Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, have iconic reputations as two very welcoming LGBT-friendly destinations.
A wide variety of LGBT-friendly accommodation options, activities, beaches, nightlife, and a great LGBT community are the reasons Mexico’s Pacific Coast is amongst the most popular LGBT destinations!
Accommodation
In Puerto Vallarta, there are a wide variety of LGBT-friendly accommodation options, ranging from resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. Popular choices are the boutique hotel Villa Mercedes and Almar Resort on Los Muertos Beach and the luxury Casa Cupula Gay Hotel Boutique Guesthouse in Amapas.
In Riviera Nayarit, there are a number of LGBT friendly resorts, which all offer honeymoon packages for same-sex couples. The five-star St. Regis Punta Mita Resort surrounded by turquoise sea and white-sand beaches, that won the 2018 Gay Travel Award for the best LGBTQ2S+ friendly beach resort in the world. The boutique hotel Refugio del Mar located in the golden zone of Bucerias near its arts scene is another beautiful option in the Riviera Nayarit.
Activities
Situated on the coast with incredible natural beauty as well as a rich culture and history means there is so much to see and do in Banderas Bay.
To combine seeing Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning scenery with a wild party don’t miss the Wet & Wild Gay Cruise. For many other great LGBT-friendly boat tours, including whale watching and spa trips or zip lining, check out Jet’s Private Boat Tours.
In Riviera Nayarit, a visit to UNESCO bioreserve Marietas Islands National Park, one of the most bio-diverse sanctuaries in Mexico, is a must! You can take a tailor-made tour around the islands with a range of tour operators such as Punta Mita Expeditions. The hippy-chic town of Sayulita is another great place to visit. As well as having a strong LGBT scene it also has amazing shopping, surfing spots, restaurants and bars to soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach, Los Muertos is a lively spot full of restaurants and bars where you can party from sunset to sunrise. The Blue Chairs area, the original gay-beach resort, and beach club is the iconic LGBT hotspot of Los Muertos beach. For top cocktails, food and a beautiful stretch of sand, head to Mantamar Beach and dine in style at the Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill.
Lying between the Sierra Madre Mountains, tropical jungle and the Pacific Ocean, San Pancho’s beach in Riviera Nayarit has a stunning backdrop and is ideal for some peaceful downtime. To enjoy the essence of a true Mexican town, head to Lo de Marcos beach, surrounded by green hills and striking rocks. As the water is so calm it’s perfect for fishing and watersports!
Nightlife
In Lázaro Cárdenas in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica, named the gayborhood, you’ll find all: bars, clubs, strip club, shops and saunas. Flamingo, Code, Industry and CC Slaugther & Paco are the most popular spots. You can also book the Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping Tour, which offers VIP treatment, dinners and cabaret shows.
In Riviera Nayarit enjoy a variety of entertainment, from a “mezcaleria” in San Pancho named La Baba del Diablo to the hipster and trendy Living Room at the W Punta de Mita, with live DJs playing at weekends.
