Some weeks, Puerto Vallarta simply smells different. From October 4 to 7, 2026, the whole city turns into one big table: chefs arrive from Mexico, Spain, the United States, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Chile, kitchens across the bay throw their doors open, and the Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica turns 18 — proving, once again, what we've always believed at Hacienda Buenaventura: the best way to get to know Mexico is to sit down and eat with it.
Eighteen years of flavor, a brand-new edition
Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica 2026 arrives under the theme "Discovering a New Reality," with the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center as its main venue and events spread across Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián del Oeste, Riviera Nayarit, and Bucerías. More than 80 chefs, mixologists, and specialists are sharing the stove this year, and the festival has grown enough to rightfully call itself one of Mexico's most important culinary gatherings.
Jalisco is the host state in 2026, and that's no small detail for us: it means chile de Yahualica, raicilla, and tequila — the very flavors we've been serving at Los Portales for years — get their own spotlight in front of Michelin-starred, internationally recognized chefs.
Live cooking shows, tastings, and a world-touring Expo Zone
VNG's format brings together live cooking shows, gourmet workshops, keynote talks, and an Expo Zone where "Ambassador Chefs" showcase the food of their home region. At its core, it's the same idea that has shaped Hacienda Buenaventura since day one: every dish tells you where someone comes from.
Jalisco takes a seat at the table
Among this year's Jalisco-born representatives are Francisco "Paco" Ruano, of Alcalde; Xrysw Ruelas; and Óscar Segundo — names already part of the international culinary conversation, cooking just minutes from our hacienda this October week.
Puerto Vallarta also dresses up beyond the main venue during those days: hotels and restaurants around the bay host satellite dinners as part of the festival program. Our sister property, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway, is this year's host for "Sentir México," the festival's State Ambassadors Dinner, on October 5 — a seven-course, wine-paired menu bringing together chefs from Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colombia. If that specific gala experience is what you're after, reservations go directly through them.
Here at the hacienda, the taste of Mexico doesn't wait for a festival
While the city celebrates this October week, Mexican tradition gets served at Hacienda Buenaventura every single day. At Los Portales, our buffet restaurant, the whole family sits down together for Mexican and international dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner — no reservation, no rush, the same spirit that drives Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, just at everyday's table.
For something more intimate, Sabores de México opens its doors to adults only, dinners only, by reservation: chef-driven traditional Mexican cuisine built for a special night, surrounded by stone arches and tropical gardens that have been telling this same story for generations.
And if the festival leaves you wanting more than a plate, Piedra Viva Spa offers temazcal, an ancient Mexican purification ritual that — like the food — is inherited, not invented.
Experience Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica from your own hacienda
You don't have to choose between the buzz of the festival and the calm of a home away from home: at Hacienda Buenaventura, you get both. Come taste the flavors of Jalisco at Los Portales, book a night at Sabores de México, and let Puerto Vallarta welcome you like family during its most flavorful week of the year.
Q&A
What is Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica?
It's an annual culinary festival bringing together more than 80 chefs, mixologists, and specialists from Mexico and around the world in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. In 2026, it celebrates its 18th edition under the theme "Discovering a New Reality."
When and where does the 2026 edition take place?
From October 4 to 7, 2026, with the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center as the main venue, and events across Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián del Oeste, Riviera Nayarit, and Bucerías.
Does Hacienda Buenaventura take part in Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica?
Hacienda Buenaventura isn't an official festival venue, but it celebrates Mexican gastronomy every day of the year at its own restaurants. Our sister property, Villa Premiere, does host a festival satellite dinner on October 5.
Where can I find traditional Mexican cuisine at Hacienda Buenaventura?
At Los Portales, our buffet restaurant open to all guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sabores de México offers chef-driven traditional Mexican cuisine for adults only, dinners only, by reservation.
Does Hacienda Buenaventura offer Mexican cultural experiences beyond food?
Yes, Piedra Viva Spa offers temazcal, an ancient Mexican purification ritual, set within its tropical gardens. You can also stroll through the hotel's stone arches and fountain, signature touches of its hacienda architecture.