Dancing, Cruising, Drinking – Nightlife in Gay Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It’s also a gay mecca with world class nightlife. Once a sleepy fishing town, Puerto Vallarta emerged as a major hotspot when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton made it their second home. From the 1960s onwards, PV has been a very fashionable destination. It offers the perfect combination of sun, sand and sea, AND in peak season it’s also one of the gayest places in the Americas. So, you just laned in Puerto Valllarta and are ready to hit the town. There are options-a-plenty here for your nightlife adventures, from bar hopping, cabaret and drag shows, to cruising and saunas. There truly is something for everyone in Puerto Vallarta’s gay nightlife scene. Here are some top spots to visit and tips for getting around.

Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Don’t worry about how short your journey might be, taxis will take you where you want to go. Pay in Mexican pesos for the best rate and agree on the fare before you get in the cab. Uber is also widely available throughout PV and rides are inexpensive and come quickly.

The epicentre of the gayborhood lies at the intersection of Lázaro Cárdenas & Ignacio L. Vallarta streets, home to most of Puerto Vallarta’s gay bars. Walking is definitely in order in the Emiliano Zapata or Zona Romantica, so head out and explore the busy nightlife.

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BAR HOPPING

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. A tow-minute walk north of the River Cuale with over 20 stripper performing nightly shows.

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.

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.

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. A nice mix of tourists and locals.

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.  One of the newest and definitely the largest gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta.

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 rooftop lounge. Laid out over three floors, La Noche has sexy go-go boys performing nightly and special weekend shows.

Los Amigos – Cantina Style Gay Bar Sawdust on the floor, a packed pool table and cold beer.

Mr Flamingo – Busiest bar in Puerto Vallarta with an open-air feel, space for dancing, and the earliest happy hour, starting at 2 pm.

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.

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SAUNAS

Cub Spartacus Sauna  is Puerto Vallarta’s largest cruising area. It is clean and modern and 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! Post-work (7 pm to 9 pm is the busiest time)

The Sauna is opposite the main gay strip, close to the bars and clubs at 244 Lazaro Cardenas, 48380, Puerto Vallarta.

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.