Gay Puerto Vallarta is Going Strong

‘Welcome,’ ‘welcome back,’ and ‘it’s good to see you again,’ are three phrases that those of us living in Puerto Vallarta year-around never get tired of using. And we find ourselves using them constantly as they relate to the increasing influx of tourists arriving from places north of the border in recent months. You see, like the rest of the world, Puerto Vallarta took a huge beating from the pandemic. But now that we’re embracing the so-called ‘new normal,’ we are happy to report what some daring souls have known all along: Puerto Vallarta is still here for you to discover and enjoy!

Of course, if you’ve visited us within the past couple of years you already know that. But in case you haven’t, or if this is your first time considering a Puerto Vallarta destination, here are some things that have changed and others that remain the same.

Emiliano Zapata is Still King (Queen?)
You know it as Old Town, Romantic Zone, South Side or the Gayborhood. We call it by its proper name, Emiliano Zapata, and it is still the area to be if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to explore the destination. Construction did not stop during the pandemic so you may find an increasing number of buildings in the neighborhood (more Airbnb properties to choose from?) chipping away from our small-town identity. Ironically, us locals frequently chuckle over the fact that Emiliano Zapata has enough bars for you to enjoy during a two-month stay, and yet not a single supermarket. Fortunately, the number of high-end convenience stores has increased in the neighborhood, so you will find everything you need—from fun to frolic, from sexy to sustenance—within walking distance. And of course, your favorite LGBTQ hotels are still there and enjoying better-than-ever occupancy rates.

Feeling Hungry? Check Out Versalles
When we last connected, Versalles, a colonia or neighborhood located further north in the city—some 20 minutes by cab from Emiliano Zapata—has continued to evolve, becoming an increasingly wonderful dining destination for those looking to explore our city’s diverse culinary offering. Don’t get me wrong…. you’ll love the restaurants in the gayborhood. But if you are adventurous enough to expand your comfort level, befriend a local and go to Versalles for dinner some evening. You will not find all the art galleries, shops and boutiques you will find in Emiliano Zapata, but you will discover one of several neighborhoods some of us locals now call ‘home.’

There is Even More Talent
For many years now, Puerto Vallarta has been blessed as a place where many world-class entertainers make a stop after their Provincetown-Fire Island-Ogunquit-South Beach circuits, from New York cabaret singers you’d spend an arm and a leg to enjoy live at places like 54 Below, to the latest RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni. There is plenty to choose from and lots of information is available either through flyers posted all over the neighborhood, or on one of the local printed gay guides.

Staffing Is a Challenge
Like the rest of the world, Puerto Vallarta is struggling with a considerable staff shortage to meet the needs of a constantly increasing number of visitors from Mexico, the United States and other countries. We will do our best to pamper you to bits, but do keep this in mind if the service at your favorite restaurant in town is not as swift as it used to be, or even worse, not what you are used to north of the border. Give yourself the chance to unwind during your vacation, enjoy the slower pace that is common here, and go out of your way as much as you can to be understanding and show appreciation wherever you go. Kindness and empathy are good for your soul and ours as well!

Your Dollars Are Valuable, But…
The US economy is different from Mexico’s. This is not easy to explain, and many people rely on the short but not always accurate maxim, everything is cheaper in Mexico. For us, it is not quite that simple, but rather than burden you with details, do let me offer some well-intended suggestions. Many places, attractions, restaurants and such, are now unabashedly priced for tourists. If that’s your cup of tea, by all means, enjoy! But know that you can also fall in love with Mexico by venturing into places that cater to locals (Spanish and English-speaking) and they can be just as rewarding. Also, please tip generously—15-20 percent is the norm—but do keep in mind that it is a lot easier for you to exchange dollars into pesos, than for your average worker to go stand in line at a local bank to exchange a few US singles for Mexican currency. Are your bags packed yet?

Catch up with Paco Ojeda live Monday – Saturday at 10:30 am local time, on his talkshow, “Coffee & Headlines,” where he shares headlines and stories for Puerto Vallarta’s local English-speaking community. facebook.com/pacoojedalive