Puerto Vallarta in July? Definitely! Guadalajara Too!

Here’s a funny situation: while some of us Vallartenses are brainstorming ideas to escape the heat, you’re contemplating whether to visit Puerto Vallarta in the Summer or not. A lot has been said about the heat, rain, and humidity during these months, but here’s the bottom line: Summer in Puerto Vallarta is awesome if you don’t mind the heat. However, for those of us who live here year-round, this is the time when we plan weekend getaways to cooler places whenever possible.

The two closest options are still appealing, but with a few improvements. San Sebastián del Oeste, a charming former mining town just 70 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta in the Sierra Madre mountains, is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, tranquility, and a close connection with nature. El Tuito, a small town 60 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, is also nestled in the mountains and has been evolving with more lodging options and a small but diverse Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Plus, there’s an awesome, gay-owned restaurant right in the heart of town, or two, depending on who you ask!

Now, what about Guadalajara, our capital city? It’s both a cosmopolitan destination and a colonial city, attracting more visitors every year who are discovering what many Mexicans already know: Guadalajara is an amazing city to explore for LGBTQ+ folks. In fact, by the time you read this, the city will have already hosted not one, but two separate gay pride parades! And with the upcoming Gay Games 2023 in November, you might want to consider a visit. Whether it’s a complement to your Puerto Vallarta trip or a standalone adventure, here are some things to consider.

Guadalajara’s International Airport welcomes direct flights from many US cities. You can also fly from Puerto Vallarta, but some people prefer the comfort of the first-class ETN bus, which has only three seats per aisle instead of the usual four, even when travel time is approximately 4.5 hrs.

The city offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, concentrated in two areas: the “Zona Rosa,” centered around the intersection of Avenida Chapultepec and Calle López Cotilla, where you’ll find a variety of gay-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops. The Historic Downtown Area is another spot where you’ll find gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Getting around Guadalajara is easy and affordable thanks to the abundance of Uber drivers.

As Mexico’s third-largest metropolitan area, Guadalajara boasts amazing cuisine to suit every budget. You can indulge in traditional dishes like birria and tortas ahogadas or treat yourself to haute cuisine restaurants. For a truly Mexican experience, a visit to Tlaquepaque, a neighboring town southeast of the city, is a must. There, you’ll find colorful streets, art galleries, and numerous shops showcasing traditional arts and crafts. Don’t miss the San Juan de Dios market, the largest indoor traditional mercado, located in downtown Guadalajara.

If you’re interested in cultural sites, some may catch the attention of LGBTQ+ travelers. For instance, The Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Gráficas (Journalism and Graphic Arts Museum) features an exhibit dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and the struggle for equality. At the MUSA Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara (MUSA Museum of the Arts, University of Guadalajara), there’s a first-ever exhibition of letters and personal belongings owned by the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, on display until August 6.

As diverse and exciting as Guadalajara is, there are a couple of things to keep in mind for your first visit. The city is not as English-friendly as Puerto Vallarta, so it might be a good idea to bring along a local friend or make some new ones. Also, while it’s one of the best places in Mexico for LGBTQ+ people to live, it’s still a relatively conservative city. So, it’s best to be mindful of local laws, customs, and safety precautions while traveling.

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

[Photos by Paco Ojeda]