Exploring a Romantic LGBT Getaway in Puerto Vallarta When Marriage is Equal John Szlachetka - 10thousandcouples.com
go to original September 17, 2012

With sun-drenched beaches, a vibrant gay nightlife, and menus of exotic cocktails, this vacation spot in Mexico is attracting thousands of same-sex couples.

In the last number of years, Puerto Vallarta has become extremely popular as an LGBT vacation spot. The sun-drenched beaches, the vibrant gay nightlife, and menus of exotic cocktails attract thousands of gay and lesbian visitors a year from around the world to Puerto Vallarta.  For that reason, my husband Yvon and I decided to take a well-deserved vacation to this paradise.

A vacation in Puerto Vallarta can be as relaxed or as active as you choose, with everything on offer, from LGBT cruises along the Banderas Coast, and dancing until dawn in one of many gay nightclubs, to sipping daquiries or margaritas on the blue lounge chairs of Puerto Vallarta`s lavish gay beach, and LGBT-friendly horseback riding excursions through the lush jungle.

The town itself is vivacious with a friendly LGBT-community feel and boasts unrivalled shopping opportunities. Visit Puerto Vallarta`s boardwalk, which they call the Malecon, where you can shop at the craft markets here for traditional Mexican pottery, beadwork, and jewellery. You can watch sidewalk artists painting and sketching spectacular portraits and scenic montages, which also prove to be beautiful souvenirs. Puerto Vallarta is bursting with culture and music, with free outdoor concerts held daily throughout the Zona Romantica, also known as the LGBT area of town.

As evening falls in Puerto Vallarta and the smell of roasted chicken and hot tortillas tempts you out onto the streets, you`ll discover a number of international restaurants serving up a wide range of freshly prepared cuisine in settings ranging from beachfront shanties to elegant riverside bistros. The restaurants along the beach not only serve a delightful variety of delicacies from around the world, but also give you the chance to relax and taste the delicious cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views across the Pacific Ocean. Later in the evening, the real party passion of Mexico is awakened in the town`s vibrant array of LGBT-friendly pubs, gay discos, live music venues, and extravagant drag shows, a testament to the insatiable LGBT appetite for partying through the night.

If you`re trying to decide on the best time to visit, the climate here promises warm sunshine holidays all year round, with temperatures rising to around 90F/32C in the summer months. Many people have the idea that the most idyllic conditions are found here in December and January; unfortunately, though, this is also the peak of the tourist season, and with that, the price for accommodation, food, and souvenirs skyrockets.  The summer months in this Pacific paradise are also beautiful. The sun is out most of the day, and you will find that if there is rain, it usually happens in the late afternoon and for only about half an hour or so.  Since it is not tourist season, accommodations are quite inexpensive, and you will find great deals on a number of 4- and 5-star resorts.  As for the handicrafts and artisan shops, you will find you can make great deals on the different souvenirs and artwork.

Next year, Puerto Vallarta is planning to attract much more of the LGBT community, especially couples.  As of June 2013, LGBT marriage will be legalized here. There are already preparations in the works for Puerto Vallarta to become the LGBT wedding and honeymoon capital of the world. Many hotels are promising lavish wedding and honeymoon packages for LGBT couples.  For couples who are already married and  want to celebrate their wedding anniversary, packages are being offered to renew their vows while enjoying Puerto Vallarta`s LGBT-friendly atmosphere.

If you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta for the first time, or if you are a frequent visitor to this LGBT-friendly oasis, you will always find this to be a classy holiday destination which strikes a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.  I know that Yvon and I had a great time, and I am positive that you will also enjoy your stay in this LGBT hotspot.

John Szlachetka, also known as Jasz to many of his friends, has been an activist, speaker, and writer for LGBT rights, for a number of years.  A former high school teacher, he has seen the discrimination and bullying  LGBT youth face everyday.

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