
*Disclosure: I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board and I received compensation for this post, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
As an avid traveler, I love to getting recommendations on the top affordable places to visit for a trip that will fulfill my desire to experience amazing food and natural beauty. I can’t tell you how many times I have been told by friends, family and travelers that I have met how much they love the culinary scene of Puerto Vallarta! I confess that I have not been yet but I do love Mexico – I have traveled extensively to Mexico and know that the next trip I take to Mexico will definitely be to Puerto Vallarta. I love wine and tapas so I know for sure that the International Gourmet Festival will be the place to explore the cuisine of PV.
Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty is a source of inspiration for chefs from Mexico and around the world who create an exciting amalgam of flavors that blend traditional Mexican ingredients with contemporary tastes from around the globe.
20th edition featuring the talent of over 30 world renowned Chefs- International Gourmet Festival
In November Puerto Vallarta’s International Gourmet Festival, celebrates its 20th edition featuring the talent of over 30 world renowned Chefs representing National and European restaurants from all over the world to create delicacies to delight any palate! The festival has attracted over 350,000 gourmet fans since 1995.

There will be chef tastings, culinary safaris, sensorial tastings and themed nights offering distinct dishes from cities from around the world. Top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta’s different zones will be participating, starting with La Leche and Thierry’s Prime Steakhouse representing the Marina and Hotel zone. The Historic Center will include award winning restaurants Barcelona Tapas, El Arrayan, and Café des Artistes. The Romantic Zone Participants will include Archie’s Wok, Daiquiri Dick´s, Taste and Kaiser Maximilian. The award winning Blanca Bleu with its impressive wine cellar and the breathtaking Le Kliff, on Vallarta’s south shore, will round off the event. For more information visit www.festivalgourmet.com
During Restaurant Week, held for two weeks in May they will celebrate one of the longest runs in contemporary Mexican culinary events, since 2005. The best restaurants in the area offer incredible three course meals at reduced prices. For more information see www.visitpuertovallarta.com/event/puerto-vallarta-restaurant-week
Can you imagine the gastronomic delights during these events?
Visiting Puerto Vallarta the traveller will get to experience local Food Tours – 3-hour food tasting and walking tours offering a local’s view into Puerto Vallarta’s culture through its delicious off-the-beaten path eateries & taco stands. All the while enjoying the intricate cuisine, tasty ingredients, rich history, friendly people and stunning architecture. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels
If they enjoy cooking, visitors can experience some amazing Traditional Mexican Cooking Classes from the Traditional Mexican restaurant, El Arrayán, whose Owner/Chef Carmen Porras and Chef Alfonso Corona teach over 35 recipes from diverse regions throughout Mexico including, moles, tamales, fresh salsas and more desserts. They also include guided tours of local food markets to shop for ingredients, wine pairings, complimentary appetizers and craft cocktails and recipes. It is a one-on-one experience inside their home with breathtaking views of Marina Vallarta.
Do you have Dietary Restrictions?
Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants are always willing to accommodate their patrons, most dishes can be modified to meet vegetarian and vegan needs, but there is a diverse group of restaurants to choose from in Vallarta who specialize in Vegetarian dishes.
The cuisine of the region is quite perfect for the gluten-free lifestyle; traditional Puerto Vallarta dishes like quesadillas, taquitos, chilaquiles, and tacos are made from corn-based gluten free tortillas and everything is made from fresh, whole ingredients. Even tequila and the Puerto Vallarta moonshine, Raicilla, are both made from the agave plant, making it naturally gluten-free.
Interesting facts about Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta is truly a world class tourist destination, named “Friendliest City” by Conde Nast in 2001, and 27 by Travel + Leisure in 2015
- “Best place in the world to retire” by AARP (North American Association of Retired Persons),
- “Best Vacation Destination in Mexico” by USNews.com in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- “Most Romantic Place in Mexico”
- “Favorite Beach Destination in Mexico” by About.com in 2012,
- “Best place for Conventions” in a convention marketing magazine
- Listed in “Top 10 Destinations in Mexico” by TripAdvisor in 2015.
Join us for a #PVCuisine Tweet Chat!
Save the date Wed. September 30th 9:30PM EDT to talk about #PVCuisine & all it gastronomic delights which will feature five beach gift bags and a grand prize of 4 day/3night stay in the BeautifulWestin Resort and Spa, Puerto Vallarta with flights from a Canadian or US international destination.(Travel must be booked by Nov. 15, 2015. Booking is dependent on hotel availability. Meals are not included.
Please make sure to follow @PuertoVallarta as well as @WestinVallarta, our great sponsors!
Prizing Continental USA and CDA

