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Gay Puerto Vallarta Guide

Gay Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s No 1 destination is a beach-lovers paradise and home to great bars, a lively circuit scene and superb dining. It is safe, warm and welcoming – the perfect ingredients for a tropical escape.

Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos beach with the famous Los Muertos Beach Pier (lookout/”mirador”)

Gay Vallarta – Mexico’s Number One Gay Destination!

Puerto Vallarta, or PV to those in the know, is the perfect gay beach escape. Located by the Pacific Ocean, this bustling small city of cobbled streets is nestled between Bahía de Banderas and the tropical forests of the nearby Sierra Madre mountains.

Vallarta has stunning beaches and a charming romantic old town. Restaurants serve authentic Mexican and International cuisine with style. Add to this a throbbing, vibrant gay bar scene and it’s no wonder Puerto Vallarta is North America’s number-one gay beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta attracts a lot of repeat visitors, mostly gay men. And while time seems to pass a little slower, visitors will find something new during each trip. This thriving beach resort is in a constant state of reinvention. But it still maintains that “real-town feeling”, with a local community and a warm welcome.

The combination of history, reinvention and the ever-evolving gay scene make Puerto Vallarta an enduring escape.

Be yourself in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantic, home to the gay bars, beaches and clubs.

Where is the gay area in Puerto Vallarta?

The Romantic Zone – Zona Romantica

Puerto Vallarta is divided into three zones, Zona Romantica, El Centro and The Hotel Zone. (There are several others, but from a tourist perspective, these three zones are the ones you will visit the most).
Most of Puerto Vallarta’s gay hotels and resorts are in the Romantic Zone (Old Town) and Ampas districts, two neighbourhoods comprising the city’s gay area.
The epicentre of the gay neighbourhood lies at the intersection of Lázaro Cárdenas & Ignacio L. Vallarta streets, home to most of Puerto Vallarta’s gay bars.
Staying in the Zona Romantica is super convenient as it is close to most of Vallarta’s gay bars, clubs and beautiful gay beaches.
Stay close to the gay beach and the bars at the Vallarta Shores Hotel, offering stylish suites in a great location. Rated “Superb” by guests.

Getting Around

Getting to and around Puerto Vallarta

With direct flights from most major U.S. airports, Puerto Vallarta is easy to reach. The Zona Romantica is just a half-hour from PVR Airport.
The neighbourhood is compact and easy to navigate, and taxis are cheap and plentiful. Don’t worry about how short your journey might be; taxis will take you where you want to go; incredibly convenient if your hotel is on one of the many steep side streets.
Uber is widely available throughout Gay Puerto Vallarta. Rides are inexpensive and come quickly.
Most of our recommended restaurants are further from the historic district of Emiliano Zapata. Take a taxi. They are cheap and plentiful.
Gay Travelers are advised to pay in Mexican pesos for the best rate and agree on the fare before you get in the cab.
El Centro is home to some great restaurants and the main boardwalk.
The Hotel Zone is a 10-minute taxi ride from the Romantic Zone and caters to all-inclusive visitors and those seeking a more resort-style escape.

Where to stay in Gay Puerto Vallarta?

From luxury hotels to charming guest houses and apartments, discover our top recommendations.

From the rooftop pools at the Miramar, to Jets Gay Hostel, Puerto Vallarta has a wide range of places to stay.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotels & Gay Friendly Options

While there is no shortage of places to stay in Vallarta, the Romantic Zone is the most popular district. The neighbourhood is home to 30+ hotels and boutique accommodation providers. There are also more than 150 different apartments and condos.

Venture beyond the Romantic Zone to the Hotel Zone (10-minutes by taxi/uber) if you are seeking an all-inclusive, resort style experience.

Close to the Gay Beaches and Bars

The iconic ocean-front Almar Hotel is known for its signature turquoise canvas lounge chairs which mark the gay section of the beachfront. The recently opened Almar Towers and Eden Pool Club, with stunning infinity views over the bay, are the perfect place to enjoy your Puerto Vallarta escape. The reality however is this hotels is booked out months and months in advance, even with the new addition of the tower. The following hotels great amenities and service close by:
Grand Miramar – Luxury suites and superb facilities. Less than 1km from the centre.
Olas Altas Suites – Perfect location, great suites and friendly service. 600 metres from the centre.
Casa Isabel – 4 Star boutique hotel, large rooms and beach views. 700 metres from the centre.

5 Star Luxury close-by

There are no 5 star hotels in the Romantic Zone, however nearby Conchas Chinas is home to some superb options. Most are located just a 5-minute taxi ride from the gay bars and beaches.
Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites – Rated “Superb” by guests, with stunning ocean views, excellent breakfast and epic infinity pool.
Hotel Luxury Patio Azul – Another “Superb” rated hotel with beautifully decorated spacious rooms and optional private pools.
Beyond Conchas Chinas (12 minute taxi ride) you will find Hotel Mousai – Adults Only, the first 5 Diamond, Adults Only Hotel in Puerto Vallarta.

Popular Gay Hotels

Hotel Mercurio – Rated “Fabulous” by guests, the hotel hosts several gay parties throughout the year and is home to a popular daily happy hour. Rooms are basic, but service is excellent and the hotel’s location is its key selling point.
Jets Gay Youth Hostel – Just a 5-minute walk from the gay bars, the hotel offers basic but clean accommodation and excellent sevice.

Boutique Experience

Casa Cupula – Gay owned and operated, Casa Cupula hosts the infamous naked pool parties. It also has a stunning restaurant and popular gym.
Casa Kimberley – Stay in the former home of Elizabeth Taylor. The hotel, Rated “Exceptional” by guests is a 5-minute taxi ride to the Romantic Zone, 400 m from Camarones Beach, and 600 m of the city centre. The boutique hotel features stylish rooms with sweeping views and of course the famous Iguana restaurant.

Condos and Apartments

The are are a wide range of beautiful self-catering apartments and luxury condos and penthouses in the Romantic Zone. Apartments tend to fill up fast, so book well in advance, especially for the top gay Puerto Vallarta Events.

Romantic Zone: Find the best hotel deal.

PUERTO VALLARTA’S GAY BARS AND GAY NIGHTLIFE

Industry Night Club – hosts several theme circuit events from Easter to NYE.

In Puerto Vallarta, most of the gay scene revolves around Olas Altas and Lazaro Cardenas. These two busy streets are just blocks from the gay beaches of Los Muertos.

Most visitors arrive at the gay beaches by 11 am and spend the day lounging by the beach and pool. Post-beach happy hours kick-off from around 4 pm.
Are you looking for a romantic sunset ending to your day? Check out the views at The Pinnacle Rooftop Bar, The Signature Lounge and The Top Skybar.
Dinner is usually from around 9 pm, and the clubs are busy by 11 pm. (Later during the off-season).
The main strip of Lazaro Cardenas is the busiest street for gay nightlife.

Where to begin? A Gay night out.

Start your evening at Garbo on Calle Pulpito, a lively Piano bar with great music and a nice mix of locals and tourists.
Stop off at Blondies, a two-story gay bar close to the gay massage parlours. The smoothie bar downstairs is excellent for a post-beach cocktail, while upstairs has a more relaxed lounge vibe.
Anonimo has a famous happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm and hosts popular Karaoke nights. The bar staff are cute and friendly.

Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta’s bustling gay street.

As you leave Olas Altas, head to the main gay neighbourhood on Lazaro Cardenas. This strip is home to some of the busiest and best-known bars in Gay Puerto Vallarta.

At the crossroads of Highway 200 and Cardenas, you will find 4 of the busiest clubs.

CC Slaughters is where the boys like dancing once the bars close. On the opposite corner, you will discover Paco’s Ranch, the successor to the infamous Club Paco. Paco’s is a mix of tourists and locals thanks to its low drink prices, camp shows, and ample dance floor.
Beyond the clubs, you will find Margaritas, a stylish bar packing the street with overflowing guests night after night. The open terrace is especially popular during the Summer months.
Next door, Puerto Vallarta’s flagship gay bar, La Noche, is busy from 11 pm onwards. The bar is laid out over three floors and hosts some of the best entertainment on the strip. Sexy Go Go Boys perform nightly with special shows at weekends.
And you can’t miss a visit to Mr Flamingos, home to some of the finest “tacos de ojos” or eye candy in PV!

Strippers and Steam Rooms

If you haven’t hooked up with a hot tourist or sexy local by the end of your evening, a visit to the Spartacus Spa might be worthwhile.
This 4-story gay spa and Sauna is clean and modern with private rooms, a cruising area, a large rooftop terrace, and a pool. It is busiest from 4 pm to 8 pm, post-beach and pre-dinner!
Nno visit to Lazaro Cardenas would be complete without a trip to Wet Dreams. The bar describes itself as a “gentlemen’s club.” The dancers are hot, and their behaviour is anything but gentlemanly! Still, it’s great fun and well worth a visit, but not for the shy!
A two-minute walk further north of the River Cuale will bring you to Antropology, one of the original gay male strip clubs with over 20+ strippers performing nightly shows from 9 pm to 4 am.

The Puerto Vallarta Gay Tour

Check out Christian Serrano’s Gay Vallarta Bar-Hopping Tour to get a handle on the city’s gay scene. It is also a great way to meet new friends.
Tours cost between USD 75 and USD 125, including a welcome dinner, drinks, queue hop, and VIP service.

Cabaret and Drag Shows

Drag fans should reserve seats at The Palm Cabaret on Olas Altas Street to catch stellar live acts and mind-blowing tribute artists, from Beyonce to Gaga; the program changes each season.
Act 2 hosts some of the biggest shows in Puerto Vallarta with three beautiful theatres, the Red Room, Danny’s main stage and the Outdoor starlight cabaret. Program changes each month.

Late Night Partying

Industry, located close to the busy gay bars, is Vallarta’s late-night dance venue. While the club opens at 11 pm, it gets busy from around 1 am. The club is open until 3 am. Enjoy fantastic light and sound, sexy gogos and world-class DJs. It is the largest gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta. They also co-host the popular Guapo and RAW after hours parties, taking over mountainside Villas for post 3 am parties.
CC Slaughters is a fun nightclub-style bar in the gay area of Puerto Vallarta. It gets busy later on in the evening and crazy from 4 am.
Pacos Ranch Bar also known as Paco’s club is popular with local boys and tourists and is well known for its nightly drag shows. One of the longest running gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta.
Both Pacos and CC Slaughters are the only two clubs that run until 6am daily.

A to Z of Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta

Anonimo – Huge terrace on the second level, perfect for people-watching.
Antropology was the only strip bar in town for years, and even with competition, it is still going strong in Puerto Vallarta.
Apaches – A popular lesbian-owned restaurant and bar on the main street of the romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta.
Blondies bar is a good stop-off point on your way back from the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Also perfect for an alcoholic slushie on the way to or from the beach.
Divas Bar – Dinner, drinks and a show are a must at Divas with crazy Drag Queens and a fun mixed crowd.
Garbo – This piano bar is popular with everyone, the sort of place you can take your straight friends in Puerto Vallarta.
Mr Flamingo – Busiest bar in Puerto Vallarta with an open-air feel, space for dancing, and the earliest happy hour, starting at 2 pm.
La Cantina – Close to Mr Flamingo, but with a more relaxed vibe and friendly bartenders.
La Chachalaca – Fun happy hour and great for post-beach or pre-dinner drinks, just five minutes from the beach.
La Margarita Bar – Located right next door to the famous La Noche bar, La Margarita Bar is a fun Cantina style bar with a relaxed vibe.
La Noche is one of the best bars in Puerto Vallarta, a must-visit in town, and famous for its hot GoGos and chilled rooftop lounge.
Los Amigos – Cantina Style Gay Bar Sawdust on the floor, a packed pool table and cold beer.
One Six One – Stylish bar and lounge with live DJs, craft cocktails, patio, and rooftop.
Reinas – there must be a Queens’s bar in every city, and Puerto Vallarta is no different.
Studs – Puerto Vallarta’s only Bear & Leather Bar, home to the Bearadise Parties.
The Top Skybar is Gay Puerto Vallarta’s hot spot with stunning sunset views, great cocktails and a delicious tapas menu. Located high above the Mantamar beach club.
The Corner Bar – Sexy bartenders and friendly service are hallmarks of The Corner Bar where they invite you go get “Un poco f*cked Up”. Great Martinis and cocktails.
Wet Dreams is a men-only bar in Puerto Vallarta with regular all-male nude shower shows.

The Corner Bar

La Noche

Studs Puerto Vallarta

Mr Flamingo

The Top Skybar

Industry Puerto Vallarta

PUERTO VALLARTA GAY CRUISING AND SAUNAS

Gay Cruising is part and parcel of everyday life in Puerto Vallarta. It begins during the day at Playa Los Meurtos, where guys check out the latest hunk in Andrew Christian trunks!

Playa Conchas Chinas

You will find Playa Conchas Chinas just beyond Los Muertos, popular with those seeing a more intimate rendezvous among the shallow outcrops.
It is also less touristy and free from the many beach hawkers selling everything from Oysters to Cigars.

The Spartacus Spa Puerto Vallarta

The Spartacus Spa is Puerto Vallarta’s largest cruising area. It is clean and modern, spread over several floors with a rooftop pool, steam room, large dark room, cruising area and private cabins.
The staff are friendly and will give you a tour of the facilities. The early afternoons can be quiet, depending on the time of year. The busiest time is when local guys finish work; so post 7 pm, you will find it extra busy.
Tip: Make sure you bring your ID with you to enter, no matter how old. Also, bring your flip-flops!
The Sauna is opposite the main gay strip, close to the bars and clubs at 244 Lazaro Cardenas, 48380, Puerto Vallarta.

Hustler Bars

Antropology and Wet Dreams are the two bars where you can meet a hot muscled Latino and get to play with him, for a fee, of course!
The dancers/strippers are not shy, so you can see what’s on offer. Private dances are available. Agree on your fee beforehand.
You can also arrange to meet a boy after! Remember, hotels require ID for guests, so many guys prefer renting condos/apartments.

Prostitution

Prostitution is legal in Mexico. Many guys will work off dating apps such as Grindr.
Remember to lock your valuables away before inviting anyone around, and let people know where you are going before meeting anyone in Puerto Vallarta.

Elizabeth Taylor Theater

The Sala/Elizabeth Taylor Theater is an Adult Theater popular with straight and bi guys.
Most of the gay action takes place in the upper Mezzanine area. Busy after work and at weekends and especially when it rains.
Open from 2 pm until 10 pm daily. The area is gay-friendly, with tourists mixing with local guys, many of who are not out. How busy can depend on the time of the day and the actual day of the week – more active after work.
Tip: The gay section is upstairs. No air-conditioning, and it can be quite steamy!

Wet Dreams Puerto Vallarta

Playa Conchas Chinas

Antropology

Gay Map of Puerto Vallarta

Callejon de la Igualdad, 129. Colonia Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Set on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and 5 minutes’ drive from Puerto Vallarta Cathedral, this gay-friendly, adults-only hotel features 2 swimming pools, a hot tub, spa and a sun terrace.

The rooms and suites offer contemporary décor, air conditioning, laptop safe, wardrobe and flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player. All accommodations feature minibar, coffee maker and a private bathroom with bathrobes, hairdryer and free toiletries.

BOOK NOW

Amapas 380, Zona Romantica, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Offering a year-round outdoor pool and terrace, Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience is located in Puerto Vallarta in the Jalisco Region, 6 km from Cruise Ship Pier. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. The property only accommodates adult guests of 18 years and older.

Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV. Some units include a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. Extras include free toiletries and a hair dryer. This hotel features both free WiFi and free private parking.

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Malecón 400, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Vallarta Shores Condohotel, located on Puerto Vallarta's Los Muertos Beach features one to four bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen cable TV and a balcony overlooking the beach and Banderas Bay. The Sky Suites feature 3 bedrooms, a private pool and private chef service included

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Pino Suárez 583, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Hotel Amaca Puerto Vallarta - Adults Only is located 500 m from Playa de los Muertos. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. The rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a desk, air conditioning and cable channels

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Insurgentes 108, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Certain rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. At Joint Coworking Hotel and Cowork rooms include bed linen and towels. Free WiFi is available

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Venustiano Carranza 277, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a barbecue. Free WiFi

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Francisca Rodríguez 174, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

This 2 bedroom apartment features a TV and a living room. A well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge, a bathroom with shower and hairdryer. offers an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning.

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Venustiano Carranza 268, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Loft 268-208 is located in the Romantic Zone district of Puerto Vallarta The apartment consists of 2 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen. Free wifi and an outdoor swimming pool

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Basilio Badillo 206, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta,

This air-conditioned apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, free WiFi and sea views

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IBasilio Badillo 330, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

Intimate piano bar inside the Act2PV theater complex.
Features live singers, piano music, and cabaret performances (often Broadway and show tunes).
Happy hour shows and later evening piano shows nightly.
Open Daily 4:00 pm–2:00 am (Happy Hour 4–7 pm)

Website

Rodolfo Gómez 157 Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, JAL, Mexico

Intimate three-level gay cocktail bar (wine & martinis) just off Olas Altas.
Friendly vibe with video screens and Wi-Fi It features a small rooftop terrace on the third floor.
Open Daily 7:00 pm–2:00 am

Gay Puerto Vallarta Guide

Discover in this guide:

Gay Vallarta – Mexico’s Number One Gay Destination!

Where is the gay area in Puerto Vallarta?

The Romantic Zone – Zona Romantica

Getting Around

Getting to and around Puerto Vallarta

Where to stay in Gay Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotels & Gay Friendly Options

Close to the Gay Beaches and Bars

5 Star Luxury close-by

Popular Gay Hotels

Boutique Experience

Condos and Apartments

Pier 57

Olas Altas Suites

The Almar Resort

Zona Z Boutique Hotel

PUERTO VALLARTA’S GAY BARS AND GAY NIGHTLIFE

Where to begin? A Gay night out.

Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta’s bustling gay street.

Strippers and Steam Rooms

The Puerto Vallarta Gay Tour

Cabaret and Drag Shows

Late Night Partying

A to Z of Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta

The Corner Bar

La Noche

Studs Puerto Vallarta

Mr Flamingo

The Top Skybar

Industry Puerto Vallarta

PUERTO VALLARTA GAY CRUISING AND SAUNAS

Playa Conchas Chinas

The Spartacus Spa Puerto Vallarta

Hustler Bars

Prostitution

Elizabeth Taylor Theater

Wet Dreams Puerto Vallarta

Playa Conchas Chinas

Antropology

Gay Map of Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Gay Friendly Restaurants

Breakfast and Coffee

Beachside Dining

Authentic Mexican

Something Special

Something Gay

Authentic Cuisine

Food and Drink Tours

Restaurant Week

Puerto Vallarta Dining Tour

Tipping

Tacos Anyone?

La Palapa

Daiquiri Dick’s

Noroc

Iguana Casa Kimberly

Cafe Des Artistes

The Swedes

Puerto Vallarta Gay Beach Clubs

Playa Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta

The Gay Beach Clubs

Blue Chairs Gay Beach Club

Ritmos Beach

Sapphire Beach Club

Mantamar Beach Club

Other Beaches in Gay Puerto Vallarta

Playa Amapas

Playa Conchas Chinas

Puerto Vallarta’s top Gay Events

Food and Wine Festivals

Bear Week

Carnival

Vallarta Pride

Seasonal Holidays NYE and Thanksgiving

Halloween

The latest upcoming Events & Parties

Gay Puerto Vallarta – What to see and do!

Gay Bar Hopping Tours

Almar Resort LGBT
4 Star, Luxury

Joint Boutique Hotel
Readers Choice

Hotel Amaca
4 Star, Great Value

Shores Beach Hotel
4 Star, Location