Let me tell you about one of our absolute FAVORITE things to do in Puerto Vallarta: and it's something we do at least once a week when we're staying at our puerto vallarta rentals old town.
There's nothing quite like wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town as the sun starts to dip, grabbing tacos from cart to cart, and watching the sky turn pink and orange above the cathedral. It's romantic, it's delicious, and it's sooo authentically PV.
Why Old Town Is Perfect for a Taco Crawl
Old Town (we locals call it Zona Romantica, but it's all the same magical neighborhood) is dense with taco stands, street vendors, and tiny mom-and-pop spots. You can walk from one to the next in minutes, and each one has its own vibe and specialty.
The streets come alive around 5 PM when vendors start setting up their carts. By 6 PM, the smell of grilled meat, fresh cilantro, and lime fills the air.
We love starting our crawl around golden hour because the lighting is AMAZING for photos and the temperature is perfect for walking. Plus, you can catch some of those sunset views we've raved about before.
Our Tried-and-True Taco Crawl Route
We've been doing this for years, and we've got our route down to a science. Start near the Olas Altas area and work your way toward the Rio Cuale.
Stop #1: We always kick things off with fish tacos at one of the beachside carts along Olas Altas. The crispy battered fish with cabbage, crema, and a squeeze of lime is the perfect opener.
Stop #2: Next, we head inland toward Basilio Badillo Street. There's a pastor cart that sets up near the corner around 6 PM, and honestly, it's some of the best al pastor we've ever had. The pineapple they grill on top? Chef's kiss.
Stop #3: By now, we're ready for something a bit different. We grab birria tacos from a little stand tucked into one of the side streets. The consommé is rich and flavorful, and dipping the tacos is sooo satisfying.
Stop #4: Our final stop is usually near the Rio Cuale for pescado tacos or camarones (shrimp). The vendors near the river always have the freshest seafood, and eating by the water as the sun sets is pure bliss.
What Makes This Crawl Special
It's not just about the food: though trust me, the food is INCREDIBLE. It's about the experience.
You're walking hand-in-hand down streets lined with bougainvillea. You're hearing live music drifting from nearby bars. You're chatting with vendors who remember you from last time and ask how you've been.
There's something really intimate about sharing small plates of tacos together. You can try each other's choices, compare flavors, and debate which cart has the best salsa verde (spoiler: they're all amazing).
And honestly? It's one of the most affordable dates you can have. Each taco costs just a few pesos, so you can eat until you're stuffed without breaking the bank.
Tips from Someone Who Does This Weekly
Bring cash. Most street vendors don't take cards. We usually carry around 300-400 pesos for two people, and that's MORE than enough for a full crawl with drinks.
Don't fill up too fast. Start with one or two tacos per stop. You want to save room for the variety!
Ask for recommendations. Vendors are super friendly and will tell you what's best that day. Sometimes they'll even make you something off-menu if they like you.
Go with an open mind. Some carts look sketchy, but that's often where the magic happens. If you see locals lined up, join them.
Skip the tourist traps. If there's a menu in English and a guy trying to wave you in, keep walking. The best spots are humble, cash-only, and run by families who've been doing this for decades.
Why Couples Love This Date Idea
We've recommended this to so many couples staying in our condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta, and everyone comes back raving about it.
It's interactive, it's adventurous, and it feels like you're discovering hidden gems together. There's no pressure to dress up or sit through a long formal meal: it's casual, fun, and real.
Plus, if you're the type who loves to take photos (guilty!), every corner of Old Town is Instagram-worthy. Check out our feed @the_pvkid for some of our favorite taco crawl shots.
Pairing Your Crawl with Other Old Town Experiences
If you want to make a full evening of it, start with coffee at one of the cozy morning spots in the afternoon. Get energized, then head out for your crawl as the sun starts to set.
After you've stuffed yourselves with tacos, take a walk down to Los Muertos Beach. The pier is lit up at night, and it's one of the most romantic spots in town.
Or, if you're still hungry (somehow), grab dessert from one of the gelato shops on Olas Altas. We love ending the night with a scoop of mango sorbet while sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean.
A Word About Staying Close to the Action
One of the reasons we LOVE this crawl so much is because we can walk straight out of our rental and be in the heart of it all within minutes.
When you're staying in Old Town, everything is walkable. You don't need taxis, you don't need to plan transportation: you just step out your door and you're already in the best neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta.
Adriana, our go-to local contact, always says the same thing: "Old Town is where the soul of PV lives." And she's so right.
Final Thoughts: Do This at Least Once
Look, I know there are fancy restaurants and resort dining experiences in Puerto Vallarta. But if you want to taste the REAL city: the one locals love: you need to do a taco crawl in Old Town.
It's delicious, it's romantic, and it's one of those experiences you'll still be talking about years later. Highly recommended.
Grab your partner, bring some cash, and get ready to eat the best tacos of your life. Trust me on this one.
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