Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular destinations - equally popular with both locals and visitors and becoming quite a hit with gays. It has been voted by readers of Conde Naste Traveller magazine as one of their favourite destinations for years.
This is a city of 350,000 about halfway down the Pacific coast of Mexico, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, along the edge of Banderas Bay, one of the largest and deepest bays in the world. It attracts more than 3 million visitors a year—and for a good reason.
So, what is so good about this destination? This is an authentic Mexican town that has been sympathetically updated to relfect modern requirements whilst retaining the local history and culture. In addition, the weather is consistently warm and sunny, there are 100kms of beaches, more than 1,000 restaurants to chose from and many activities on offer for those looking for a more active holiday.
Puerto Vallarta has many hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and clubs that cater to the gay vistor. There is also a famous gay beach, gay boat trips and even gay evening tours to the local hot springs. This is a town for all budgets - from the beach bums to the A list celebrities. Gay people come from all over the world - this cosmopolitan mix is one of the charms of Puerto Vallarta.
Culture
Puerto Vallarta is a land filled with culture. Beginning with the ancient tribes of the Aztecs and Nuichol, and continuing through modern day, it is a city filled with fascinating history. The surrounding lands of Guadalajara, San Blas, Mexcaltitan, El Fuerte, San Sebastian, Mascota, Talpa, Tepic, and Tequila are filled with rich history, amazing colonial architecture, and Indian tribes living as they have for centuries.
Equality
Mexico is generally very liberal in its approach to gays. Certain Mexican states have recently passed new legislation increasing quality rights of gay couples.
Puerto Vallarta is considered to be gay-friendly.
Travel Information
Getting There
By Air - You can fly direct to Puerto Vallarta from the United States and and other points in Mexico including Guadalajara, La Paz, Leon and Mexico City.
By Bus - You can travel to Puerto Vallarta on a luxury bus from Mexico City - but note that the trip will take around 14 hours. Flying is the most sensible way to get to Puerto Vallarta, unless you are on a budget, and don't mind the wait (and want to see the sights along the way!).
By Car - Driving to Puerto Vallarta is recommended only if you have a good reason to go by road - for example, you want to stop and see places on the way.
Getting Around
From the Airport - The airport is quite close to Puerto Vallarta on the north side, and the ground transportation is available to take you into town and the hotel zones. You can buy tickets at the airport terminal.
Taxis - Puerto Vallarta's taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Hotels often post taxi rates on a board, and depending on how far you're going to travel (defined by zones), the price will vary. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price!
Rent a Car - Unless you have specific plans to travel around the Puerto Vallarta area, it's best to give a car a miss here parking isn't easy and there are sufficient modestly priced, local transport options to take you where you want to go.
However, there are some stunning areas just north and south of Puerto Vallarta that can be explored along the coast roads, and renting a car locally is ideal and effective way to experience them.
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