PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta, long-celebrated as the preferred vacation destination for the LGBT community in Mexico, and the first city in Mexico to be granted Gay Travel Approved status by GayTravel.com, will once again host Latin Fever, a dance music festival taking place during the US’ Thanksgiving weekend November 27th thru November 30th, 2016.
In addition, Gayribbean’s Mexican Riviera Cruise Ruby Princess will be coming to Puerto Vallarta from November 5-12, NYE PVR 2017 will be held from December 29th. 2016 to Jan 1st. 2017; Beef Dip Bear Week from January 29th to February 5th, 2017; Mardi Gras from February 28th. 2017 and Memorial Day Weekend will once again see Vallarta Pride.
Brought into the tourism spotlight by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Tennessee Williams, Puerto Vallarta organically grew to become North America’s favorite LGBT winter beach destination and is now home to Mexico’s only beach gayborhood in its Zona Romantica. Home to a broad array of gay bars and nightclubs, gay-owned restaurants, hotels, stores, services, and entertainment, la Zona Romantica is in the center of the city’s Downtown. In addition, hotels across the city, such as Costa Sur Resort & Spa and Hotel San Marino are T.A.G. Certified and members of the IGLTA, putting Puerto Vallarta in a league of its own.
In recent years, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the entity responsible for promoting the destination in the US and Canada has partnered with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GMHC and the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association to promote the destination to the LGBT market. In 2014, Puerto Vallarta became the first Mexican destination to participate in a World Pride with its Noche Alegre event during the World Pride celebrations in Toronto. And in 2015 the tourism board became the first destination to sponsor the Human Rights Campaign on a national level.
Gay-friendly Hotel Accommodations
Puerto Vallarta is home to an array of gay lodging possibilities including T.A.G. gay friendly resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses, some are even gay-owned. The following are a list of some of the hotels proactively promoting the LGBT traveler.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa(Marina) is, this year the sponsor of the International LGBT Business Expo. Along the coastline, the luxury resort offers all the amenities for a perfect vacation: fitness center, Indoor and Outdoor pools, and the most spacious spa in Puerto Vallarta. Gay travelers can enjoy savory moments in one of the four world-class restaurants of the resort or can easily access the golf courses.
Casa Cupula Gay Hotel Boutique Guesthouse(Southside/Amapas) – Branded as a luxury boutique hotel for gay men, lesbians and friends. This location combines the intimate service of a B & B, the fine décor of a boutique hotel and the comfortable ambience of a guesthouse. Amenities include gourmet food, cocktails, two pools, a gym and in-room massages.
Costa Sur (South) with more than 30 years in existence it was one of the first hotels built in the South Shore of Puerto Vallarta, overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the bay. The building has a very Mexican feel to it, with strong, thick walls and spacious bedrooms all of which have mesmerizing views of Banderas Bay. One of the most unique features in Costa Sur is our private beach which has become popular for gay weddings.
Villa Mercedes (Zona Romantica) – The property has a total of 16 lodging options ranging from studio rooms, Jr. suites, Master Suites, and penthouses. Art and Mexican crafts mixed with contemporary eclectic define most of the carefully decorated spaces with murals by artist Ana Rifa, Zapoteco textiles, vintage cement tile mosaics, and original historic architecture.
Gay-Friendly Activities
La Alhambra was one of Out Traveler’s Magazine “16 New Things We’re Excited for This Year.” The Alhambra Lounge takes its name from the palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain. With its dramatically lit arches, warm woods, marble floors and fountain, La Alhambra promises to make any night something truly magical.
BLONDIES LOFT is a two-floor edifice with the first floor being a Slushbar featuring frozen cocktails and drinks made with fresh fruit, fresh squeezed juices, and top shelf spirits. The menu is ever-changing to provide guests with new drinks to cool off and chill out. The second floor is the Loft featuring classic cocktails and selections form Slushbar. Blondies is promoted as an LOFT. Featuring premium classic cocktails and selections from the SLUSHBAR below, this intimate space where ocean breezes and the sounds of summer make it the perfect place to start a new adventure, or to dish the details of the last.
Diana’s Tour – Diana DeCoste is working successfully for 14th years in Puerto Vallarta with her famous gay and lesbian cruises. The tickets are sold rapidly; it’s recommended to book it in advance.
Food Tours – A 3-hour food tasting and walking tours offers a local’s view into Puerto Vallarta’s culture through its delicious and intricate cuisine, rich history and stunning architecture. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, Vallarta Food Tours invites patrons to experience off-the-beaten path eateries and their colorful owners and staff, taco stands and regional delicacies.
Gay Bar-Hopping Tour – For more than 4 years, this tour proposes to experiment a unique adventure. The friendly and professional gay staff organizes a guided immersion in gay Puerto Vallarta’s nightclubs, a wonderful experience to meet people all over the world and to keep great memories of Mexican nightlife.
GO GAY! El Tuito Escape has a variety of activities dedicated to adrenalin junkies. Several tours are proposed to gay and their friends as zip line in the jungle, horseback adventures, whale watching cruises, private sailboat charters, snorkeling among wild dolphins or in Marietas Islands and private escapes on luxury yacht charters.
On Bay Boat Tour this seven-hour tour of the Bay of Banderas is a party on water with guest and local DJs, gogo dancers of the region, lunch and a visit to a private beach. A second floor provides a private VIP area with 360 views of the Bay, VIP service, snacks, international dishes and signature drinks.
Vallarta Adventures is Puerto Vallarta’s premier tour and activity operator. It offers a wide selection of adventure-based tours and excursions with things to do for people of all ages – from zip lines to swimming with dolphins, whale watching to snorkeling, scuba diving to an award winning dinner show.
