Puerto Vallarta —one of the most captivating beach destinations in the Mexican Pacific, long celebrated for its natural beauty, welcoming spirit, and thriving culinary scene— now embraces a new experience that elevates its cultural and gastronomic offerings. The signature cuisine of Chef Paco Ruano, one of the most influential voices in contemporary Mexican gastronomy, arrives in the bay for the first time through Mexico’s #1 nighttime experience: ALMA, Rhythms of the Night.
The result is Premier Gastronomic Journey, a unique experience that blends haute cuisine, nature, and art in a single waterfront setting.
Paco Ruano:
A Talent that places Mexico on the Global Stage
Celebrated for an innovative approach rooted in the traditions of Mexican cuisine, Jalisco-born chef Paco Ruano has built a solid career in some of the world’s most prestigious, Michelin-awarded kitchens—global benchmarks of culinary creativity.
His restaurant, Alcalde, in Guadalajara, is featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and ranked No. 15 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. In addition, Ruano has earned distinctions, including Chef Consumado de Jalisco (Jalisco’s Accomplished Chef) and the “One To Watch” award.
His connection to Puerto Vallarta is profound and meaningful. This is where his professional journey began, under the mentorship of renowned chef Thierry Blouet at Café des Artistes. From that formative period, he carries vivid sensory memories—flavors that now shine in the new ALMA, Rhythms of the Night Premier menu: the iconic raicilla from Cabo Corrientes, traditional tuba enjoyed during Malecón sunsets, the freshness of locally caught seafood, the silky richness of fresh coconut, and the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes in summer.
Equally indelible are the landscapes that shaped him: the dramatic meeting of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific Ocean, the intensity of the tropical jungle, and the powerful presence of humpback whales that return to the bay each winter. These environments, deeply tied to place, have quietly yet consistently influenced the way he understands cuisine.
Paco Ruano’s cooking —contemporary, vibrant, and deeply connected to local ingredients— has become a hallmark of Mexican culinary excellence, now arriving in Puerto Vallarta for the first time in an entirely new format.
An Exclusive Oceanfront Setting Accessible Only by Sea
ALMA, Rhythms of the Night takes place in a secluded natural setting accessible only by boat, within the former hacienda of legendary film director John Huston, located between Yelapa and Quimixto on Jalisco’s southern coast. Illuminated by hundreds of candles and framed by jungle and sea, the setting evokes the timeless glamour of Puerto Vallarta’s golden age—when icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton defined the destination’s romance—creating an intimate and deeply atmospheric backdrop.
Here, gastronomy becomes a central narrative of the experience. Premier Gastronomic Journey features a multi-course tasting menu designed exclusively by Ruano, celebrating the flavors of the Mexican Pacific with elegance and precision. Served seaside, accompanied by champagne and candlelight, the dinner redefines the nighttime dining experience in Puerto Vallarta.
Where fine dining meets immersive performance
The evening begins with a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay, followed by an arrival at this remote tropical enclave. After dinner, guests enjoy preferred access to ALMA, an open-air production created by artistic director Mukhtar Mukhtar, whose work includes large-scale international productions such as Messi 10 and a recent Super Bowl halftime show, among others. The experience features scenography by Academy Award–winning designer Eugenio Caballero and a cast of more than 30 performers from around the world.
Dance, acrobatics, live music, and mythological storytelling converge to create a powerful multisensory performance that has positioned Rhythms of the Night as one of Mexico’s most celebrated cultural experiences.
A New Milestone for Puerto Vallarta’s Cultural Identity
With the launch of Premier Gastronomic Journey, Puerto Vallarta opens a new chapter in its evolution as a world-class culinary and cultural destination.
The collaboration between Paco Ruano and ALMA, Rhythms of the Night, reinforces the show’s place as one of Mexico’s most exceptional experiences for travelers seeking unforgettable nights on the Pacific.
About Vallarta Adventures
Vallarta Adventures is the leading tour and experience provider in Puerto Vallarta, offering exceptional activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty, culture, and spirit. With innovative experiences, high standards of excellence and safety, thousands of five-star reviews, and a firm commitment to environmental conservation, Vallarta Adventures continues its mission to make every visit to Puerto Vallarta an unforgettable experience.
