Best of Gay and Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta

Best of Gay and Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta

Beaches, Bars, Restaurants and Shopping!

Beaches, Bars, Restaurants and Shopping!

Romantic Sunsets!

Romantic Sunsets!

Zip Line in the Jungle

Zip Line in the Jungle

Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

 

Category Archives: Puerto Vallarta Information

July 30, 2015   Art, Highly Recommended, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Retail and Shopping

Three Hens and a Rooster Market

Three Hens and A Rooster Market

All year long

“Three Hens and a Rooster” is a local market that supports Puerto Vallarta’s artisans and let people enjoy the handcrafted products.

In this market you can find one of a kind jewelry items, hand woven scarves, creative art pieces, beautiful shawls, hand crafted purses, antiques, and array of healthy plants, freshly made bred, homemade pizza, bakery items and more.

Three Hens and a Rooster Market

(near the river)
Venustiano Carranza #466
Col. Emiliano Zapata C5-J
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 044 (322) 779-7595

AUGUST  1st   is the last  Flea Market of the Summer Season –

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June 10, 2015   New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Travel Tips and Useful Information

Safe Travel in Puerto Vallarta

The May 5th 2015  update to the US Department’s Travel Warning and the June 1st Travel Advisory by the Canadian Government to Mexico do not include a warning to the city of Puerto Vallarta.

There is no travel warning to Puerto Vallarta. The U.S. Department’s Travel Warning as it pertains to the State of Jalisco highlights rural highways and areas that border states to the south, almost 250 miles from Puerto Vallarta or the distance between New York and Boston; or Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Similarly, Canada’s Travel Advisory asks that visitors to the State of Jalisco “Stay in tourist areas and follow local media closely. If you do venture outside urban areas, exercise extreme caution, including on major highways. Avoid traveling at night. It is not safe to travel near the border with Michoacán.”

Read more here.

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May 31, 2015   Art, Beaches, Entertainment, Gay Vallarta, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta History, Puerto Vallarta Information

Puerto Vallarta in 360 Collection

The same technology used by Google Maps to allow users to experience 360º street views of locations around the world is now being used to bring people closer to previously unavailable places. Many of us have seen Google’s conspicuous vehicles traveling through the city, collecting imagery that can be incorporated into their mapping system.

Advances in their equipment now allows for a portable version of the same camera system. Worn like a backpack, Google Maps in now able to open our eyes to places we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.

In recent months, Google staff has visited our destination, creating beautiful images of the Marietas Islands, Marina La Cruz, Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Las Caletas, among others. These locations now form part of Google’s Special Collections-Mexico, an increasing collection of landmarks located throughout the country.

Vallarta Lifestyles’ Managing Editor, Paco Ojeda, has been creating 360º spheres in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas for many years. His personal collection also resides in Google, and has been visited over 190,000 times. Feel free to explore his images by clicking here.

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May 6, 2015   Gay Vallarta, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Vallarta Pride

Puerto Vallarta Pride and Giving Back

SETAC Tu Centro Comunitario is proud to present the distinctive pin button Vallarta Gay Pride 2015, which will contribute to the continuation of the “La Casita” project.

This year Vallarta Pride is unique and special, not only because of the large amount of artistic and cultural activities that will take place from May 17 to 25, 2015, but also by supporting events where unity and social responsibility will be reflected for the common good.

Something like this deserves to be remembered. This is the reason why SETAC is proud to launch the official Vallarta Gay Pride 2015 pin button, a distinctive button displaying not only pride, but offering discounts and special surprises in each of the participating businesses during this festival playing tribute to the LGBT Community of Puerto Vallarta and beyond.

This commemorative button can be purchased at participating establishments for a $100 pesos donation. Proceeds will allow to continue with the project of “LA CASITA”, a temporary home focused on helping SETAC patients from neighboring communities such as as Talpa de Allende, Mascota, Tomatlán, Cabo Corrientes, Cihuatlán and La Huerta.

“LA CASITA” stems from the need for a decent, safe place for patients to continue their medical treatment or to receive attention before and after attending medical appointments at CAPASITS (Outpatient Center for AIDS Prevention and Care and STI) or the Regional Hospital. This space is intended to accommodate adults, teens and children.

SETAC Tu Centro Comunitario invites you to feel your pride by wearing this commemorative pin button and contribute to a noble cause for the benefit of those who require continuous medical care and/or special care.

For more information and to find the location of participating stores call the SETAC office on: 224 1974 or contact SETAC via Facebook. More information can also be found on Vallarta Pride or the official Facebook page.

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April 26, 2015   Beyond Vallarta, Gay Vallarta, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Uncategorized

AIESEC México Inspirational Video

I came across this amazing video  and site today!  AIESEC México

AIESEC is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization that provides young people with leadership development and cross-cultural global internship and volunteer exchange experiences across the globe, with a focus to empower young people so they can make a positive impact on society.  HOW FANTASTIC IS THAT?  The AIESEC network includes over 100,000 members in 126 countries and territories. It is the largest youth-run organization in the world.

 

But check out this video  they posted.

What an awesome Country!   MEXICO!

 

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April 20, 2015   Puerto Vallarta Information, Real Estate

Vacation Home or Retiring in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular gay travel destinations in the world.

The resort town on Mexico’s West Coast is popular with US and foreign visitors as well as  gay Mexican tourists who live in other parts of the country.
Puerto Vallarta is a well-known retirement and vacation destination and anyone who has ever been here knows why. The cost of living is low but the quality of life is high. There is always a fun activity going on or an event to attend or a place to just do nothing and relax. Puerto Vallarta has it all. A recent article in the Huffington Post chose Puerto Vallarta as one of the top five retirement destinations to pick from for different personality types;

Romantic. That might be the best single word to describe Puerto Vallarta. The city also offers shopping and fine dining, boating and golfing, country clubs and community, gourmet shops and designer boutiques…all alongside a beautiful stretch of the Pacific Ocean.

Puerto Vallarta could be called glamorous, but the cost of living and of buying real estate here aren’t jet-set. This is one of Mexico’s most sophisticated resort spots, with more cachet than Mazatlán and more chic than Cancún. Walking around Puerto Vallarta, you get that happy, vacation-time feel that successful beach resorts exude.

And that’s the would-be retiree overseas who should consider Puerto Vallarta–the beach-loving soul who likes the idea of retirement as a perpetual, fully appointed vacation.

A growing number of Americans are opting to relocate abroad, to places with fabulous weather, stunning scenery, a lower cost of living and welcoming colonies of like-minded people.

Or maybe it’s not time for retirement, but you are in love with Puerto Vallarta and want to get a second home/vacation home. We can help  you. Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says there are 5 main factors Buyers consider when purchasing a second home/vacation home: #1 Location, #2 View, #3 Size, #4 Amenities and ……….. #5 Access.

Access to Puerto Vallarta has never been easier. There are direct flights from 39 cities in North America, and the Puerto Vallarta International Airport is modern, convenient and continually upgraded. Most anyone can jump on a plane and be in their vacation property in a few hours – ready to enjoy the Puerto Vallarta lifestyle.

Perhaps you want to do a vacation rental and live like a local. Vacation Rentals have become one of the most popular ways to travel.  They can offer a much greater value than typical hotel rooms. Unit amenities often surpass what would normally be available in a hotel and a fully equipped kitchen provides travelers with an opportunity to save on expensive meals and avoid lines at crowded restaurants.  Another advantage, vacation rentals can offer a feeling of community and a way to experience what it is like to live in a foreign country.

 

About Timothy Real Estate Group:

TimothyRealEstateGroup.com enables our clients to realize their vision for the future. We sell real estate in Puerto Vallarta and represent Buyers and Sellers of real property. Buying a home in Puerto Vallarta can be an incredible opportunity and we understand and plan for our client’s concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Representing Villas, Condominiums, Developments, Land, and Commercial opportunities here in the Bay of Banderas we are leaders in our market with over 25 years of experience.

Timothy Real Estate Group can also assist our clients who are thinking of and retiring in Mexico, Relocating to Mexico, or who may be thinking of starting a New Business in Mexico.

Please visit our section on Moving to Mexico for further information. Whether you want to List your property for sale or Buy that perfect property you’ve been wanting we can help with Rentals, Management, and preparation with every detail.

 

Please visit our office in Puerto Vallarta to meet a TimothyRealEstateGroup.com representative.

T: (322) 223 5300

USA Toll Free: ( 877) 204 7730

CAN Toll Free: (877) 382 4106

inspired@timothyrealestategroup.com

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March 29, 2015   New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information

Bachelor TV Show Filming in Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a magical place!  That is why for years, filmmakers have chosen PV as the perfect backdrop.

This summer, Mexico Tourist Promotion Committee (COTM) will invest six million dollars in the filming of a full season of the American reality show, The Bachelor, in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, which will have great impact in Puerto Vallarta.

This filming event endorses CPTM commitment to support this tourist area in such a way that they that the filming will start either May or June, and it will continue on for six consecutive weeks. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will provide accommodations and everything else the production requires, including logistics.

He also said they will look for areas that will give a better projection of Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings; including natural panoramic views such as Marietas and Los Arcos de Mismaloya Islands. “We should expose the most outstanding beauties of Puerto Vallarta. It is something very exciting”.

Last year, one episode of The Bachelor Canada took place in Puerto Vallarta, and it gave Vallarta a very impressive coverage; one can only imagine what filming a full season of The Bachelor American series will do. The coverage will be much more extensive.

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March 29, 2015   Entertainment, Highly Recommended, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Things to Do

Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ Tourism Award

The Vallarta Botanical Garden has once again been distinguished as one of the ‘Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For’ by the Canadian Garden Tourism Council. The award was presented on March 17, 2015  at the Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto.

Robert Price and his mother Betty founded the Vallarta Botanical Gardens in 2004 after realizing the need for conservation and environmental awareness in the area. Bob was specifically concerned with the numbers of orchids that poachers were taking from the nearby jungles to sell commercially.

He envisioned a place where orchids could be propagated and displayed without depleting the local populations. The Garden opened to the public in 2005 and has been flourishing ever since.

The creation of Vallarta Botanical Gardens has provided an unprecedented opportunity for the community to share the wonder of the vast diversity of Mexico’s plant species with the world.  They have assembled botanical collections in a safe environment with viewing trails and have already built the most-visited public collection of orchids in the country of Mexico.

More orchid species are found in Jalisco than in any other Mexican state. A current goal is the creation of the National Collection of Mexican Orchids, the most complete collection of Mexican orchids anywhere in the country.

Its about  30-40  minutes  south  of Romantica Zone.  A taxi is about  $20.  Buses  go there as well.  Admission  is  just 80 Pesos. (about $6).

Visit them online for more details!

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March 21, 2015   Art, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Vallarta Pride

Art and Culture during Vallarta Pride 2015

The Vallarta Pride Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that during the third annual event that celebrates the vibrant LGBT community in our destination, a number of art and cultural events will take place to add to the various entertainment options scheduled from May 17 to 25, 2015.

• International Art Show
The week long Art Exhibition showcasing local, national and international artists will take place from May 18 to 25, 2015 at the local Art Gallery, Galería Omar Alonso. The main theme of the exhibition will be “Unity”, the official motto of Vallarta Pride 2015. The LGBT community contributes in many ways to society and art is one of them. The exhibition will open Monday, May 18, 2015 at 6:00pm. A wine and appetizer reception will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 to coincide with the last ArtWalk of the season.

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00pm
Location: Galería Omar Alonso

 

• The Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus
On Monday, May 18 and Friday, May 22, 2015, ACT II Stages will welcome the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus, composed of talented Mexican and foreign singers. This will be the fourth gay pride concert offered by the famous local gay choir.
Time: 8:00pm
Location: ACT II Stages – Main Stage
Event Sponsor: Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus

 

• International Film Festival Screening
An International Film Festival Screening will take place from Tuesday, May 19 to Sunday, May 24, 2015. This event was recently added to the Vallarta Pride festivities and will mark UNITY as the theme and celebrates the creativity and diversity of the LGBT community worldwide. Appetizers and refreshments will be available at the movie screenings.
Time: 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: ACTII Red Room, ACT II Main Stage, Puerto de Luna and Mantamar Beach Club

For more information on the events scheduled for the 2015 Vallarta Pride, or the official Facebook page.

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March 19, 2015   Highly Recommended, Outdoor Fun, Puerto Vallarta Information, Things to Do, Zip Line

Best Zip Line in Puerto Vallarta

Believe it or not,

neither my partner or I  are big on high heights. We both have some vertigo issues! We don’t mind roller coasters, because you are strapped in really good  and really, nothing can happen to you.
So when the guys  from GoGay Puerto Vallarta ASSURED me it was very safe, and that you are totally strapped in, we said  WHY NOT?!  (See  that tiny little orange dot flying over the river? That’s me!)

 

What a fantastic time and experience! CANOPY INDIO  has more than SIX miles of cable in a series of 10 zip lines, many over than 1100 feet long and over 656 feet high, without any doubt, this tour will be the most memorable of your vacation.

The experienced and bilingual staff will explain the mechanics of riding the cables taking you step by step through your high-flying riding adventure with a short little  “class”.  Ricky and Ivan were our guides for the day, and they were funny, helpful, and just all around great guys who really  helped make the experience memorable.

All of the quality gear is professional and certified and all participants are under the care of trained staff during the whole tour also.

And for those who enjoy the calm and relaxation instead of flying through the trees, they  offer  delicious specialties and freshly made drinks in the open air restaurant-bar.

With a beautiful river-view  you can enjoy the most delicious Mexican dishes and the choicest of the seafood and refreshing beverages while you wait for your adventurous companions, or  enjoy the  “Tequila Bar” tasting the best brands  and  you can even refresh yourself taking a swim in the beautiful river.

The package we bought from GoGay / Jungle Zip Line Advernture, included transportation to and  from the luxury gay boutique hotel Casa Cupula, the complete  zip line canopy experience, and afterwards lunch with refreshments and a complimentary tequila tasting. We also had a photographer shooting photos of us while we zipped  and 2 of the guys had  GoPro cameras on their helmets to capture some live footage – and I am so glad we did the photos  and  video – well worth it!

This awesome Canopy in Puerto Vallarta will  WOW you! It’s amazing zipline’s speed and height will amaze you with outstanding views of the Banderas Bay.

Come  alone and make new friends or come with a group to enjoy an adventurous and unforgettable experience in Mexico!

BOOK  YOUR RESERVATION through the Concierge Services at Casa Cupulo

or  on the GoGayPuertoVallarta  Facebook Page

 

Suggestions & Restrictions

– Guest intoxicated with drugs or alcohol are not allowed on  tour
– Maximum weight: 250 lbs

– Comfortable clothes and tennis/running shoes
– Swimsuit – in case you want to jump in the river and cool off
– Towel, sun glasses
–  Sunscreen  advised -Insect repellent (bugs did not bother me-but you never know)
– Cash for souvenirs and photos (and tipping your 2 guides!)

 

RANKED  NUMBER  1  with  TRIP ADVISER 

and  BEST GAY PUERTO VALLARTA.

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February 4, 2015   New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information

Puerto Vallarta TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARD 2014

Puerto Vallarta has been awarded the TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARD 2014 by Spanish Corporate “Grupo Excelencias”at FITUR 2015 for the development and implementation of its strategic plan to “re-engineer” the destination’s Tourism Action Plan put together by the Mexican beach destinations Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the Puerto Vallarta’s Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism of Jalisco.

The engineering plan involves all tourism stakeholders, government departments, associations, chambers and private initiatives, and involves improvements in infrastructure and tourist heritage as well as a formal program of training and awareness aimed at local people who become hosts / destination ambassadors, reinforcing Puerto Vallarta as one of the world´s most friendly destinations.

Since the Puerto Vallarta’s Convention and Visitors Bureau was restructured this past August, its new Executive Director, Miguel Andres Hernandez has been busy laying the ground work to ensure the destination’s future as a serious contender in the business travel industry.

An important element in the CVB’s work is training and presentation by renowned meeting planners and professional congress organizers. On November 13 of this year, the bureau hosted Miguel Harraca, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureaus of Latin America and the Caribbean in a presentation on strategic alliances.

From Nov. 25-27, the CVB partnered with SITE and other Mexican entities to do the first of a number of training aimed to make as many of the member of Puerto Vallarta tourism industry Certified Meetings Specialists. Over 20 members participated in the four-course class in Mexico City. Additional classes with PCMA and other associations are currently being scheduled for 2015.
The CVB has also started working on the development of its own certifications. Designed to create a service norm and standard across the city, it has partnered with local, state and federal institutions to train and certify local businesses. On December 5, the OCV started a certification program that is expected to train more than 2,500 taxi drivers in basic consumer relations, destination representation, language and others. Similar certification are being developed for other suppliers in the destination, including restaurants, hotels, tour operators, etc.

As part of its promotions and PR campaign with the tourism board agency, LATITUDE, the CVB, the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, destination hotels and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board have continued to promote the city’s infrastructure in numerous events throughout the year including AIBTM, IMEX and MPI’s WEC. Puerto Vallarta also becoming an MPI Preferred Partner in April.

Puerto Vallarta is most definitely a destination that will not fail to surprise, taking full advantage of its long list of features and benefits. On a daily basis, it is committed professionally to offer a unique and distinctive product, full of added values, to be a true “Experience Generator” for all those travelers seeking tirelessly for the perfect destination.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico is one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico for sunny beach vacations. Its unique features, perfect weather and convenient geographical location has made it one of the cities with the best connections by air and sea as well as one of the most visited by travelers from Mexico, USA, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

With more than 22,500 hotel rooms, an active tourist seaport, international airport, more than 300 days of sunshine per year and the traditions of Jalisco: excellent cuisine, tequila, raicilla, mariachi and charrería (rodeo style Mexican cowboys), Puerto Vallarta is a destination that falls in love and outdoes itself every day. Its setting is perfect for cultural, artistic, historical, culinary and adventure travel, for destination weddings, romantic escapes and incentive trips, corporate events, conferences and conventions.

A fantastic International Convention Center and more than 30 hotels offering excellent and warm deals for conference tourism, including meeting rooms and social areas, complement a varied and quality nightlife that boasts some of the best restaurants in the country and endless activities such as adventure and ecological tours, artistic events and sports. Being highly competitive, Puerto Vallarta is also positioned favorably today as one of most popular and quality destinations for medical tourism.

About Puerto Vallarta:
Besides being one of the top 5 tourist destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of hotels with business services as well as an International Convention Center, all of which is conducive to support a variety of events for all preferences, ranging from work meetings to international conventions. Besides sun, sand and sea, Puerto Vallarta boasts a rich environment to secure the success of your convention. Its geographical location bestows a beautiful, typical Mexican town surrounded by the emerald green mountains of the Sierra Madre and the deep blue sapphire tones of the Pacific Ocean.

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January 29, 2015   Gay Vallarta, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information, Special Events, Things to Do

Puerto Vallarta Mardis Gras

The glitter and glow of the 2015 Mardi Gras season has officially begun. The OFFICIAL city-sponsored glittery, bead-hurling parade hits the streets on Tuesday night, February 17th. 20,000 spectators and dozens of crowd-wowing entries are anticipated to revel in the fun along the world-famous malecon to ‘Old Town’. Puerto Vallarta Mardi Gras is our time as we come together to celebrate and showcase our diversity. facebook.com/events/593705484040374/

 The parade will start just south of the Sheraton (across from the Municipal Stadium) and will travel south along the malecon, through “Old Town” to Olas Altas.

Mardi Gras is a time for celebration and to show the city’s diversity. It is an occasion that unites the advanced with the conventional, the straight with the gay, gratification with religion, and the adolescent with the old. 20,000 spectators enjoyed last year’s parade which featured dozens of crowd-wowing entries. With your continued support, we anticipate even more participation this year.

ACT II’s Voice of Vallarta contestants will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshalls and kick-off the 3.5 kilometer route. Non-profit organizations are able to participate for free and businesses can take part for a nominal $200 peso entry fee. This year, we are offering a $5,000 peso cash prize to the most inventive parade entry so it is time to get creative.

El brillo y el resplandor de la temporada 2015 del carnaval Mardi Gras han comenzado oficialmente. El brillante, desfile de perlas OFICIALMENTE patrocinado por la ciudad sale a la calle la noche del martes, 17 de febrero. 20.000 espectadores y docenas de entradas de multitudes-espectaculares se anticipan para deleitarse con la diversión a lo largo del malecón de fama mundial para “Viejo Vallarta “. El Desfile de Carnaval Mardi Gras es nuestro momento de brillar como nos reunimos para celebrar y mostrar nuestra diversidad.

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January 8, 2015   Food and Restaurants, Gay Bars and Clubs, Gay Vallarta, Hotels, New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information

Gay Puerto Vallarta – Always Improving

My first time in Puerto Vallarta  was 1998…I think  there were a couple gay bars but many LGBT people were slowly discovering  PV.

NOW, my gosh!  It just keeps growing and growing and getting gayer than ever!

The Romantic Zone, which is where all the action is, now has 5 gay hotels, 17 gay bars, 80 restaurants, three gay beach clubs three gay boat cruises, three dance clubs, two adult entertainment venues and one spa! 

And PV is in the midst of an unprecedented array of upgrades and renovations with many new LGBTQ attractions, activities and hotels. It’s amazing to see the growth here over the last 15 years!

I know several Americans that have packed up from the US  and moved here full time now. And you see more rainbow flags flying here every year!

It’s obvious the locals here are making this a great place to live, work and play in. It’s not  just  “gay friendly” – it’s gay inclusive and celebrates gay people with 100%  acceptance.  Everyone is welcome with open arms.

 

 

 

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April 4, 2013   New and Happenings, Puerto Vallarta Information

Municipal Office to Attend and Assist Puerto Vallartan Foreign Tourists and Residents

In an effort to further assist the foreign tourists, the Puerto Vallarta municipality has opened the Oficina Municipal de Atención y Asistencia al Turista y Residente Extranjero (OAATRE), or Municipal Office to Attend and Assist Foreign Tourists and Residents. The office is conveniently located at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas, in colonia Emiliano Zapata, and is staffed by specially trained, French- and English-speaking staff.
Puerto Vallarta Mayor Ramón Guerrero was present at the opening ceremony, along with US and Canadian Consular Agents Kelly Trainor and Lyne Benoit, respectively. “What matters the most,” Guerrero commented, “is that we want foreign visitors to know that, when they visit Puerto Vallarta, they will have access to a support system that includes professional staff, ready and eager to ensure that their time spent here is truly spectacular.”
The office is open 24-7. 
Reach the OAATRE by telephone, you can dial (322) 222-2224.
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June 15, 2012   Currency, Puerto Vallarta Information

Are Old Peso Bills Worth Anything?

In December 1994, when Ernesto Zedillo took office, he discovered that
the guy who passed the presidency to him had taken off to Ireland with
half of our country’s money. Zedillo, who holds a doctorate in economics
from Yale, decided (in collusion with his predecessor, who holds a
doctorate in economics from Harvard) to hide this devaluation by
demonetizing our currency when he took office.

 As of 1 January 1996,
only the Banco de Mexico has accepted pre-Zedillo pesos, and at one
one-thousandth of their face value. Or, worthless! Well, pennies lets say. Almost worthless.

Zedillo referred to his devaluation as “nuevos pesos”. During his
presidency our prices were often expressed as “NP$200”. He put a
grandfather clause in his devaluation such that “NP” would change to
“peso” with the demonetization. During that period, we took our “old”
pesos to any branch of the Banco de México to exchange them for shiny
New Pesos at the rate of one thousand old ones for one new one.

The Banco de México still maintains this exchange program, albeit in
only four hundred of its branches throughout the country. If you have
hundreds of thousands of old pesos, it might be worth it to you to make
the exchange.

If you hold a bank account anywhere in Mexico, your bank is required by
federal regulations to accept the deposit of your old pesos at 1:1000
and to exchange them for you with the Banco de México.

Old pesos in crisp uncirculated condition can have a numismatic value
far in excess of their demonetized face value. For that you would need
to investigate the collectors’ market by googling a phrase along the
lines of “world banknotes”.

So if your parents have some pesos from that trip they took 50 years ago – throw them away!

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May 2, 2012   Puerto Vallarta Information, Travel Tips and Useful Information

Summer in Puerto Vallarta

SUMMER TIME IN PUERTO VALLARTA!

“How hot does it get in Puerto Vallarta in the Summer?”

That is a question travel agents around the world get asked every spring!

Have you ever been to Texas is the summer?  Texas is HOTTER!
or Louisiana in the summer? Probably NOT that humid!

Rainy season, its various climatic characteristics and geographic distribution make of Puerto Vallarta its most lush and festive season.

True, summer can be a little hot and humid – and people say the rainy season is  June-September, with September the rainiest, all that said,  while the rain can spoil a day at the beach,  the tropical storms can be quite beautiful, when rain seems to march across the hills and lightning illuminates the sky.
Also, frequently, the rain comes at night and/or in short spurts.

In PV, rainy season generally means nice
sunny mornings with the clouds moving in mid afternoon, and a cooling
rain by 4 or 5pm, usually lasting no more than an hour or so. Everything
is washed clean, the dust settles, the air freshens, and then we await a
beautiful sunset. And if we get a storm after sunset, words can’t
describe how magnificent the light show is over the ocean. Free entertainment, right?!

buy antibiotics online without prescription

So, what else is there to do? There’s
always the beach. If it starts to rain, there’s shopping. I’m always
amazed to discover new shops that I didn’t know existed. So many streets to explore!

The Sierra Madre Mountain range surrounds the Pacific coast and protects Bahia de Banderas,
enabling nature and diverse biodiversity to surface in an almost
rhythmic process throughout the year, summer being its biggest boom.

Vallarta’s first indication of summer is the sudden appearance
of increased precipitation, which leads to abundance, hope, joy and
beauty.

“veranum tempus” meaning summer in Latin bears great meaning. Summer in Puerto Vallarta
signifies ‘life’. No need for dictionaries or scientific research of
any kind; simply look around you: thousands of trees and bushes have
blossomed to an ever-lush shade of green, butterflies roam freely,
listen to the chirping of the hundreds of birds and critters out there.

Keep in mind too –   since most people want to come in the winter to escape their snow and cold weather, summer is off season, and provides lots of deals and bargains!

Travelocity named PV a top 10 summer destination!

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April 11, 2012   Beaches, Outdoor Fun, Puerto Vallarta Information

Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Is there a BEST BEACH in PV?

 Not really!  It’s all pretty fabulous!

The gay beach
is primarily, Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the city’s
largest public beach. Legend has it the beach’s name (Dead Men’s Beach)
stems from a battle between pirates and local miners after which bodies
remained strewn on the beach, but it’s a legend, since there were never
any miners in Vallarta The South Side of the beach is a popular
gathering spot for gay and lesbian tourists. The North end is frequented
mostly by locals, and national tourists. The city has recently tried to
change the name of the beach to Playa del Sol.

However, if you want explore more beaches –

Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach) – Col. 5 de Deciembre (vicinity of Av. Paragua – Hotel Buenaventura. This is the northernmost public beach in the City of Puerto Vallarta proper. It is named after the shrimp fisherman that once landed their launches on the beach to unload their catch.

Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the beach extends from the Cuale River South to the fishing pier. In spite of the name, the waves offshore are not particularly high, and the beach is a popular place to swim, especially for locals and national tourists. The beach is lined with outdoor restaurants.

Playa Boca de Tomates (Mouth of Tomatoes) – a beach located near the mouth of the Ameca River. The beach is not very popular among international tourists due to the rocks that come ashore especially in the summertime. Also watch out for Crocodiles. Its proximity to the Ameca River which carries muddy rainwater in the summertime causes the water to lose its clarity making it appear dirty.

Beaches South of Puerto Vallarta

  • Playa Gemelas – an undeveloped beach just North of the mouth of the
    Mismaloya river. The beach lies close to Los Arcos Marine Natural Area
    and can be used for access to the park from shore.
  • Playa Mismaloya – at the mouth of the Mismaloya River. The beach was featured in several scenes from Night of the Iguana and the main set was located on hillside to the South of the beach. The beach is developed with a number of restaurants. (if you make it to Mismaloya, you MUST check out the hidden waterfalls and springs in the Jungle!!)

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October 17, 2010   Puerto Vallarta Information, Travel Tips and Useful Information

Puerto Vallarta – Mexico’s Most Popular Gay Destination

PUERTO VALLARTA
is Mexico’s most popular gay destination, bar none.  For over 20 years, the LGBT community has flocked to this  seaside getaway and it is now bustling with nearly 2 dozen gay bars and nightclubs, dozens of gay resturants and the whole town is gay-friendly!

While business is somewhat seasonal, like most warm weather places, Puerto Vallarta is less crowded in the summer months. That means great savings to tourists and lots of discounted rooms. 

From live music to cultural festivals, charity events and special interest group meetings, there’s always something fun to do in Puerto Vallarta . Events in the Banderas Bay area encompass a broad range of interests and enthusiasms covering everything from Mariachi, Cultural, International Film, Fine Arts, and Gourmet Festivals to Fishing, Tennis and Golf Tournaments.

If it’s your first time in Vallarta, you’ll want to grab a copy of Gay Guide Vallarta , a guidebook  distributed free through most gay and gay-friendly businesses in Puerto Vallarta. Also downloadable online.

Once you get to know the town and the visitors  here, you’ll notice this is one of the most re-visited destinations in the world (it’s actually a statistical fact) –  thanks to great  weather, 5 star restaurants, it’s picturesque quality and good value.

Pick and choose what suites you for your  own ideal vacation blend of relaxation and exhilaration; tranquility and activity.

There are now more choices than ever of Puerto Vallarta things to do  and tourist attractions for the adventurous or unadventurous traveler in Puerto Vallarta, including a wide  variety of activities and excursions, biking, canopy and eco-tours, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving, boat cruises on Banderas Bay, horseback riding into the Sierra Madres and golf. Or simply lay on the beach and make new friends!

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April 20, 2010   Puerto Vallarta Information

Visiting Gay Puerto Vallarta

Sundrenched beaches, vibrant cultural festivals and menus of exotic cocktails allure 2 million visitors a year to Puerto Vallarta from around the world.
 
Flanked by the lush and imposing Sierra Madre mountains, this is the brightest jewel along the scintillating Bay of Banderas on Mexico`s Pacific coast and a popular stopping point for cruise liners, who deliver regular sunseekers to enjoy a traditional Mexican experience against a backdrop of cool colonial charm.

Puerto Vallarta was not always the premier holiday resort we see today. It was initially chosen by Spanish seamen in the early 16th century as the ideal location to provide shelter from the ocean and its marauding pirates. Although it then remained out of the spotlight for centuries, it played a role in shipbuilding and was a focal point for the loading and unloading of silver and salt for local mines.

However, people did not settle here until the mid-nineteenth century, when the village was known as Las Penas. Tragedy struck in 1888 when a fire, that began in a tiny pot of grease, spread rapidly to engulf half the town. The name of the settlement was changed to Puerto Vallarta in 1918, just before tourism began to grow. But the town still remained relatively unknown until the 1960s when it gained celluloid immortality as the setting for the film `The night of the Iguana`. As the A-listers of the time began to flock to its shores, so its reputation as a fashionable holiday getaway was established. Today, the town`s old cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs still bear witness to its colourful colonial history.

Holidays in Puerto Vallarta can be as relaxed or as active as you choose, with everything on offer from whale-watching, scuba-diving, river cruises and horse rides through the jungle. With no fewer than seven championship golf courses close by, this is also the ideal place to relax and tee off whilst enjoying breathtaking views across the ocean. The town itself is vivacious with a friendly community feel and boasts unrivalled shopping opportunities. Visit the Isla del Rio Cuale, a mid-town island that cuts Puerto Vallarta in two and shop at the craft market here for traditional village pottery, beadwork and jewellery; hand-blown glass also proves a popular souvenir. Puerto Vallarta is bursting with culture and music, with free outdoor concerts held at weekends in the main square. There`s even an important tradition of art here and a fine selection of galleries and Art season is celebrated every year from November to April.

As evening falls in Puerto Vallarta and the smell of roasted chicken and hot tortillas tempts you out onto the streets, you`ll discover over 250 international restaurants serving up a wide range of freshly prepared cuisine in settings ranging from beachfront shanties to elegant riverside bistros. Later on, the real party passion of Mexico is awakened in the town`s vibrant array of fun pubs, discos and live music venues, a testament to the insatiable Mexican appetite for partying through the night. Puerto Vallarta`s famous Malecon, or beachfront walkway is the centre of its dazzling nightlife, as well as the perfect place for an evening stroll with plenty of free entertainment along the way.

If you`re trying to decide on the best time to visit, the climate in this part of Mexico promises warm sunshine holidays all year round, with temperatures rising to around 90C / 32F in the summer months. The most idyllic conditions are found here in December and January, but this is also the peak of the tourist season.

Being a tropical resort surrounded by rainforest, it`s no surprise that Puerto Vallarta does experience considerable precipitation and there is a distinct rainy season running from June to october, the wettest month being September. During this time, you can expect frequent heavy rainstorms, usually in the afternoons, which on the plus side do leave the air clear and refreshed for the evening`s activities.

If it`s your first visit to Mexico and you`re looking for a classy holiday destination on the west coast that strikes a perfect balance between action and relaxation, be sure to check out the travel deals on offer for Puerto Vallarta. With accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury boutique resorts, you`ll find you have a world of choice at your fingertips when it comes to booking your ideal break.

Best Gay Puerto Vallarta

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