Nothing beats the heat like a refreshing “raspado,” or snow cone, and the finest selection in town comes from Raspados Carmen Tucán. In operation for the past seven years, they offer 25 fruit-based syrups, all prepared with the highest hygienic standards, not to mention flavors that will bring a smile to the most discerning palate.

There are newer branches in Versalles (near the Hotel Zone) and El Centro’s Parque Hidalgo, but founder Maria del Carmen Sanchez has a special place in her heart for the original and most successful location in El Pitillal. Sanchez, who relocated to Vallarta a few years back, began her operation with a small cart, but it quickly became a prosperous enterprise.

“My oldest son is now developing the sale of franchises that will include ice-crushing machines and syrups, as well as their own website,” she proudly announces.