Puerto Vallarta: Bikes and Bites Tour

Exploring Puerto Vallarta on two wheels while sampling its delicious local food might be one of the most fun ways to get to know this vibrant coastal city. This Bikes and Bites Tour offers a unique mix of sightseeing and tasting, providing not just a quick taste of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene but also a chance to see the city from a different perspective. We’ve looked into this tour, and from the enthusiastic reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like an experience worth considering.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who take you beyond the typical tourist spots and introduce you to authentic eateries. Second, the beautiful vistas along the bike route—think boardwalks, Old Town charm, and scenic streets. The main drawback? It’s a bike tour, meaning if you’re not comfortable riding or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. However, if you enjoy active outings and want to combine exercise with culinary discoveries, this tour is likely to delight. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a mix of local flavor, scenic views, and a bit of adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic Food: Sample dishes from local restaurants, street stalls, and artisan shops.
• Active Exploration: Cover more ground than a walking tour while staying energized.
• Scenic Routes: Ride along the boardwalk, through Old Town, and past iconic sights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience.
• Relaxing Finish: End with a cold beer or cocktail on the beach.
• All-Inclusive Price: $65 covers bike rental, all tastings, and your guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This 3-hour tour is a lively, engaging way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant culinary culture. Meeting at Vallarta Food Tours’ office, you’ll hop on a comfortable bike, ready for a fun ride that covers roughly 4.5 miles (7 km). The route is carefully curated to blend sightseeing with bites, making it ideal for those who prefer not to walk all day but still want to explore the city’s flavor and scenery.

The tour’s key charm lies in its variety of tastings. You’ll try everything from tacos and carnitas to sopes and ice cream, with stops at authentic restaurants and street food stalls. The guide will introduce you to local favorites, providing context and recommendations along the way. One review mentions a “great food and chocolate shop,” highlighting the variety of flavors on offer.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The tour begins at Vallarta Food Tours’ office, conveniently located at Av México 1193-A, in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood. This central meeting spot makes it easy to find and sets the tone for a relaxed, friendly experience. The guide will equip you with a bike, and you’ll get a quick safety briefing.

Bike Ride and Sightseeing: The route takes you along the bustling boardwalk, known locally as the Malecón, where you’ll see sculptures, street performers, and ocean views. From there, the ride drifts into Old Town, a colorful neighborhood full of charm, where narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant buildings offer plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll pass notable sights that may include market stalls, local shops, and scenic spots perfect for soaking in Puerto Vallarta’s lively atmosphere.

Food Stops: Along the way, your guide will stop at a variety of eateries—some traditional restaurants, others street food stands—serving regional specialties. Expect to try tacos, which are a staple, and carnitas—succulent slow-cooked pork—plus sopes, a thick tortilla topped with meat, beans, and cheese. One reviewer loved the “great tacos,” and another appreciated the “refreshing cocktail,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food.

Sweet Endings: The tour often concludes with a visit to a gelato shop or ice cream stand, offering a cool treat after the active ride. Some groups also enjoy a margarita or local beverage, although this depends on the specific day’s stops.

Final Stop at the Beach: The last portion of the tour brings you to the beach, where you can relax, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy a cold cerveza or cocktail. It’s a perfect way to unwind after the active portion of your day.

The Value of the Tour

For $65, this all-inclusive experience offers excellent value. It covers bike rental, all food tastings, and your guide’s expertise, making it a straightforward way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene without worrying about extra costs. Considering the variety of dishes, the scenic route, and the personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, it’s a good deal for those who want an active, authentic, and fun food experience.

Reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. One review calls their guide “amazing,” praising helpful suggestions and humor that make the tour memorable. The small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures a more personal, less rushed experience, which travelers often find more enjoyable.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts three hours and covers 4.5 miles, so it’s suitable for those comfortable on a bike. It typically runs in the morning, making it a great way to start your day. However, it’s not ideal if you have back problems, mobility issues, or are unable to ride, as cobblestone streets are part of the route. The final stop at the beach also means bringing along a towel or swimwear if you want to take a dip.

The tour begins promptly at the designated meeting point, and since it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, you’ll need to plan transportation to and from the meeting location.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Experiences and Highlights from Reviews

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides. One reviewer from the U.S. mentions how the guide was “very thorough,” while another from Canada noted how Homero, their guide, was “helpful, positive, polite, and had a great sense of humor.” This personal touch adds warmth and helps travelers feel at ease, enhancing the overall experience.

Taste-wise, guests rave about the quality of the food. One traveler remarked on the “great tacos” and “gelato,” while another appreciated the “refreshing cocktail” after a day of sightseeing. These tasty stops give a real taste of the local culinary scene—something you might find hard to discover on your own without local guidance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bike and bites experience is perfect for adventurous foodies who enjoy active outings and want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. It appeals especially to those who crave authentic flavors and a glimpse of everyday Puerto Vallarta life. The tour is less suitable if you’re uncomfortable riding a bike or have mobility restrictions, given the cobblestone streets and the physical demands of cycling.

Travelers looking to combine sightseeing with a social, relaxed atmosphere will find this tour rewarding. It’s also a good choice for small groups or couples wanting a private, personalized experience, thanks to the limited group size.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Vallarta Bikes and Bites Tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience the city’s culinary and scenic highlights in just three hours. With knowledgeable guides, authentic local food, and a scenic route along the Malecón and through Old Town, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant flavor and charming streets.

It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy an active, social experience, and who appreciate genuine cuisine. The value is high, given the range of tastings, bike rental, and the personalized touch from guides. If you’re comfortable on a bike and eager to explore Puerto Vallarta’s food scene in a fun, memorable way, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 3-hour guided bike ride, all tastings of regional dishes, and bike rental. You’ll also enjoy a cold beer or cocktail at the end.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, all tastings and drinks are included in the $65 price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for adults or those comfortable riding a bike. It’s not recommended for children who cannot ride or have mobility issues.

How long do the bike rides last?
You will bike approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) during the 3-hour tour.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, helpfulness, and depth of local knowledge, making the tour more enjoyable.

Can I participate if I don’t ride well?
It’s important to be comfortable on a bike; the route includes cobblestone streets, which can be challenging for some. If you have back problems or mobility issues, this might not be the best fit.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Vallarta Food Tours’ office at Av México 1193-A, in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, and ends at the beach.

What should I bring?
Bring your towel and swimwear if you want to swim at the beach. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are also recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, travelers need to make their own way to the meeting point, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve your spot online with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

The Puerto Vallarta Bikes and Bites Tour is a lively, tasty, and scenic way to get to know this colorful city. It’s a fun, active choice that offers genuine local flavor, guided by friendly experts who know the best spots. Perfect for those who love a bit of adventure along with their culinary discoveries.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby