In 2026, Vallarta Eats Food Tours celebrates 15 years as Puerto Vallarta’s original taco tour and food tour company — proudly known as PV’s Original Food Tour. Gay-owned and operated since day one, Vallarta Eats has witnessed Puerto Vallarta’s transformation from a beloved beach destination into one of Mexico’s most talked-about culinary tourism hotspots.
What began as a simple idea rooted in community pride has grown into one of the most trusted food tours in Puerto Vallarta, introducing thousands of travelers to authentic local cuisine while reshaping how visitors experience the city beyond the hotel zone. For travelers planning a longer stay, Vallarta Eats fits naturally into a broader list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, alongside cultural events, beach experiences, and seasonal festivals that define the destination year-round.
The Story Behind Puerto Vallarta’s Original Food Tour
Founded in 2011 by Puerto Vallarta ex-pat Eric Wichner, Vallarta Eats was created during a time when Puerto Vallarta faced a growing wave of negative and often misleading narratives around safety. Wichner, who adored the city and called it home, saw an opportunity to change perceptions — not through messaging, but through food, culture, and personal connection.
“There was a huge need,” Wichner has explained, to reframe how people saw Puerto Vallarta. His solution was simple and powerful: invite visitors into the neighborhoods, introduce them to the people behind the food, and let the city speak for itself.
The inspiration came after Wichner experienced a taco tour in Mexico City. “Halfway through the tour, I knew my purpose,” he said — a realization that would lead to the launch of Puerto Vallarta’s first dedicated taco and food tour experience.
A Gay-Owned Business Helping Shape Puerto Vallarta Food Tourism
From the beginning, Vallarta Eats stood out not just for its food, but for its values. As a gay-owned business, it naturally became part of the broader LGBTQ+ travel ecosystem in Puerto Vallarta — a city long recognized for its inclusive spirit and vibrant community.
Under new ownership since 2023, Vallarta Eats continues its founding mission. Stephen Castrianni, who previously served as the company’s marketing consultant, stepped into ownership with a deep understanding of both the brand and the city.
Today, Vallarta Eats remains committed to bridging cultural gaps by welcoming guests from around the world and inviting them into parts of Puerto Vallarta that may feel enticing, yet unfamiliar.
“My favorite thing to read in a review,” Castrianni says, “is when guests thank us for introducing them to foods and local spots they never would have discovered on their own.”
How Vallarta Eats Introduces Visitors to Local Food Safely
One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether it’s safe to explore local food in Puerto Vallarta. Vallarta Eats has been answering that question for 15 years — not with words, but with experience.
By guiding guests through trusted taco stands, family-run fondas, and long-standing neighborhood favorites, Vallarta Eats removes uncertainty and replaces it with confidence, context, and connection. For many visitors, a guided food tour becomes one of the most memorable and reassuring experiences of their trip.
This approach has helped position food tours as one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, especially for travelers who want to go beyond the resort experience without sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.
Puerto Vallarta’s Food Scene: Then and Now
As Puerto Vallarta has grown, so has its culinary landscape. What “local food” meant in 2011 is not the same as it is today — and Vallarta Eats has evolved alongside it.
Castrianni notes that new generations are stepping in to preserve their families’ decades-old taco carts, fondas, and culinary legacies. These younger operators honor tradition while embracing new influences brought by the diversity of modern Puerto Vallarta.
“There are new generations stepping in to keep their family’s food traditions alive,” he explains, “while finding ways to reflect the Vallarta of today.”
This evolution has helped solidify Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a destination where authentic Mexican cuisine, global influence, and culinary creativity coexist. For a complete list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta visit out Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta page.
A 15-Year Legacy of Food, Culture, and Community
Now in its 15th year, Vallarta Eats continues to operate with the same pride and respect that defined its earliest tours. The company remains deeply connected to the city and the communities it showcases — a relationship built on trust, consistency, and shared success.
“As Puerto Vallarta grows and evolves, so will Vallarta Eats,” Castrianni says, “with great pride and deep respect for the city we get to call home.”
For many travelers, Vallarta Eats represents more than a tour. It becomes part of why Puerto Vallarta is remembered not just as a destination, but as “my happy place.”
(Suggested internal link: GAYPV LGBTQ+ Travel in Puerto Vallarta anchor page)
Why Food Tours Are a Must-Do Experience in Puerto Vallarta
Food tours have become a cornerstone of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism experience because they offer something few activities can: authentic connection. Through food, visitors gain insight into daily life, regional flavors, and the people who make the city what it is.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to earn global recognition as a culinary destination, Vallarta Eats stands as a reminder that meaningful travel starts at street level — one taco, one story, and one shared table at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vallarta Eats & Puerto Vallarta Food Tours
Is Vallarta Eats the original food tour in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Vallarta Eats was founded in 2011 and is widely recognized as Puerto Vallarta’s original taco and food tour company.
Is Vallarta Eats gay-owned?
Yes. Vallarta Eats has been gay-owned and operated since its founding and remains proudly LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Are food tours in Puerto Vallarta safe for visitors?
Guided food tours like Vallarta Eats are considered one of the safest ways to explore local cuisine, as they focus on trusted vendors and experienced routes.
What type of food does Vallarta Eats showcase?
Tours typically feature tacos, fondas, and family-run eateries that represent traditional and contemporary Puerto Vallarta cuisine.
Why are food tours popular with LGBTQ+ travelers in Puerto Vallarta?
Food tours provide a welcoming, social, and culturally immersive experience — making them especially appealing to LGBTQ+ travelers seeking connection beyond nightlife and resorts.
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
