Here Are Two Reasons for You to Consider Traveling to Puerto Vallarta in September

By Paco Ojeda 

Septiembre is a curious month in Puerto Vallarta. Businesses that rely primarily on tourist-driven revenue often refer to the month as “septi-hambre,” hambre meaning ‘hunger,’ to make reference to the slowest month of the year when tourists are concerned, and one in which some businesses have trouble making ends meet. But don’t let this discourage you from booking a trip this month! Here are two reasons for you to consider.

First of all, the same businesses that complain about the decreased tourist-driven activity in town this month have become smarter through the years, and now offer very enticing promotions for you to enjoy Puerto Vallarta this time of year. For example, take a peek at Casa Cupula’s website (casacupula.com) and you’ll find a series of attractive incentives and last minute travel promotions to entice you. Other gay hotels and many restaurants follow suit.

Then there is Mexican Independence, celebrated each year on September 15 and 16. This being one of Mexico’s most important official celebrations, and one comparable to the US’ Fourth of July, you can expect vibrant and colorful celebrations all over around those dates, from firework displays around the bay to special events at local bars, including Wet Dream’s traditional annual jockstrap talent competition. Industry will feature special parties with guests DJs on September 16 – 18. And although it’s not yet confirmed, it is quite likely that Casa Cupula and Hotel Mercurio will feature special editions of their pool parties on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. 

The weather continues to be warm and humid, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool, including the traditional Blue and Green Chairs on Los Muertos beach, two LGBT beachfront pool clubs (Mantamar and Sapphire), two gay hotels offering day pass access to their pool areas (Casa Cupula and Mercurio), and a broad variety of air-conditioned restaurants and venues to enjoy, not to mention your hotel room or condo.

For foodies at heart, this is a great time of year to explore a different neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta that is booming with new activity: Versalles. An increasing number of LGBT locals in search of new and original restaurants to explore are paying close attention to this neighborhood located pretty much between Emiliano Zapata (they ‘gayborhood’ you know and love) and the city’s Maritime Terminal. Versalles is primarily a residential neighborhood, so you won’t find any bars or nightlife there, but more and more restaurants catering to locals (English and Spanish speaking) are opening up there, and tourists are paying attention.

If you’d like to explore Versalles’ restaurant scene, a good way to start is by exploring Francia St., and its surroundings, where you will find everything from great sushi (Sushi In House) to arguably the best ceviche in town (Lamara) to Hawaiian cuisine (Poke Poke), not to mention the wonderful Barrio Bistro restaurant at the corner of Francia and España. They pretty much paved the way by opening a homestyle gourmet restaurant in the neighborhood some four years ago. Ask a local to show you around!

Paco Ojeda is a Puerto Vallarta-based influencer, photographer and musician. Learn more about his activities by visiting his website, paco-ojeda.com.