Puerto Vallarta Gay Scene

If you are thinking of visiting or living in PV here is a helpful insider’s guide to information on what the Puerto Vallarta Gay Scene is like?. Travel tips and guidance you need to consider for a safe, fun great gay vacation or to live here.

What is the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta like? What is the Legal Age of Sexual consent in Mexico, where are the gay cruising areas in Puerto Vallarta, where is the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta located, can I have a gay marriage in Mexico, what is the etiquette in the strip clubs,etc.)

The gay scene in Puerto Vallarta has been a safe, well-established Mexico gay travel destination for many years. This “beyond gay-friendly” city is a member of IGLTA with all the amenities sought by the LGBT community, featuring a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of gay bars and clubs, fabulous restaurants, gay and friendly hotels and vacation rentals, activities, shopping, and a well-developed arts and culture scene. The warm tropical weather and the famous gay beach in the Romantic Zone near Blue Chairs has made Vallarta a well-recognized gay travel destination for both national and international gay travelers. Experience for yourself how beyond gay friendly Puerto Vallarta can be!

The gay scene in Puerto Vallarta is centered in the Romantic Zone, the “Zona Romantica” During the day the LGBT are in front of the hotel Blue Chairs and Mantamar Beach Club. At night, the gay life is centered at the corner of Lazaro Cardenas and Insurgentes Street. See the gay PVR Puerto Vallarta map here

For more than 25 years, Mexico has been top-ranked as one of the hottest destinations for LGBT travelers, with Puerto Vallarta leading the trend. Condé Nast magazine calls Vallarta “the friendliest city in the world” and it’s that warm and open atmosphere that makes the city one of the most desirable resort destinations in the world. 

Located on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is the premiere gay beach destination, listed as the number one–and only–gay beach destination in Latin America by Travel and Leisure Magazine. And with more than 300 days of sunshine per year and only a 5°C fluctuation in average temperature between summer and winter, Vallarta offers gay and lesbian visitors from all over the world a uniquely safe, friendly and welcoming environment as well as a huge array of adventure tours and activities, haute cuisine, high-end shopping and a wild nightlife scene.

Getting to Puerto Vallarta by air? 

Fly to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport “PVR” Recent improvements announced for 2020 are the intention to build a 35,000-square-meter non-energy terminal, which would increase passenger traffic by 60% after completion.  There are also plans for  a new bus terminal and improved parking lots. See the complete travel gay guide to getting around Puerto Vallarta here. 

What is the age of sexual consent in Mexico and how do I verify it?

The age of sexual consent in Mexico is 18. The common sense way is ask to see his or her voter registration card or credencial para votar issued by the Instututo Federal Electoral because they must be 18 to get one. If they can’t produce it, politely pass on it!

Does Puerto Vallarta have a gay nude beach and where is the gay life centered?

Most of the gay life is centered in the Romantic Zone, the “Zona Romantica” during the day at the gay beach. This is the beach starting primarly from Sapphire Ocean Club includes the beach in front of Blue Chairs and Green Chairs “Ritmos Cafe” and ends at Mantamar Beach Club Bar. It is normally busiest in the day from 2pm until 6 pm. The area is for general sunbathing and socialing but this is not a nude beach. See our full details about the gay beach history and what the scene is like here

When is the best time to visit the gay bars/clubs in Puerto Vallarta?

Several street bars open at 2pm-5 and the street bars and strip clubs are busiest at 9 to 12 pm and the dance clubs busiest after midnight until 6am. See our article on the most popular gay bars and their description here. Visit the top rated Gay Bar Tour for a VIP gay bar crawl to meet new friends and celebrate your special events. 

What is the etiquette for the gay strip clubs in Puerto Vallarta gay scene? 

Puerto Vallarta has amazing strip clubs. Puerto Vallarta has full touching and hands on in the gay strip clubs. There are some important things you should know before going inside! Here is our article on what you need to know before you go. 

If you enjoy Drag Shows and Cabaret theatre, you will love Puerto Vallarta’s cabaret scene. 

When is Puerto Vallarta gay pride held?

Vallarta Gay Pride is normally the week before US Memorial day in May and is one of the most remarkable Puerto Vallarta gay scene event, businesses tourists and locals alike gather to celebrate in the bars and streets of town. Check our Puerto Vallarta gay pride events calendar section to confirm the exact date and events for each year. 

Can I have a same sex marriage in Mexico?

Yes it is legal to have a gay marriage in Jalisco the state where Puerto Vallarta is located. However, foreigners must have your birth certificate apostilled (certified) and take marriage counseling courses. That is a complex issue so please consult a qualfied wedding planner or immigration professional for details of what you need to be legally married in Puerto Vallarta. See our blog story here

Is prostitution legal in Mexico? 

In some states of Mexico yes. Thirteen of the states of Mexico allow and regulate prostitution. Prostitution in Mexico is legal under Federal Law in Mexico. Each of the 31 states (Puerto Vallarta is located in Jalisoc state) enacts its own prostitution laws and policies.. See the resource saying buying sex is not illegal in Mexico

Is there anywhere to see XXX videos of Puerto Vallarta gay guys and from Puerto Vallarta gay bars and events?

Yes, GAYPV website has exclusive xxx videos and photos of strippers and go go boys filmed in local gay bars and gay events too sexy for facebook, twitter and youtube. Also some gay porn producers like Lucas Entertainment has filmed in locations here, so that is also included. 

Is Vallarta a safe place to be gay? 

Puerto Vallarta is the gay capital of Mexico! The local government is accepting of gay tourists and a member of the IGLTA and businesses all over the city are more than eager to welcome you! Puerto Vallarta is very accepting of gay tourists. Holding hands is fine, and a peck on the cheek or a nice kiss is not uncommon. The beach and streets, however, are not places for full on public sex. Basically, Mexican culture say don’t do anything in public that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.

Where are the gay cruising hot spots in Puerto Vallarta? 

Puerto Vallarta gay scene hot, this  is a very cruisy city and the entire Romantic Zone is the hottest area. Many national guys are eager to vacation in Puerto Vallarta from smaller more conservative towns, many without the gay scene you find here. See our ultimate insider’s guide to gay cruising spots in Puerto Vallarta here. 

Do’s and Dont’s

·  Public Displays of Affection

While Mexico is conservative and Catholic, Mexicans are generally very accepting of gay tourists. Holding hands is fine, and a light kiss is not uncommon, but playing tonsil-hockey with Pedro on the corner isn’t kosher. The beach and streets of Puerto Vallarta are not places for sex. Basically, do not do anything in public that you would not want your grandmother to see.

·  So you’ve met your Latin Lover…

Be careful. First, make sure he’s 18. That’s the legal age here in Mexico, and he’ll have his IFE federal voter card to prove it. No need to check the age, because he won’t HAVE one unless he is 18. Make sure the photo matches his face! No ID? Then for your own safety just say ‘adios’ to the young fella.

·  What is the legal age in Mexico for consenting to sex?

The legal age of majority in Mexico is 18. Anyone who is 18 will have a federal-issued voter’s card. INSIST on seeing it if you are taking him home or going to his place. The legal consequences of sleeping with a minor are not anything you want to be a part of. This is what an IFE voter card looks like:

·  Can I drink on the beach or street?

Legally speaking, no. Realistically speaking, yes. You are not going to be arrested or fined for simply drinking a beer on the street or at the beach. Puerto Vallarta is a resort community and some regulations tend to be a bit more ‘relaxed’ for tourists. You should not drink beer out of a glass bottle while on the street, though. Simply request a plastic ‘to go’ cup from your bartender or waiter, and you’re off and running with your beer or margarita! Open liquor here is generally not a big issue as long as you are polite and well-behaved.

Immigration Matters

Do I need a Visa To Visit Mexico? You do NOT need to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico if:

1) The country that issued your passport appears on this list of countries that don’t need a visa to visit Mexico and you intend to travel to Mexico for leisure and/or business trips of 180 days or less; OR

2)You are a legal resident of Mexico (Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente – formerly FM3/FM2); OR

3) If you don’t hold a passport from one of the countries that is exempt from needing a visa to visit Mexico but you do hold a permanent residency visa for the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or any country that is signatory to the European Schengen Area; OR

3a) If you don’t hold a passport from one of the countries that is exempt from needing a visa to visit Mexico but you do hold a current, multiple-entry visitor visa for the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or any country that is signatory to the European Schengen Area; OR

4) If you don’t qualify under 1, 2, or 3 above, but you do hold a current APEC/ABTC business traveler’s card with pre-clearance approved by Mexico. Please contact a Mexican Consulate for more information

Here is a free Mexico Immigration Guide ebook for more details and everything you need to know about immigration and visas in Mexico.

Traveling with Pets? Puerto Vallarta is very pet friendly with many hotels and bed and breakfasts pet friendly. Please review the current information to enter/exit Mexico with your pet. The website is here.

Activities and Fun Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Whether you’re looking for a hot party scene, extreme adventures or a relaxing tropical get-away, Puerto Vallarta offers it all.  World class restaurants, circuit clubs and parties and sophisticated lounges, tours and adventure activities, live cabaret theater and music, galleries, spas, shopping…the list is literally endless.  Here’s just a sample of some upcoming Events.

Getting around town

·  Is Vallarta safe?

Statistically, Puerto Vallarta gay scene and general life is safer here than many US or Canadian cities. Overall, there is very little crime here and the tourist police are friendly and helpful. Use your common sense, and be careful – just as you would anywhere else. Don’t parade around with fancy jewelry, don’t flash big wads of cash around, stay on main streets after dark, walk with a friend or two.  

·How do I get from the airport to the Gay Zona the “Romantic Zone?” What are the zones here?

As of July 1, 2017 Uber is operational in Puerto Vallarta. There are also white airport taxis, but you will pay less if you cross the street (there is a pedestrian bridge which crosses over the highway from the airport) and take a yellow local taxi. There are no meters; rates are determined by zones.  You can also take local public buses from the airport to the gay zone which are quite fun and only cost around $1 USD.  See our complete gay PVR Puerto Vallara map here showing the major zones and areas of Puerto Vallarta and what is located in each one

· Buses, Taxis & Car Rentals   See our map with main bus routes. 

Many car rental services are available (with offices in the airport or across the street from PVR) and buses and taxis abound. Before you take a taxi there are a always note the taxi number (generally printed on the exterior of the back seat doors) and the “sitio” number – contained within a circle on the driver’s door. This will help you in the very rare chance that you encounter problems or leave something in the cab. 

Traveling by bus in Mexico is very inexpensive, educational and fun. You can travel pretty much anywhere on the bus for 10 pesos one-way. Buses go to the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta, the airport, south to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán.