Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is considered by many to be the gay beach capital of Mexico, and this reputation is no coincidence. Located on the Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco, the city combines laid-back beach life with a dense, highly visible queer infrastructure. Those who have been here once often return.

Trendy district

The heart of the queer scene beats in the Zona Romántica in the south of the city, sometimes called Old Town or Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Around Olas Altas Street and Playa Los Muertos, beach clubs, bars, cabaret stages and restaurants are close together. During the day, the Mantamar Beach Bar pulls the scene to the sand. Much is within walking distance. Because there are small boutique hotels, cafés and galleries between the bars, the day flows smoothly into the evening.

Nightlife

In the evening, the action shifts to the bars along the Lázaro Cárdenas and the surrounding alleys. Drag shows, cabaret and dance floors are a fixture, and the selection ranges from small bars to larger clubs. The tone is friendly and uncomplicated, the audience mixed. If you don't feel like listening to loud music, you will also find quieter terraces overlooking the bay.

Beaches

Playa Los Muertos is the central city beach and at the same time the most famous meeting place of the scene, especially the section in front of the beach bars of the Zona Romántica. Those looking for more peace and quiet can take the water taxi to more remote bays such as Yelapa, which can only be reached by water. The Pacific is warm. Depending on the day, the surf is sometimes calm, sometimes strong. For longer beach days, it is worth coming early because the central sections fill up quickly.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant time to travel is between November and April. In this dry season, it remains warm but not oppressive, and rain is rare. From June to October, on the other hand, the summer months bring high humidity, heavy showers and the occasional risk of hurricanes. Those looking for hustle and bustle plan around the queer events in midwinter, while those who like it quieter can switch to spring.

Arrival

A few kilometers north of the center is the Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. There are usually no direct flights from Europe, but connections with connections in the USA or Mexico City. From the airport, you can reach the Zona Romántica by taxi or car service in about twenty to thirty minutes. Within the city, you can easily get around on foot, by bus or by water taxi. If you are planning excursions to the southern bays, it is best to book the boat directly at the pier of the Zona Romántica.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Mexico recognizes same-sex marriage nationwide, and Jalisco is one of the states with a corresponding legal situation. In Puerto Vallarta, especially in the Zona Romántica, openly lived queerness is part of everyday life and is widely accepted. As everywhere, the usual traveler's common sense applies: watch out for valuables, choose busy paths at night and enjoy beach bars with a clear head. Overall, the city is one of the most relaxed queer destinations in Latin America.