Puerto Vallarta, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, also offers a thriving coffee scene that shouldn’t be missed by coffee enthusiasts. From cozy cafes with picturesque ocean views to immersive coffee plantation tours up in the mountains, there’s something to satisfy every coffee lover’s cravings. Below are the best places to have coffee and indulge in unforgettable coffee-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta.
Best Coffee Shops & Roasters in Puerto Vallarta
Beach Please Coffee Store
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at the Beach Please Coffee Store in Bucerias. They proudly source 100% Mexican coffee from Nayarit, Jalisco, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, offering bags of freshly roasted beans. Choose whole bean bags for maximum freshness or have your coffee ground on the spot. Their lineup includes award-winning local roasters and coffee growers from all over Mexico. All the coffee beans have been shade-grown at an altitude between 800-1400 meters and include Bourbon and Caturra varieties.
Try their freshly brewed “coffee of the day” is a daily rotation featuring medium and dark roasts. Don’t miss out on Haley’s signature Coconut Coffee Frappe, a refreshing tropical twist on your caffeine fix inspired by Vietnam’s cà phê dừa. They also have traditional ‘cafe de olla,’ prepared with aromatic cinnamon, zesty orange peel, cloves, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). You won’t find an espresso machine, but that doesn’t compromise the quality of their brews. Instead, they embrace manual methods like the Percolator for their daily coffee specials and Aeropress and French Press. Another crowd favorite are their flavored Cold Brews with cold foam.
If you are looking for a place to work, they have 100mbps internet, comfortable tables with plugs, and discounted coffee refills! Discover a world of coffee excellence with your local caffeine dealer, the Beach Please Coffee Store.
Proyecto Darwin
Proyecto Darwin Cafe is an oasis tucked away in the farmlands just 10 minutes northeast of Bucerias. The picturesque surroundings, diverse breakfast menu, and exceptional hand-roasted coffee all contribute to a truly memorable experience. If you find yourself in the Bucerias area, I highly recommend taking the time to discover this charming cafe.
Proyecto Darwin’s menu is a delightful surprise with a wide array of delicious dishes to choose from. The chilaquiles are a flavorful classic, while the omelettes are made to perfection. The choripan is my favorite, and the breakfast sandwich crafted from a cinnamon roll is a must-try. And if you’re craving something light and fresh, the avocado toast is a great option as well.
Although the food menu is great, the real star of the show at Proyecto Darwin is the coffee, and it’s clear that Daniel, the owner, is truly passionate about his craft. Daniel personally roasts three distinct coffee blends, ensuring that each cup is a work of art. The first blend, a medium roast crafted from Nayarit and Chiapas beans, offers a balanced and smooth flavor profile. The second blend combines medium and dark roast beans from Nayarit, Chiapas, and Veracruz, providing a more complex and robust taste. Finally, the dark roast blend, also from Nayarit and Chiapas, delivers a bold and rich experience. Coffee aficionados will be delighted by the diverse range of flavors, and the care put into each cup is evident with every sip.
Vallarta Coffee Roasters
Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, Vallarta Coffee Roasters is a hidden gem for coffee aficionados. Step into this quaint cafe and be greeted by the captivating aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Their skilled baristas are passionate about their craft and serve a variety of specialty coffees sourced from local Mexican coffee farms. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cup of joe while taking in the charming ambiance of this cozy coffee spot.
El Cafecito de Puerto
For those seeking an oceanfront coffee experience, El Cafecito de Puerto is the perfect choice. Situated along Puerto Vallarta’s scenic Malecon boardwalk, this coffee shop offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Indulge in their carefully crafted espresso-based drinks while watching the waves crash against the shore. With its prime location and delicious coffee, El Cafecito de Puerto provides an unforgettable setting for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
As you explore the best places to have coffee in Puerto Vallarta and indulge in coffee-tasting experiences and plantation tours, remember to take your time, savor each sip, and embrace the rich coffee culture this vibrant town has to offer. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of a cafe or the immersive experience of a plantation tour, Puerto Vallarta is sure to leave a lasting impression on coffee enthusiasts who seek to explore its caffeinated wonders.
Best Coffee Tastings & Plantation Tours
Puerto Vallarta Coffee Farm Tours at a Plantation
For an immersive Puerto Vallarta coffee tour, venture beyond the cafes and embark on a coffee plantation tour. Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by lush landscapes that serve as the backdrop for thriving coffee plantations. Join a guided tour and explore the process of coffee cultivation, from seed to cup. You’ll have the opportunity to witness coffee bean harvesting, learn about roasting techniques, and even participate in hands-on activities such as picking coffee cherries or roasting your own beans. These tours provide a unique opportunity to connect with the origins of your favorite brew and gain insight into the labor-intensive journey it takes to create a perfect cup of coffee.
Coffee Tasting Experiences
Go on a captivating journey through the rich world of coffee as we offer you a unique opportunity to explore the flavors and aromas of three distinct regional coffees. Embark on a coffee-tasting adventure where you’ll discover the artistry and science behind various extraction methods, elevating your appreciation for this beloved beverage. During the immersive tour, we will introduce you to three exquisite coffees, each crafted using a different extraction method: French press, Aeropress, and V60. Immerse yourself in the captivating process as our expert guides walk you through the step-by-step brewing techniques, unraveling the secrets and nuances of each method. Delight in the captivating stories behind the beans, as we unravel the journey from farm to cup, shedding light on the regions and farmers who contribute to the exquisite flavors in your cup.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply curious to expand your palate, our coffee-tasting tour promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we celebrate the art, science, and passion that go into every cup, and unlock the hidden wonders within the world of coffee.
Coffee Culture in Puerto Vallarta
While some of the coffee beans used are sourced from nearby regions in Nayarit and Jalisco, the majority come from the picturesque states of Veracruz and Oaxaca. The coffee community in Puerto Vallarta proudly upholds its commitment to serving 100% Mexican coffee, showcasing the country’s rich coffee heritage.
Coffee Producers
Veracruz, with its long history of coffee culture dating back to the late 1800s, holds a special place in Mexico’s coffee landscape. The diverse climates and elevations in Veracruz contribute to the cultivation of distinct Arabica coffee beans, with this region being the birthplace of the renowned coffee liqueur, Kahlua. On the other hand, Oaxaca coffee hails from the southern slopes of the majestic Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range. Prized for its delicate body and dry, acidic snap, Oaxacan coffee is grown at higher altitudes, rivaling the complexity of coffee sourced from Guatemala.
When it comes to local coffee in the Puerto Vallarta area, the spotlight shines on San Sebastián del Oeste. This quaint town, originally founded as a mining center in the 1600s, played a significant role in the origins of Puerto Vallarta. Acting as the supplier of salt for the smelting process in San Sebastián’s mines, Puerto Vallarta’s history is intricately intertwined with this charming town. Though the mines may now be closed, San Sebastián continues to thrive as a time capsule, with buildings that date back to the 1600-1800s. The higher altitude of the area offers the perfect conditions for cultivating exceptional coffee beans. Savoring coffee originating from San Sebastián while in Puerto Vallarta pays homage to the harmonious blend of history, culture, and abundant flora and fauna that this region embodies.
Café de Olla
If you’re looking to experience traditional Mexican coffee, a visit to Café de Olla is a must. This charming cafe is known for its signature drink, also called Café de Olla, which is brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). Sip on this delightful beverage and savor the unique flavors that have been enjoyed in Mexico for generations. The café also offers a range of delicious pastries and breakfast items to complement your coffee experience.
FAQ
Yes, of course! Puerto Vallarta has a vibrant coffee culture with numerous cafes and coffee shops where you can enjoy a variety of delicious coffee drinks.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican coffee (like cafe de olla) or you prefer classic coffee options like Americanos and lattes, you’ll find plenty of choices to satisfy your coffee cravings in Puerto Vallarta. Additionally, many cafes in the city take pride in serving locally sourced and freshly roasted Mexican coffee, making the coffee-drinking experience even more enjoyable for visitors and locals alike.
An Americano coffee usually costs between $35-60 pesos, depending on the cafe.
There are several coffee plantations near Puerto Vallarta, primarily located in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. These areas benefit from the ideal climate and fertile volcanic soils that contribute to the growth of high-quality coffee beans. Many coffee enthusiasts and tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta choose to explore these nearby regions to witness coffee production firsthand and experience the authentic coffee culture of the area. Some of the most prominent areas for coffee production and plantations include San Sebastián del Oeste, Mascota, or Compostela.