Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico

Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Craft Beer Scene: A Deep Dive into the Brewery Bus Tour

If you’re a beer lover planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, you’ve probably noticed how quickly the local craft beer scene has grown. The Brewery Bus Tour from Vallarta Mexology Tours offers a fun, relaxed way to taste some of the best brews in town while exploring the city’s vibrant sights. From behind-the-scenes brewery visits to sampling regional dishes, this tour promises a laid-back yet informative experience.

What really draws us to this tour is the blend of cultural insight and beer tasting. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about understanding the story behind Mexico’s craft beer boom and enjoying it in a social, lively setting. We also appreciate the convenience of sitting back in a comfortable van, letting someone else handle the logistics while you focus on the fun.

A potential consideration is the tour’s duration—about four hours—which means it’s a good idea to come prepared for a fair amount of tasting and walking around. Also, since the tour only covers specific breweries and a craft beer bar in Vallarta, if you’re after a broader city tour or other experiences, you’ll need to explore additional options.

This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy craft beer, love discovering new local flavors, and prefer a relaxed, guided approach over planning their own brewery visits. It’s particularly great for friends traveling together or groups that appreciate good conversation and good beer in equal measure.

Key Points

• Focused on craft beer: Tastes include 15 different local brews, giving a well-rounded sampling of Vallarta’s emerging beer scene.
• Behind-the-scenes access: You get to meet brewery staff and learn their secrets, adding depth to your tasting experience.
• Relaxed transportation: The van makes it easy to hop between breweries without the hassle of figuring out transportation or reservations.
• Food and drink combo: Five regional dishes are included, making this more than just a beer tasting—it’s a culinary journey.
• Informed guides: The reviews praise guides for their knowledge and engaging style, which enriches the experience.
• Good value: For $85, you get a well-rounded experience with drinks, food, and local insight, all in about four hours.

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Monzón Brewing Co

The tour kicks off at Monzón Brewing Co, a favorite in Vallarta. Here, you’ll get a taste of local brews while enjoying elote and savory pork belly—a lovely introduction that combines good beer with authentic regional flavors. The guide’s stories about the brewery add a personal touch, and the lively atmosphere makes it a great start.

While the admission isn’t included, the experience seems more about the tasting and social vibe than the brewery tour itself. As one reviewer noted, the guide was “very informative,” which enhanced the visit.

El Granero: The First in the Bay

Next, you’ll visit El Granero, a spot known as the first local brewery in the bay area. Here, you’ll sample some beers alongside a Vallarta-style pizza. The 30-minute stop is enough to taste a variety of beers and enjoy the lively setting, especially since it’s described as a hot spot.

This brewery is free to visit, so the focus here is on the flavors and atmosphere rather than paying an entry fee. The experience offers a glimpse into how Vallarta’s beer scene has developed over the years.

YamBak Puerto Vallarta: Sayulita’s Brew

The third stop is YamBak, which originally hails from Sayulita. It’s praised as serving some of the best beer in the bay, and you’ll get a 30-minute tasting session. This brewery’s reputation for quality brews makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

According to reviews, the guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge really bring the experience alive, making this stop both educational and delicious.

El Tasting Room Bar & Liquor Store

The fourth stop is a highlight for many, especially if you appreciate well-crafted cocktails and a vast beer selection. El Tasting Room not only offers some of the most delicious hand-crafted drinks in Vallarta but also showcases a significant craft beer collection.

This spot allows you to savor your beverages in a stylish setting and learn about mixology and beer styles from the knowledgeable staff. The inclusion of this stop helps diversify the experience, blending beer tasting with cocktail culture.

Los Cuentos Taproom: Culture in a Glass

The final stop is Los Cuentos Taproom, a favorite among locals for its distinctive flavors and cultural vibe. Here, you’ll taste a variety of beers and learn about the local brewing scene. The fact that this stop’s fee is included suggests it’s a key part of the tour, and the reviews confirm it’s a standout.

Expect a lively atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to chat with staff and other guests about the flavors and stories behind each brew. The guide’s enthusiasm and local insights make this a memorable finish.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are bottled water, 15 beer tastings, five regional food tastings, and a local guide. This makes the experience well-rounded, especially considering the price of $85 per person. The food pairing enhances the tasting experience, adding a regional culinary touch that complements the beers.

What’s not included are gratuities and transportation to and from the meeting point. Since the tour starts at a central location in Vallarta, most travelers will find it accessible via public transport or taxis. The meeting point at Vallarta Food Tours in 5 de Diciembre is convenient, and the tour ends back at the same spot.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the breweries visited. One reviewer mentioned that the guide was “very engaging” and “spoke English well,” making the experience more accessible. Others highlighted the delicious food and generous beer pours, which confirmed that this isn’t just a quick taste but a substantial sampling.

Many comments reference how the tour helped them explore parts of Vallarta they might not have seen on their own, making it an excellent way to combine sightseeing with tasting. The private feel of the tour—sometimes just two people—was also celebrated as enhancing the experience.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participating

• The tour is most popular, with bookings averaging 151 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.
• It’s designed to last around four hours, so wear comfortable shoes and come prepared for some beer tasting.
• Since gratuities aren’t included, consider tipping your guide, especially if they’ve added value with their knowledge and friendliness.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15, maintaining a personable atmosphere.
• Confirmations are received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for craft beer enthusiasts wanting to discover local brews without the hassle of planning each visit. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or even solo travelers who enjoy learning about beer and local culture in a relaxed setting.

Travelers interested in food pairings and discovering regional dishes will find this tour a tasty bonus. It’s less suited for those seeking a traditional city tour or with limited interest in beer, but if you love a good drink and some cultural insights, it checks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Brewery Bus Tour from Vallarta Mexology Tours offers a fun, relaxed way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s craft beer scene. With visits to four breweries and one craft beer bar, you’ll sample a broad selection of regional brews and enjoy regional dishes, all guided by knowledgeable hosts. The included food, drinks, and behind-the-scenes access make it a solid value for those interested in local flavors and culture.

The tour’s friendly guides and curated stops ensure you’ll learn as much as you drink—making it perfect for curious travelers who want to add a flavorful twist to their Vallarta visit. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore the local scene without the planning stress, this experience is worth considering.

If you enjoy discovering new tastes in a lively, social environment, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to come with an open mind and a sense of adventure—you’re in for an enjoyable, flavorful ride.

FAQ

Is the Brewery Bus Tour suitable for families with children?
This tour is primarily designed for adults, given the focus on beer tastings and alcohol. It’s not recommended for children.

How long does the tour last?
It takes approximately four hours, including visits to five different stops, with time for tasting and exploring.

Do I need to make reservations ahead of time?
Yes, bookings are recommended, especially since the tour is popular and booked an average of 151 days in advance.

What’s included in the price?
You get 15 beer tastings, five regional food tastings, bottled water, and a local guide.

Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included and are typically appreciated for good service.

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

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Is transportation provided between stops?
Yes, a comfortable van takes you between breweries and the craft beer bar, ensuring a relaxed experience.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, maintaining a friendly, engaging atmosphere.