Puerto Vallarta
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Gay Travel Puerto Vallarta
P.V. has long been a popular stop on the well-trodden North American gay trail, due to how accessible, accepting and inexpensive it is. In fact, the city has more gay English speakers than most in Mexico due to the number of expatriates that have chosen to make it their home. Many local gays also come on holiday from Mexico City and Guadalajara, providing a solid, but transient, crowd. Some have called it the “San Francisco of Mexico,” but we think it stands on its own as a gay destination.
The Malecon stretches from downtown to the south end of Old Town, where clowns, mimes, performers and sand castle builders provide entertainment to dozens of leisurely strollers. The Old Town, nestled over and beyond the Rio Cuale, provides a compact and charming base for many gay travelers. Also known as the Zona Romantica, this enchanting center plays a foil to the sprawling resorts dominating “Neuvo Vallarta” north of the river.
Shimmering Banderas Bay not only provides the backdrop for endless beaches, but also creates some fantastic opportunities to explore beyond the city. Jump on a communal bus, and visit surfer’s paradise Sayulita. Scheduled boats leave from Los Muertos Pier to a variety of secluded spots, including the small, car-free village of Yelapa.
Puerto Vallarta is also a top destination for Mexican tourists, so visiting during large public holidays like Semana Santa will be extra-packed. Rainy season dumps copious amounts of rain on the city between mid-June and September, and is to be avoided for those who dislike high heat and heavy humidity. Peak travel season coincides with the colder climes up north, as the gays really start moving south starting in October!
