It’s no secret that we—and most gay men on the planet—love, love, LOVE Puerto Vallarta.
It’s always a fab vacation, whether it’s in the thick of high season between November and February or in the scorching heat of summer (fewer clothes on the men, so that’s always a bonus, right?).
Well, after getting the chance to march in their Pride Parade last year, we’re shocked that it’s already time again for their annual celebration of the LGBTQ community. Locals and international tourists flock to the destination each May for Vallarta Pride and this year will be no different.
Taking place between May 20 and 26, you should plan to add a few days before or after the events, celebrations and parties that appeal to you most.
Events this year include a Pride Pet Parade, the Pink Dinner, Pride Sun Festival, a Lesbian Party, a Beach Party and the big Parade itself.
Dining in Puerto Vallarta ranks among the best in all of Mexico, so it’s an added bonus for Pride visitors that Restaurant Week overlaps with the queer festivities. It runs from May 15 through June 10, so even if you can’t make Pride, you should try to schedule a quick trip to the city before the discounted dining event ends. For its 20th anniversary year, dozens of restaurants have joined the program.
Accommodations run the gamut in Puerto Vallarta, from small boutique properties appealing directly to gay men or the LGBTQ community at large to massive all-inclusive resorts. We’ve stayed at dozens of places over the years and we will always pick a smaller hotel than an all-inclusive any day.
We currently have two favorite gay properties that we alternate between on our frequent visits.
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel is nestled in a rather quiet area only a block from the beach and less than a 10-minute walk to Blue Chairs, Ritmos Beach Café (a.k.a. Green Chairs) and Mantamar Beach Club. The rooms at Villa Mercedes burst with Mexican charm (and can be quite big, depending on the size room you book) and the per-night prices can’t be beat. It’s adults-only and attracts a mostly gay clientele, but we love it, especially for the convenience to the oceanfront activities and restaurants we frequent. The house dogs who roam around freely also keep us from totally missing our fur babies back home.
Casa Cupula
Casa Cupula, with its clothing-optional pool, and lively weekend parties (including a fun drag brunch) welcomes a whole new gaggle of gays to the party. Casa Cupula’s location is high up a hill, which makes for spectacular views and a nice secluded atmosphere. It can be a trek down to the beach, but we always have fun on the journey—or we get the house car or a taxi to do the hard work for us. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s well worth visiting for one of their wildly entertaining pool parties.
As long as you have a place to sleep, everything else in Puerto Vallarta tends to fall into place once you’re there. You can pre-plan the hell out of it, or simply let the vacation guide you minute by minute. During Pride, it’s impossible not to find a little trouble—and a ton of fun.
Vallarta Pride
May 20-26
vallartapride.orgRestaurant Week PV
May 15-June 10
restaurantweekpv.com
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel
hotelvillamercedes.comCasa Cupula
casacupula.com
