Puerto Vallarta 101
Cesar Reyes and Jon-Paul Spickard
READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Traveling in general, can be a bit anxiety-inducing, but traveling internationally is a whole different animal. With some guidance and preparation, a trip south of the border can be just what you need, for getting away from the day-to-day stresses of life.
Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to start: It gives you the beach, sun and an ever-growing gay entertainment destination on Mexico's alluring coast.
Here are some basic guidelines to make it easy. Grab your passport, a plane ticket, lots of sunscreen and get ready to enjoy a vacation filled with fun and adventure.
In the gay community, there seemed to be more talk of (and travel to) Puerto Vallarta in the '90s since it has always been considered the "gayest part of Mexico," whether you were told to look for the "blue chairs" on the beach to
find "our people" or you were told Puerto Vallarta was "gay friendly." There has been a revival happening in the city during recent years, from new construction and development to more gay-oriented shopping, dining and entertainment, while still keeping the quaint, beach community charm.
Travel
Traveling to another country means having your passport in order. Make sure your passport is not expired and is handy at all times with your ID.
Take advantage of lower airfares offered by Volaris Airlines, flying out of Tijuana International Airport. (volaris.com or via their app) Crossing over is simple with the new Cross Border Express (CBX) enclosed pedestrian skywalk bridge, there exclusively for ticketed Tijuana International Airport passengers. From the Otay Mesa crossing, you literally walk into the Tijuana International Airport (Note: You must already have your plane ticket to use the CBX bridge); avoiding the congestion and searches for airport transportation at the San Ysidro border crossing. The bridge usage fee is $16 one-way or $30 for round-trip. (crossborderxpress.com)
Keep in mind, the size and weight of your luggage and also the restrictions dictating what you can travel with. Hint: Pack small containers, so you don't exceed the liquid limitations.
Accommodations
We were very excited to stay at Puerto Vallarta's newest gay (but "straight friendly") hotel and resort, Almar Resort in La Zona Romantica (almar- resort.com). The resort is beautiful and well-equipped, with a full-sized kitchen in each suite, stocked with all the essentials to do your own cooking, if you so choose. They are very comfortable, with spacious layouts, as well as amazing views of the coastline and ocean. Almar Resort is a cutting edge, luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta that incorporates Mexico's best traditions in a beautiful setting, offering even the most hard to please with accommodations of style and distinction.
The resort is also home to Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill, a favorite spot for pool parties on the weekends, with some of the best sushi and freshest seafood in town. Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill is a day-and possibly night-as you may never want to leave the beach, it's like none other in Puerto Vallarta. Located on a stunning stretch of the world-famous Los Muertos Beach, the adults-only, beach club concept, offers a hot pool scene, cabana services with attentive hosts, creative cocktails and menu items, poolside spa services, a live DJ and a host of activities to enjoy...Just steps from the sand and surf. (mantamarvallarta.com)
Dining
With so much to eat and so little time, Puerto Vallarta offers many delicious restaurants to try. Here is our recommendations for tasting the best Puerto Vallarta has to offer:
Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill-Offer- ing many delicious items: From their breakfast menu ask for the Chilaquiles, we also recommend the Ceviche Shrimp Cocktail and Tuna Tartar. The Almar Resort offers free shuttle service down the steep cobblestone road. (mantamarvallarta.com)
El Barracuda-We ventured into town and started our culinary experience in the heart of Playa Camarones. A "no frills" restaurant and bar that has the freshest seafood and creative dishes, like the Shrimp Pastor Tacos (you'll know the Pastor or Adobada marinade pork). You have not lived until you've tasted Marinated Shrimp Tacos that are spicy and oh so delicious. Between the ceviche, aguachiles, grilled octopus and fish chicharon, you can indulge in style, in a comfortable, oceanfront setting. (elbarracuda.com/nuevo-vallarta)
Tacos Revolucion - From seafood to tacos, our next stop on the city's food field trip was centrally-located, right in the Zona Romantica. This little restaurant has everything from carne asada, fish, adobada, birria, tacos with handmade tortillas and tortas and mini tacos that will have you trying them in mass quantities. Watch out for the habanero salsa! You don't want to overdo it! (facebook.com/tacosrevolucion)
Entertainment and Adventure
Wet and Wild Cruise - This is the sexiest day cruise in Puerto Vallarta. The six-hour, gay-themed and adult only, catamaran adventure takes you on a cruise along Puerto Vallarta's coast, with a stop at Los Arcos ecological preserve, featuring stunning, unique rock formations, which are perfect for snorkeling and viewing the hundreds of tropical fish. There is a stop for lunch at Las Animas beach, before heading to a private beach (clothing optional), for cocktails and socializing. Did we mention the sexy lotion boys? You will definitely want to celebrate in your birthday suit with them! Prices are $95 per person and include your lunch and drinks onboard. Their regularly scheduled cruises depart from the Puerto Vallarta pier on Saturdays, with a Wednesday cruise during the year's busier season. For more information, check them out at pvsunsetpartycruise.com.
Los Veranos Canopy Tour and Zip Line Adventure - This one is for the real thrill seekers! Hike through the jungle for two hours of adrenaline-filled fun, as you soar at 30 mph on 14 separate zip lines. You will be amazed at the majestic scenery of the Canopy River as you zip by amongst the treetops. It's a small group activity that is a lot of fun and topped off with a delicious lunch and tequila tasting by the river with slides and swimming.
Los Veranos also offers kayaking and an animal sanctuary tour. Check out pricing and schedule at canopytours-vallarta.com.
Activities are available right on the beach, as well. Look for SeaDoo rentals, banana boat rides and jet pack hydro flights, just south of Los Muertos Pier.
Nightlife
During the busy season (April to June) the gay nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is booming! Bars and clubs are located in the Zona Romantica area with the exception of Antropology (an exotic dancers club) north of the Cuale River, which runs through the middle of town.
During the weekends, the fun T-dance style afternoons at Mantamar are a great place to start for a day of bar hopping (since the real parties start late in the evening). Some suggested nightclubs are Pacos Ranch and CC Slaughters. The more casual bars in town are Mr. Flamingo, Margaritas and Esta Noche to name a few, all located on Lazaro Cardenas Street.
For those of you who didn't get enough "exotic dancers" at Antropology, check out Wet Dreams. You might recognize some of those "lotion boys" from the Wet and Wild Cruise, they are very popular and hard working!
by Cesar Reyes and Jon-Paul Spickard
