culinary and cultural experiences.

  • 2011: Founded to showcase the best of Puerto Vallarta.
  • 2018: Awarded Best Tour by TripSavvy.
  • 2019: Recognized as Best Tour by GetYourGuide and ranked as the #4 Culinary Experience in the World by TripAdvisor.
  • 2020: Ranked as the #5 Experience in the World by TripAdvisor.
  • 2023: Our Taste of Pitillal Tour was named one of the Top 25 Tours in the World by TripAdvisor, selected from tens of thousands of tours worldwide.
  • 2023 & 2024: Honored with the title of best food experience in North America by Arival Travel for two consecutive years.

• Trusted by Media & Industry Leaders: Our tours have been featured and recommended by Hello Magazine, PBS, London Evening Standard, Thrillist, Lonely Planet, Travel Channel, Vallarta Tribune, ABC News, Arival, GetYourGuide, and many more.

• Knowledgeable, Local Expertise: Our guides live, breathe, and love Puerto Vallarta, offering authentic and personal insights that make every tour special.

• More Than Food: Our tours go beyond tastings, providing cultural insights and tips to help you explore and enjoy this vibrant city with confidence.

• Exceptional Experiences: Every tour is thoughtfully designed to create unforgettable memories, from the first bite to the final sip.

• Flexible and Friendly Policies: Life happens, and we’re here to help. We offer a full refund for cancellations up to 48 hours before your tour and, in extreme cases, even allow cancellations within an hour of the tour.

Come With Open Hearts, Minds, and Stomachs

Our tours are more than tastings—they’re adventures into the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta. We recommend starting your trip with one of our tours to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant flavors, history, and culture. By the end, you’ll feel like a local, armed with insider tips and a newfound appreciation for everything Vallarta has to offer.

Bring your curiosity and your appetite, and let us take you on a delicious journey you’ll never forget. We can’t wait to share the very best of Puerto Vallarta with you!