Puerto Vallarta: Mezcal and Tequila Tasting with Show

Traveling through Puerto Vallarta offers a chance to experience its lively nightlife, colorful culture, and authentic flavors. One of the more engaging ways to get a taste of Mexico’s famed spirits is through a mezcal and tequila tasting tour in the Romantic Zone. This experience combines not just tasting but also entertainment, costumes, and a dash of local flair—all for just $44 per person and in a compact two-hour window.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to sample 17 different tastings of mezcal and tequila, along with specialty cocktails. Second, the chance to enjoy a live entertainment show that brings the cantina’s vibrant atmosphere to life. Plus, dressing up in traditional Mexican costumes and snapping photos with colorful Catrina murals adds a fun, visual twist.

On the flip side, this experience isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 18, nor wheelchair users, mainly due to the venue’s stairs and the adult-focused nature of the tasting. Still, if you’re into spirits, lively shows, or just want a memorable, social outing in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, this is worth considering.

This tasting tour works best for travelers looking for a short, energetic experience with a focus on Mexican culture and drinks. It’s especially great if you enjoy live entertainment, want to learn about spirits, or love dressing up and sharing selfies. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect and how to make the most of it.

Key Points

• Authentic Mexican spirits: Sample 17 tastings of mezcal and tequila, with the chance to craft your favorite cocktails.
• Vibrant atmosphere: Enjoy live music and performances in a colorful cantina setting.
• Cultural fun: Dress up in Mexican costumes and snap photos with Catrina murals.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, and reserve now, pay later.
• Price: At $44, it offers good value for those interested in spirits and lively entertainment.
• Accessibility note: Not wheelchair accessible, and not suitable for children under 18.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

Once you arrive at La Catrina Cantina, located in the bustling Romantic Zone on the main street filled with bars and nightlife, you’ll be greeted and directed to the second floor where the magic begins. The venue’s lively, artistic setting sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

The tour kicks off with the opportunity to dress in traditional Mexican costumes—a fun way to get into the spirit of the event and make for some great photos. You’ll then sample a variety of spirits, starting with tasting mezcal and tequila on their own. Expect to learn about the different flavors and characteristics of each, since the tour emphasizes comparing the spirits in their pure form.

The highlight for many is the specialty cocktails crafted from the “Viva Mexico” cocktail menu. These drinks combine mezcal and tequila with fresh fruits, allowing you to explore how the spirits interact with different flavors. During the tasting, you’ll enjoy live performances, music, and entertainment that elevate the experience beyond just drinking.

At the end of the tasting, you’ll have created your favorite cocktail from the options, and with a total of 17 tastings, you’re likely to find some new favorites. The tour is designed as a social, lively affair—think of it as a spirited night out with friends, even if you’re traveling solo.

The Breakdown of the Tour

The Venue and Setting

The cantina itself is an artistic space, decorated with vibrant murals—especially those iconic Catrina murals linked to Day of the Dead celebrations. The second-floor location provides a lively, intimate atmosphere that makes it easy to mingle and enjoy the show.

The Costumes and Photos

One of the more memorable parts of this tour is putting on traditional Mexican costumes. This isn’t just for fun—it’s a chance to become part of the show, and many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed snapping selfies with murals and fellow guests. It adds a layer of culture and humor to the night.

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The Tasting Experience

The core of the experience is the sampling of 17 different spirits. You start by tasting each spirit alone, which helps appreciate their unique notes. Then, you move onto creating cocktails from the “Viva Mexico” menu, blending spirits with fruits like lime, pineapple, and others. This hands-on approach makes the tasting accessible and less intimidating for newcomers.

Entertainment and Show

Performers provide entertainment throughout, adding music and live acts that keep the energy lively. Some reviews mention that the performers are engaging and add to the festive vibe, making it more than just a drinking session.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity.
• Price: $44 per person, which includes all tastings and the show.
• Inclusions: All 17 tastings plus a complete cocktail.
• Not included: Dinner or additional drinks.
• Meeting Point: The bar on the second floor above Kooky’s Karaoke, on the main drag in Romantic Zone.
• Languages: Conducted in both English and Spanish, with hosts and greeters bilingual.

The Real Deal: Pros and Cons

Pros

• The pricing offers solid value for the number of tastings and entertainment.
• The interactive component of dressing up and making cocktails makes it more engaging.
• The vibrant setting and live performances create a fun, memorable atmosphere.
• It’s a good way to learn about Mexican spirits in a relaxed environment.

Cons

• The experience is not suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, mainly due to stairs and adult content.
• The venue’s stairs could be a barrier for some.
• It’s a relatively short tour—just two hours—so if you’re after a full night out, you might want to combine it with other activities.

Final thoughts: Who’s this for?

If you enjoy spirits, lively entertainment, and cultural dress-up, you’ll probably get a lot out of this tour. It’s especially appealing if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and want a fun, social experience that also educates about Mexican alcohol traditions. It’s a fantastic choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed, colorful evening.

However, if you’re seeking a more subdued, family-friendly activity or have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit. The focus on adult beverages and the venue’s stairs mean it’s best suited for those comfortable with a lively, adult-oriented environment.

All in all, it’s an engaging, well-priced way to spend an evening that combines spirits, entertainment, and a splash of Mexican culture. Just remember to pace yourself—17 tastings can add up quickly!

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 because of the adult nature of the spirits tasting and the environment.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, no. The venue involves stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The experience is offered in both English and Spanish, with hosts and greeters bilingual.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

Does the tour include dinner?
No, dinner is not included. The focus is on tastings of spirits and cocktails.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity for an evening.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is fine, but wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since there are stairs and standing involved. Dressing up in costumes is part of the fun.

Can I make my own cocktails?
Yes, you’ll have the chance to craft your favorite cocktail from the “Viva Mexico” menu using mezcal and tequila.

This tour packs a punch for spirits lovers and those looking to add some lively, colorful fun to their Puerto Vallarta visit. Whether you’re into learning about Mexican drinks, enjoying live shows, or just dressing up for photos, it offers a memorable slice of local culture in a short timeframe. Just remember to pace yourself and enjoy the lively atmosphere!

You can check availability for your dates here: