Gay Puerto Vallarta
Mexico's gay tropical paradise
Puerto Vallarta has been a gay travel destination since Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor began vacationing in the historic Zona Romantica in the 1960s. Like many LGBTQ+ resort towns, the city became a refuge for queer people in the 1980/90s during the height of the HIV-/AIDS epidemic, and today it’s one of the gayest places in Mexico. Although you will find a smattering of locals, Zona Romantica is heavily frequented by gay tourists from North America, especially during the winter months when they’re escaping the winter blues. Oftentimes, Zona Romantica feels like a gay cruise where you are likely to run into friendly queers from around the globe looking to mingle under the tropical sun. Most of the gay action is centered around Zona Romantica and the El Centro neighborhood. Here you’ll find an abundance of gay-owned restaurants, bars, performance venues, coffee shops, beach clubs, male strip shows, quirky B&Bs, clothing-optional boutique hotels, and even male-for-male massage parlors. Although there isn’t a clothing-optional beach in PV, Jake’s Naked Beach Tours organizes a “pop up” nudie experience on an exclusive beach only reached by boat. On Fridays and Saturdays the tour is Male Only while Sunday through Thursday all genders are welcome! You can also book public or private tours.
This area is only a small fraction of Puerto Vallarta, but unless you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort there isn’t much to explore in the form of gay life. If you’re itching to have a different experience look towards the north to the Riveria Nayarit. The beach towns of Sayulita and San Pancho have a more relaxed vibe where you’ll find numerous local art galleries, picturesque beaches, and a “bohemian flair”. In the opposite direction heading South, there is a collection of sleepy fishing villages like Bocas de Tomatlan, exclusive beach clubs, and one of the region’s crowning jewels, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Set in an 80-acre high-altitude preserve, the gardens are filled with an array of whimsical plants, hiking trails, and a delicious restaurant that overlooks the misty mountains.
Where to sample the local flavor:
Like any Mexican town, the streets of PV are filled with a variety of food stalls ranging from sizzling tacos to chamoy-covered fresh-cut fruit. The most expensive restaurants tend to be along the beach/Malecon (boardwalk) and have varying levels of quality. Walk into the heart of Zona Romantica and you’ll be sure to find hidden culinary gems among the cobblestone streets. The multi-level Tuna Azul has fresh and well-priced seafood while Kenta Japanese Food offers more than just sushi in a sleek Tokyo-inspired eatery. Elixir Spot Vegan is known for its refreshing smoothie bowls and ginger shots to ward off the ever-impending hangover. The Pancake House plates up all your diner favorites including giant flap jacks, Eggs Benedict, and Huevos Rancheros in a quirky vine-rich garden. Just north and over the bridge in the Centro neighborhood, Puerto Cafe features a variety of Mexican coffee beans in a cozy espresso bar.
Where to party:
In Puerto Vallarta there is no shortage of places to live out your gay fantasy. During the day, Playa de Los Muertos offers a variety of options to worship the sun. The beach club Mantamar has a large social music-filled pool full of circuit queens during White Party or scruffy bears during Beef Dip. Next door at Blue Chairs Resort you can rent out umbrellas and beach chairs for a more relaxed vibe. Sip on cocktails and watch the plethora of man candy walk along the beach. For a more secluded ambiance walk past Playa de Los Muertos along the trail to Playa Amapas. Here you won’t find many vendors or loud music. After the beach cool down with a boozy slushie at pop art-inspired Blondie’s.
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