Beautiful and exotic Puerto Vallarta, situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean offers an incredible selection of restaurants and cafes, beach life and jungle hiking, biking and horseback riding, and so much more. Even better, it has one of the largest and most diverse LGBTQ communities in all of Latin America. Puerto Vallarta is truly a wonderful place to find your piece of paradise!
A Look at the History of Puerto Vallarta
The region that is now Puerto Vallarta was initially discovered in 1541 by explorer Don Pedro de Alverado. Interestingly, however, he discovered the area but then nothing much happened to it for almost 300 years. Eventually, in the mid-1800s, the area was rediscovered, and slowly began to grow, until 1918 when it was officially designated as a municipality and named Puerto Vallarta in honor of a state representative of the state of Jalisco at that time. For the next 20 years or so, it remained a small fishing village until eventually in the 1930s it began to become a popular tourist destination. In the 1960s, however, following in the release of the movie “The Night of the Iguana,” Puerto Vallarta truly became a tourist destination for travelers from around the world. It remains a thriving spot for tourism to this day because of its beautiful beaches and architecture, and its world-class dining, entertainment, and recreational opportunities. It is also known for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community and for having a thriving and growing LGBTQ population. In Puerto Vallarta, there’s truly a place for everyone.
Puerto Vallarta – A Few Fun Facts
- Puerto Vallarta is the fifth largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is famous for its mariachi bands, and tequila.
- The Bay of Banderas, which is the bay upon which Puerto Vallarta is located, measures 42 kilometers from point to point. It is one of the deepest bays in the world and is known for its population of humpback whales.
- Puerto Vallarta has particularly excellent drinking water. In fact, Puerto Vallarta’s water authority (SEAPAL) has received special recognition certifying the cleanliness of the local water supply for over 15 years now.
Read more fun facts about Puerto Vallarta here.
The LGBTQ Community in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has a well-loved and well-supported LGBTQ community, supported by a variety of community resources. Some of those resources include:
LGBT Civil Association of Commerce and Tourism
The LGBT Civil Association of Commerce and Tourism is an influential legal coalition representing the interests of Puerto Vallarta LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals to promote economic growth in both the public and private sectors.
What’s the Weather Like in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate. This means that there is humidity and warmth nearly year-round. The rainy season in Puerto Vallarta runs from June through mid-October, and there is very little precipitation in the area for the rest of the year. Typically, however, even during the rainy season the rain will fall in short bursts with most days being hot and dry. Although it sits on the ocean, one advantage of Puerto Vallarta’s location on the Bay of Banderas is that the bay serves as a natural barrier protecting the area from hurricanes by moving the storms further out to sea, or up the coast. In fact, only once in the last 35 years has the area experienced damage from a hurricane. Generally, residents and visitors alike can count on plenty of sunshine and beautiful weather year-round.
Can’t-Miss Events in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Pride is the city’s annual pride celebration, and it is widely known as one of the best pride events in all of Latin America. Whether you love parades, parties, networking events, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, Puerto Vallarta Pride has it. It’s one event you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar each year!
Carnaval is one of the city's most popular gay festivals, with plenty of dramatic outfits, dancers and street performers. It’s truly an event that guarantees a good time for all!
The Best Neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta
In Puerto Vallarta, the south end or “Romantica Zone,” or “Zona Romantica” as the locals call it, is where the largest percentage of the LGBT community tends to congregate. Zona Romántica is a trendy area filled with lively LGBT bars, restaurants, and shops. The neighborhood also offers quaint courtyard cafes and contemporary art galleries sitting on cobblestone streets. The popular Los Muertos Beach also draws locals and visitors to its pier, which lights up at night. Throughout Puerto Vallarta, a wide variety of housing options including single-family and a multitude of condominiums are available for sale in all price ranges.
Arts and Entertainment
Teatro Vallarta is a performing arts venue in Puerto Vallarta that offers a wide variety of shows and performances to delighted audiences each year. Whether you enjoy musicals, dramas, comedy, or more, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Each year, the city of Puerto Vallarta sponsors the Old Town Art Walk in its Historical City Center. This months-long event typically starts on the last Wednesday of October and ends on the final Wednesday in May. More than 14 galleries participate in displaying exhibitions and offering cocktails, and it is a wonderful opportunity to view paintings, sculptures, fine ceramics, and other creative pieces of art while meeting some of the artists, enjoying good conversation, and meeting new friends.
Parks and Recreation
Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach is the largest stretch of gay beach of Puerto Vallarta. It has several gay beach clubs and pool parties happening during the day, as well as numerous nightspots and events to enjoy in the evening. It’s a great place to spend a sunny Puerto Vallarta day!
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Los Arcos National Marine Park is widely considered one of the best places to snorkel in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great way to enjoy the unique beauty of the area in a one-of-a-kind way. A wide variety of fish, birds, and colorful reef life can be enjoyed here.
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
Mr. Flamingo is a fun and lively gay cocktail bar located in the Zona Romántica. With its tiki bar vibe and relaxed atmosphere, the bar often draws a large crowd and is a great place to mingle with old friends or meet new ones. Mr. Flamingo is known for its friendly service, open-air layout, and great music.
Apaches is a popular gay martini bar located on the main gay strip in Zona Romántica and is a great spot to grab a specialty cocktail. The friendly atmosphere of this LGBTQ martini bar draws in a diverse crowd of people and is always a great stop during an evening out on the town.
Contact a Puerto Vallarta Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Puerto Vallarta, your first step should be finding a realtor who knows the city and its neighborhoods well, and who can help you find a house you’ll love in a neighborhood that’s a perfect fit. We’re here to help connect you with a realtor who can do exactly that. Contact a Puerto Vallarta gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
