On Mexico's Pacific west coast, part of Puerto Vallarta's allure is its blend of the old and new. Sometimes likened to Key West in the 80's but with cobblestone streets and sombreros, it is now a lively and trendy destination popular with gay men and women from around the world.
With over 40 gay bars and gay clubs, many more gay friendly or owned restaurants, a world famous gay beach, great gay excursions on boats, horse riding, or canopy tours, and special evenings out at natural hot springs, Vallarta has developed into one of the world’s great gay destinations offering something for everyone.
The centre of gay life is the gay beach – Playa de Los Muertos – to the south of the Rio Cuale estuary in the Zona Romantica. Stay here and you’ll be in safe walking distance of everything, stay in the hotel strip or Nueva Vallarta and you’ll spend a small fortune in taxi fares back and forth.
The scene runs the gamut, from gay beach bums, to the A-list couples who winter here and entertain themselves and their friends in high style. Don’t expect too much nightlife before midnight. For an earlier evening, stroll along Olas Altas Street where there are several gay coffee-bars which get busy earlier or join the Happy Hour and Show on the roof terrace of Blue Chairs hotel and watch the sunset over the Pacific.