puerto vallarta, mexico: spotlight on local partners
If you’re looking for a destination that blends culture, coastline, and just enough adventure to keep everyone (including you) happy, Puerto Vallarta delivers. We wanted somewhere warm, walkable, and vibrant — and this Pacific gem on Mexico’s west coast checked every box for our family of five.
Note: I’m drafting this post just after the recent violence in Feb. 2026. We had an incredible experience in Puerto Vallarta, in large part, due to these vendors. When Puerto Vallarta reopens and is ready for tourists again, I will have no hesitation in returning. As always, please make sure you check warnings from the US Department of State and the Government of Canada and enroll in the the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Here are the local partners we worked with that took our trip from good to unforgettable.
private chef experience with wendy galeana
We love to book a private chef when we go on trips. We budget $300-$700 per trip and reach out to a couple local private chefs or caterers and ask what they could provide for that amount. We were so lucky to find Chef Wendy!
Chef Wendy is private chef based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, whose cooking reflects deep passion for Mexican flavors, tradition, and the joy that comes from sharing meals with others. She crafts highly personalized dining experiences right in the homes, villas, or vacation rentals of her clients — whether it’s an intimate dinner for two, a family gathering, or a special celebration.
Her approach is rooted in authenticity, local ingredients, and connection:
🥑 Fresh, locally sourced ingredients — Wendy prioritizes fresh produce, seafood, and regional staples from local markets, bringing out the true essence of Mexican cuisine.
🍲 Traditional techniques with a modern touch — She combines time-honored Mexican cooking methods with thoughtful presentation and contemporary flair.
🍽️ Personalized dining experiences — Every menu is created with the client’s tastes, occasion, and preferences in mind. Whether it’s a themed dinner, celebratory brunch, or interactive cooking class, Chef Wendy designs a culinary journey rather than just a meal.
🤝 Warm hospitality — In addition to her kitchen skills, Wendy is known for her friendly and welcoming personality. She builds strong relationships with her clients, creating not just meals but memorable experiences around the table
We enjoyed both a private cooking class and 2 dinners with Chef Wendy. She adapted meals for our tastes, sleeping toddlers, and taught us so much about Mexican food and cuisine. Trying huitlacoche, a uniquely local and delicious fungus that grows on corn, considered the Mexican equivalent of the truffle, was the absolute highlight for me! Special shout out to Tony, her brother, for the incredible cocktails. If you’re going to Puerto Vallarta, you NEED to book Chef Wendy!
Wendy celebrates the rich tapestry of Mexican gastronomy, inspired by regional traditions, bold flavors, and the communal spirit of Mexican mealtime. She trained in gastronomy in Acapulco and has worked in well-known local restaurants including Xitomates and El Camarón Azul, gaining experience in diverse kitchens and styles.
Tip: Having a private chef allows us to enjoy lunch while out and about during excursions or activities and dinner back at the rental / hotel. This is a major tip I share with parents because dragging grumpy, tired kids out to dinner.
Contact Information:
https://www.personalchefwg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chefwendygaleana/
day trip with obi tours
We took an awesome day trip to Sayulita and San Pancho with Liz from Obi Tours.
Obi Tours is a veteran-owned and family-operated private tour company and travel agency based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Founded to give visitors more than just sightseeing, Obi Tours designs customized, private experiences that showcase the culture, history, and natural beauty of the Bay of Banderas — from Signature City Tours and San Sebastián del Oeste excursions to snorkeling trips and airport transport services. Their tours are led by certified guides, tailored to pace and interests, and focused on comfort, local insight, and meaningful connections with the destination’s highlights.
Together, their site and social content paint a picture of a tour partner invested in authentic travel, personalized service, and the joy of discovery in Puerto Vallarta and beyond.
Contact Information:
https://www.instagram.com/obitours/
boat tour with rumsey tours
We took a boat tour to the southern beaches with Emmanual at Rumsey Tours. We took an Uber to Boca de Tomatlán and met Emmanuel to begin our day. We saw Los Arcos Marine Park and stopped at Las Animas beach for lunch and relaxation. 10/10 recommend!
Rumseys Tours is a local adventure and private tour provider based in the scenic Boca de Tomatlán area just south of Puerto Vallarta. Their service is all about personalized, flexible experiences in the Bay, with a focus on boat tours, beach excursions, and customized outings for couples, families, or small groups.
They provide services like from dolphin watching and snorkeling adventures to serene morning views in Boca de Tomatlán and sunset launches into the bay. Their service offerings include activities such as:
Private boat tours departing from Boca de Tomatlán, tailored to fit guests’ interests and group sizes.
Scenic coastal experiences, including stops at beaches south of Puerto Vallarta and natural moments on the water.
Relaxed, nature-focused vibes that showcase the destination’s beauty outside the typical tourist hubs.
Contact Information:
https://www.instagram.com/rumseys_tours?igsh=YmVmcTI2cWUzamNq
food tours with vallarta food tours
On our last full day, we took a food tour in the neighborhood of Pitallal, independent local town that has gradually become part of the PV sprawl, with Vallarta Food Tours. We loved. Our tour guide, Alci, was originally from Acalpulco and had lived in PV for over 20 years. He knew the family story of every vendor and chef we met, which really added to our experience.
Our stops included.,.
Meeting a local fish monger
Trying asada tacos at Tacos La Dieta (to steal a friends joke, “taco diet? My kind of diet!”)
Exploring a tortilleria, where tortillas are made fresh daily
Enjoying carnitas tacos at Taco’s Neto
Tasting shrimp tacos and fish ceviche at Pichi’s
Enjoying old fashioned goat birria at Robles
Behind the scenes at the best tamale stop in PV! Tia Anita’s
Wonderful paleteria with frozen treats made from local ingredients at Villasenor Paleteria
Vallarta Food Tours is an award-winning food and cultural tour company based in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico that helps visitors eat, explore, and experience the city like a local. Since 2011, their passionate guides have been leading small-group tours through downtown, Old Town, and other neighborhoods, uncovering hidden culinary gems, authentic street food, regional specialties, and local drinks — from tacos and mole to fresh seafood and spirits — while sharing stories about the people, traditions, and culture that make Vallarta’s food scene so vibrant. Their tours range from classic walking adventures to themed experiences like tequila-and-taco strolls, neighborhood bike bites, and seafood-centric excursions, and they’ve earned top traveler ratings and global recognition for originality and authenticity.
Contact Information: