Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!
Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!
Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Event May 24
Thinking about buying a property in Puerto Vallarta – but have questions??
THIS IS FOR YOU!
Fundraiser for Omar Aguilar Medina
- My Name is James Loney: I’m from Ottawa, Canada and promise to be honest, fair and transparent throughout this fundraising process.
- DONATE HERE
INTERNATIONAL BEAR FESTIVAL 2023 Bearadise
Some visitors to Puerto Vallarta experience life-changing moments when the energy of this Mexican Pacific coast city gets deep into their hearts. Some people look toward retirement in Vallarta. Some people buy vacation rental property. Some people study Vallarta and think about how they can contribute to one of the fastest growing destinations in Mexico. Enter: Mistr Bear, the Montreal-based fashion, gear, pet play boutique.
“Every year brings us an opportunity to grow our bear network and also welcome new products and services to the business community,” explains Christian Serrano, Bearadise Producer. “This year our good friends at Mistr Bear join the growling good times at our International Bear Festival 2023.
MistrBear sponsors the Bears in Heat Pool Party at The Pool Club at Casa Cupula and the Beary Horny nighttime party at STUDS Bear Bar on Friday, February 3rd.
In addition to sponsoring two of the IBF’s events, Mistr Bear, will also style the sexy Go-Go’s at selected events during the week.
Mistr Bear shares a special connection with Puerto Vallarta. “I was enjoying a beautiful afternoon on vacation in Puerto Vallarta in April of 2017,” explains Christian Boudreau, one of the proprietors of Mistr Bear. “I began to notice some of our clothing had discolored and lost its shape. I remembered one of the rules of business: What is the customer’s problem and how can I solve it? After a few margaritas, we started jotting down ideas. It was not long before these random ideas paved the way to opening the first Mistr Bear boutique in May of 2018 in Montreal,” explains Boudreau. “So the Mistr Bear idea was born in Puerto Vallarta. It just makes sense we present ourselves in Mexico for the first time in this special place.”
Mistr Bear commits to their belief that all bodies are perfect despite our differences, and that no one should judge your physical appearance. No matter the size or gender, we are each an example of a standard of beauty. It was with this mission that Mistr Bear proceeded to create merchandise in association with Canadian craftsmen that includes fashion and a fetish line for all sizes and genders.
“We could not be more excited to help grow not only the bear community in Puerto Vallarta, but to contribute to the all-inclusive, body-positive, welcoming spirit for residents and visitors alike,” continues Boudreau. “See you soon in Puerto Vallarta!”
Learn more about Mistr Bear on their website and check out some of the incredible merch that will be available during IBF 2023. https://mistrbear.com/
SPECIAL OFFERING!
Not only surviving but thriving through the COVID pandemic, Mistr Bear debuts their one-of-a-kind merchandise during the Bearadise International Bear Festival from February 1st through 5th with an extra-special offering. “I get excited when we share new products,” says Christian Serrano. “The first 100 IBF COMPLETE ALL ACCESS (13 events) tickets will receive a fabulous gift bag with exclusive Mistr Bear products. “These items never before seen in Mexico are going to be a gotta-have-it gift!”
TICKET & MERCH PURCHASE
From single events to All-Access tickets, you can mix and match and create your own Bearadise Life experience including Daytime Pool Parties, Nighttime Club parties, and Bearadise Beach events. Visit: https://bearadisemx.com/ and design your week!
Bearadise merch, including muscle shirts, speedos, harnesses and jockstraps will be available for purchase at all events. So no need to overpack. Bearadise has everything you need! https://bearadisemx.com/
So come ready and loaded for bear at the Bearadise International Bear Festival 2023 Edition. The Bearadise Life awaits you in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Nahuales – A Mystical Night – Sundays!
ESCAPE to a private island for this sexy show!
It has been getting RAVE REVIEWS!
Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food, local Mexican performers on a private beach. $120 and EVERYONE agrees it is well worth the experience!
Inspired by a Mexican legend from the Mesoamerican folk region, a nagual (pronounced na’wal), is a human who has the power to shapeshift into their animal counterpart. The legend is tied to the belief that one can access power and spiritual insight by connecting with their animal counterpart within.
We’ve taken that legend and created Nahuales, a Mystical Night – a show where our performers will find their animal counterparts, amazing you with their acrobatic talents.
This spectacular live performance features professional dancers and circus-like performances including a live fire dance. You’ll be amazed at the acrobatic performances held on a stage at a private beach.
The show is approximately 40 minutes long, and afterwards you’ll be able to meet and talk with each performer. A DJ will then take over and you can dance on the party stage and enjoy the evening on the secluded private beach. There are special guests planned for some shows, which may extend showtime.
Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food prepared by authentic local Mexican residents of the island that you will visit.
When you arrive, the boat will dock at a pier, and once on the beach you can dance to music played by a local DJ, and watch the sunset while you enjoy an open bar, fruits, snacks and select one of three different types of Ceviches (including a vegetarian option).
After the sunsets the real show begins!
Your ticket to the show also supports local Mexican talent, since the show is produced and performed by all locals. Many of whom you may recognize from other local performances.
World’s Largest Catrina
From PuertoVallarta.net –
As 2022 draws to a close, November continues to bring us good news in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta has received 255 thousand guests on 109 cruise ships so far in 2022, double the number of those registered in the destination in 2021. Puerto Vallarta won resoundingly in the five categories in which it was nominated in the Travvy Awards 2022, considered the “Academy Awards” of the travel business in the United States.
the annual Day of the Dead celebration saw the unveiling of a huge Catrina that rose 22.67 meters above the city’s skyline and received the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Catrina. IN THE VIDEO, go to 37:00 to see the Catrina and just how tall it is!!)
THEIR blog is updated regularly with what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta. If you are planning a trip to PV, reserve, and plan it on their main website.
Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride and Parade 2023
Eight years ago, the first event looking to inspire, mark, and celebrate the LGBT community took place, and over the years it has become one of the best events to honor Gay Pride in Mexico, known as a world stage for celebration.
IT’S BECOME HUGE!!! BOOK EARLY!!
WE ALL KNOW Puerto Vallarta is THE BEST beach resort city in Mexico’s Jalisco state! It has a large LGBTQ community, with the majority of the city’s gay bars and nightclubs based in the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica neighborhood – all nicely summarised in our detailed gay guide to Puerto Vallarta. There is also an impressive number of gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta, which get completely booked out during PV Pride and other big events like the New Year’s Eve White Party.
Vallarta Pride is a week-long annual pride event.
It has become one of the leading pride celebrations in Latin America. Events include arts and cultural events, concerts, films, beach parties and a lot of fun outdoor performances to show the world the fabulous diversity of Puerto Vallarta.
Vallarta Pride was created to showcase all the unique elements that have made the resort town one of the top destinations for the international gay community.
The Pride Parties
- Events kick off with a opening parties across all of the resort’s main gay bars and clubs together with The Pride Week at Mantamar Beach Club from the 23rd to the 30th of May. The beach club is situated along the famed Los Muertos gay beach in charming Zona Romantica. Live acts will perform at the Eden Club, The Mantamar and at The Top Bar over 5 days.
- The Top Bar typically hosts The Pink Dinner on opening night with live DJ, fireworks, a four course dinner and the “Pride Vanguard Award” presented by the Vallarta Pride Committee.
- Industry Night Club will host Puerto Vallarta’s Circuit Pride Festival over 4 nights, from the 27th to the 30th of May.
- Will Gorge’s “Lust Puerto Vallarta“, a series of late night after parties, continue the celebration after the nightclubs have closed.
The Pink Dinner & After Party
- Wednesday, May 24th – Multiple Venues from 7.30 pm – Pink Dinner Official opening event for Puerto Vallarta Pride featuring a gourmet meal at The Top restaurant followed by an after party at One Six One restaurant.
The Main Parade
- Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 7 pm – To be confirmed Join the Vallarta Pride Parade which takes place from the Sheraton down the Malecon and into the Zona Romantica!
MORE DETAILS AT Gay Travel 4 U and Vallarta Pride !
ISRAEL ZZEPDA at Galleria Dante
ART INSIGHT from Galleria Dante!
At only 51, Israel Zzepda has already been a professional artist for more than half his life. He has been painting and drawing for more than 35 years, but also sculpts. Israel’s body of work is remarkably large given his age, but when you consider he became an apprentice at the age of 15 and a full-time art teacher at the age of 19, it isn’t so surprising. He taught both art and fashion illustration for more than 13 years, and, as a teacher, he has influenced many young artists, including several members of his own family.
There is a sensitivity, innocence and refined discipline about Israel. His work explores religious, spiritual, sexual and existential realms, reflecting truths and questioning established thinking, and he is not afraid to express himself. “The artist is a reflection of daily life. I want to be a chronicle of my time,” says Zzepda, who seeks to reflect his own unique style and honesty in all of his work.
In his approach of the human figure, texture plays an extremely important role. Instead of painting photo-realistic portraits, he sacrifices the perfection of the human figure in hopes of revealing part of the shared human experience that resides within him. “We are all good and bad, we construct and we destroy, we are of light and somewhat dark, journeying daily through the streets of the planet.” Israel’s imaginative capacity is, perhaps, the most dominant striking feature of his work.
Israel has also painted more than 1000 meters of murals, both public and private, in Cancun, Uruapan, Michoacán and Jalisco. In addition, he completed 7 murals in Sardinia, Italy, in 2011. He also participated in a collective show in Turin, Italy, on March 15th, 2014. He is also working on a new conceptual art project that delves into human and social justice in the setting of globalized power and its effects on ecological consciousness and human rights. Every 6 months the gallery receives new works that over reach our wildest expectations. His latest work, represents a new cycle of creative production and personal growth for Israel, and we are all very anxious to see where it leads.
BASILIO BADILLO 269
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Best Gay Bar Hop Crawl Puerto Vallarta
Experience the nightlife in gay Puerto Vallarta!
No lines and make new friends!
They offer several options;
Choose With or Without a delicious 3 course Gourmet Meal and 2 Drinks. The Dinner option is the most popular option and includes a famous fun and games hour with Andrew Christian giveaways, a delicious 3 course meal and 2 drinks at one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular restaurants and visits 4 bars after dinner with 1 drink at each bar.
The tour only visits 4 of the most popular gay bars in Puerto Vallarta with 1 drink at each bar!
Choose Your Drink Package: Top Shelf Brands, National or Well Drinks, or Light Drinkers Package (Beers, Waters, Juices or Soft Drinks)
Discover for yourself why PV Gay Bar Crawl is rated #1 by Trip advisor as one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Nahuales “A Mystical Night” a new party / show at Secret Beach
+52 3222747754Best Information About Gay Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a quick answer to your Puerto Vallarta questions?
This Facebook Group is the place! Join now.
Puerto Vallarta reopens with health and safety protocols
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PUERTO VALLARTA REOPENS WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS
New standards helped State of Jalisco obtain WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — July 1, 2020 — The first visitors to arrive in Puerto Vallarta since the reopening of its hotels and beaches last week found not only a renowned tourism offering intact but also a destination engrossed in health and safety protocols to meet the realities of a world of Covid-19. Local officials put the entire city of Puerto Vallarta under quarantine starting in early March. It has since undergone a multi-phase reopening process led by local officials following state, federal and international protocols. The process ultimately contributed to the State of Jalisco obtaining the “Safe Travels” stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) last week. The measures implemented in Puerto Vallarta began at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport — the destination’s main “filter” — which, thanks to its own internal protocols to prevent Covid-19, received the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp. Social distancing is being practiced by airport workers, and thermal video cameras are being used as people enter the immigration zone, where electronic documentation is currently taking place. Disinfectant mats are used at all airport entrances and exits. The health and safety of locals and visitors are of the utmost importance across Puerto Vallarta. In addition to the preventive and precautionary measures at the airport, the city is requiring extensive and continuous sanitization in hotels, public transportation, and public spaces. Restaurants must maintain physical distance between tables and patrons, and establishments must place disinfectant mats at entrances. Local officials are also distributing antibacterial gel and conducting temperature checks. More than 45 hotels have reopened to visitors, with a maximum 30% occupancy, and are offering modified access to on-site restaurants, pools and beaches. A second group of hotels will open before, or during July, for the summer, and the remainder will open in the last trimester of the year, facing the winter high season. Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecon waterfront promenade is not yet fully open to the public, only access points to restaurants and shops. Bars remain closed until the destination exits its current phase of the reopening process. Connectivity has improved in a notable way since last week. Mexican airlines are offering continuous flights to main domestic destinations, including Mexico City (CDMX), Guadalajara, Tijuana, Aguascalientes, and Monterrey. Internationally, four airlines are connecting U.S. cities with Puerto Vallarta. Alaska Airlines has daily flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco. American Airlines offers a daily connection to Dallas and Los Angeles. United Airlines maintains a daily flight to Houston. Delta Air Lines will restart daily services to Los Angeles from July 2nd. Other U.S. airlines are waiting for growth in demand, while Canadian carriers await Canadian government approvals. Given the dynamic nature of the situation, new measures are expected from Mexico’s federal and state governments, aimed at continuing to advance the reopening of activities in a gradual and safe manner. For more information, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta. |
Puerto Vallarta begins to Reopen!
On June 14, 2020 the official newspaper register of the State of Jalisco has published provisions for Puerto Vallarta Shopping Centers, Gyms reopen at 25% capacity and with measures of social distancing required. In this measure, The commercial shopping centers Galerías, La Isla or Macroplaza will be allowed to open which have been closed for three months now. However, shoppers of commercial plaza will not be able to use common areas such as children’s play areas, communal dining rooms, since fast food restaurants will only be able to deliver takeout products; parking lots will only receive 25% of their capacity. Movie theaters will remain closed for now.
Also June 15, 2020 public and hotel beaches are allowed to reopen in Puerto Vallarta per the the Jalisco governor Enrique Alfaro. He made it clear on Friday during his visit to Puerto Vallarta that hoteliers should take care of social distancing on their beach fronts, while the city municipalities monitor that public areas are not saturated with people. Hotel pools and common areas can also be open but now are reduced to 25% of their capacity, taking care that the common areas are not saturated and urging social distancing measures.
READ MORE AT GAY PV.com
Puerto Vallarta #1 rated Food Tours
I have been coming to PV for almost 20 years now. While I know many business owners and a few locals who work in the service industry, I still do not know a whole lot about how the locals live.
By taking one of the many food tours offered by Vallarta Food Tours, in just 3-4 hours you learn so much, you will be in the know, like the locals! Taste local food, meet local people and visit hidden gems and places off the beaten touristy path. Taste food from street vendors who have been in business over 40 and 50 years!
Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten-path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.
I took the Original Downtown Tour last month. $52 for adults. (For a couple dollars extra you even get a couple beers along the way!) You get 8 tastings of amazing regional cuisine, and that’s enough (more than enough!) to serve as a satisfying lunch. And you get a 3-4 hour cultural tour and walk of the city by an awesome tour guide who explains the food but also many local interesting tidbits of information and traditions.
There is a Bikes and Bites Tour. ($55). On a comfortable bike, cover 4.5 miles on this culinary tour, tasting regional dishes influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Spanish and French cuisine. This tour is designed for moderate fitness levels. Prior cycling experience is required and all guests must be 18 or older.
Did someone say drinks?? Take the evening Mex-ology tour! Drink And Eat Your Way Through Downtown Vallarta. Tacos and Tequila are at the top of everyone’s list when they come to PV. This tour gives you both in one fun and food-filled evening. ($79).
- This 4-hour guided tour is perfect for dinner and will introduce you to the best indigenous spirits and regional cocktails in Vallarta.
- You will sample Tequila, Mezcal, Racilla, and local craft beer mixed into a regional cocktail by a master Mexican Mixologist. To keep you on your feet you will enjoy a few tacos along the way, including a one-of-a-kind seafood stuffed Jalapeño taco, carne asada taco, and more.
Vallarta Food Tours say, “Our goal is to ensure that all of our tour participants have a fantastic time and leave with a real confidence to continue their exploration of our beautiful city. We recommend taking our food tours at the start of your stay so you can take on the city armed with knowledge and insight of what makes Puerto Vallarta so beautiful, so vibrant and so special. We are proud to share our culinary discoveries with you. Let us take you on a 3-hour adventure, introduce you to the best of the best and help open up a bright and delicious new world just waiting to be explored!” –
We give them 5 PINK CROWNS!
Trip Advisor agrees as well! 
Stop by the website and book a tour! and read the many many great reviews!
You WON’T be disappointed!
The Puerto Vallarta city tour takes place in the heart of Vallarta, giving participants insight into the city’s true soul. Besides the Puerto Vallarta Tours offered, Vallarta Food Tours offers Private Group Food Tours and Gift Certificates. Surprise someone with a tour! They will LOVE IT!
Super Wendy Needs Your Help!
Super Wendy has been a key source of entertainment for the Puerto Vallarta community for years – giving us all she’s got to bring a smile to so many locals and guests of Puerto Vallarta!
Earlier this November she started to lose muscle strength and eventually lost her ability to walk. Since then, she’s been diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome – an autoimmune disorder where the peripheral nervous system is attacked by its own immune system.
Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms.
These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form Guillain-Barré syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.
She’s slowly improving, but the recovery period will be lengthy, and won’t be able to work or perform for quite some time. This is obviously a huge financial burden to her and her livelihood!
Please give back a little to the person who has given us so much!
WEDNESDAY NOV 27th 9pm – there will also be a special show at Le Noche Bar PV.
Lázaro Cárdenas #263
Thanks!
Traveling with a Dog to Mexico
From Trip Savvy –
Many people travel with their pets to Mexico. If you would like to take your dog or cat with you on your Mexican vacation, there are a few steps you should take in advance. Note that for Mexican regulations only dogs and cats are classified as pets: other animals may be imported but the regulations are different. Mexican regulations allow travelers to enter the country with up to two dogs or cats, but if traveling by air, airlines will only allow one pet per person. If you will be traveling to Mexico with more animals, you should contact the Mexican consulate or embassy nearest you for more information.
You should have your pet examined by a veterinarian and your pet’s immunizations must be up to date. Carry the following documents when entering Mexico with your pet:
- Either APHIS Form 7001 (pdf) Vet Health Certificate OR a certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian and printed on letterhead (handwritten documents are not accepted) in English and Spanish with the vet’s professional license number or a photocopy of the license, and the vet’s signature. Take the original and a simple copy.
- Proof of rabies vaccine administered at least 15 days before the pet’s arrival in Mexico. The vaccination certificate should state when the vaccine was administered and how long it is valid, as well as the product name and lot number.
- Within 6 months of entering Mexico, your dog or cat must have be treated against internal and external parasites by a licensed veterinarian and the products used must be reflected on the health certificate. Cats and dogs must have treatments for ticks shortly prior to entering the country. Tick-borne infections such as ehrlichiosis are not unusual in the country, so it is wise to protect your pet.
When you arrive in Mexico with your pet, SAGARPA-SENASICA (Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries, and Food) personnel will conduct a brief physical inspection and verify that your pet is in compliance with the above requirements.
Travel by Air
If you are traveling by air you will need to check with your airline well in advance about their rules and extra charges for transporting pets. The airline has the final say on whether or not they will carry your pet (and each airline may have different rules), so be sure to check all the requirements with them prior to purchasing your ticket. Some airlines do not transport animals at all. Most airlines will allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you, but the pet will need to be in an airline-certified travel crate that fits beneath the airplane seat.
Steve Grand! Held Over in Puerto Vallarta
Steve Grand
Steve Grand returned triumphantly to PV in November to the Red Room at Act 2/Stages and his shows have been selling out!! Shows have been extended thru the end of January!!!
DECEMBER 25 at 9:30pm
DECEMBER 21, 24, 27, 28 at 7:30pm
JANUARY 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 at 7:30pm
In 2013, Grand uploaded a music video to YouTube for his song, “All American Boy.” It immediately went viral, and within 8 days, he had over 1,000,000 views! It tells the story of unrequited love between a young man and his heterosexual male friend. As a result, this openly gay artist was lauded as a trailblazer in the entertainment world and he has had appearances on Good Morning America, CNN, Larry King Now, and other national outlets where he has used his platform to advocate for Human Rights and LGBT Equality.
Currently, with over 18 million views on YouTube, a #3 and #10 album on The Billboard Independent Album charts, and one of the most successful Music Kickstarter Campaigns ever under his belt, Grand, an extremely handsome young man, has not only broken the rules, but has changed the game forever in singing and song-writing in the era of YouTube and Spotify!
He has just released his second, highly-anticipated album, Not the End of Me, in July 2018, and has received rave reviews from the LGBTQ market, creating a vocal and enthusiastic fanbase, as well as a permanent place for himself in the music industry!
Grand’s songs are a living testimonial of the trials and tribulations that he experienced as he came to the realization that he was gay. He started writing his songs at age 11 as a way to understand and express himself. People have always related to his music because each song was written about a specific moment or time in his life. Many of his songs express the pain of going through a brutal breakup of his long-term partner. “I tried to be as brutally honest as I could be in my songs,” Grand said. “People have told me it’s [sometimes] hard to listen to [my songs] because they feel what I’m feeling. It’s painful, but it’s still beautiful.” That is why he is loved by so many and also why his shows sell out every night!
Get tickets online before they are all gone!
What a Drag Benefit Feb 18th
Annual BANDERAS BAY SHELTER-Fundraiser. A home for victims of domestic violence. For more information: www.compassionforthefamilymx.org
One of the funniest shows of the year! Hosted by New York’s HEDDA LETTUCE!
More info and tickets thru the Facebook page!
Puerto Vallarta Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant cultural events will be celebrated with all-the-more fanfare and enthusiasm this year as the city celebrates its 100th anniversary. The first of major events to take place throughout the year is the 7th International Charro Championship with a cultural component taking place on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon on January 31st and the competition to be held from February 1st – 4thin Arena Vallarta, located approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.
Inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016, the Charreria, or Charro Championship is an authentic celebration of the traditional Mexican Charro lifestyle, and very much a part of Jalisco’s living heritage. A type of highly festive and colorful rodeo featuring Charros, or traditional Mexican horsemen, exhibiting their skills at horse reining, bull riding, livestock roping and other equestrian talents. The Charreria is considered Mexico’s national sport and is not only an art form but a sport with strict rules and important prizes.
Throughout the Championship attendees will also enjoy live music, folkloric ballet and Mariachi performances, Charro parades, traditional food, dance and more.
For more information about the Charro Festival please visit: www.arenavallarta.com
For more information about Puerto Vallarta and this year’s centennial events and celebrations please visit:www.visitpuertovallarta.com
Casa Cupula LGBT Resort Celebrates Anniversary
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15thAnniversary!
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañeracelebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season.
This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, undisputed Miss Congeniality of hit reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has been selected by the team at legendary Puerto Vallarta boutique hotel Casa Cupula to headline the property’s highly anticipated quinceañera — or 15 anniversary —celebration, to take place January 19, 2018. Tickets start at 300 pesos (approximately US$16) per person (visit www.casacupula.com/cucu).
READ MORE HERE ABOUT CYNTHIA
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
Is Puerto Vallarta Dog Friendly?
One of the great joys of traveling is sharing the experience with loved ones – including pets. Whether traveling with a pet for companionship, service or comfort, visitors will find Puerto Vallarta’s pet friendly atmosphere and infrastructure, as well as diversity of offerings and services, make it easy to bring along four-legged friends.
Many hotels and resorts across the city are pet friendly and offer convenient pet packages and doggie day camps; including the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta located in the Marina area, Hotel Puerto de Luna and the Sheraton Buganvilias in the Hotel Zone; Casa Cupula Hotel, Casa Kimberly in Downtown Vallarta and Casa Iguana Hotel and Vallarta Shores located in the South Zone; to name a few. Visitors should confirm rules and availability with hotels when booking.
Pets are allowed on some of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches and visitors will often see dogs accompanying their owners on a run or meeting up with local residents and their dogs for some playtime.
One of the most popular activities is walking the pedestrian-only El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk and open-air gallery featuring dozens of sculptures and statues. The Malecon’s wide cemented path, approximately 1.5 miles in length, is an ideal place to go for a stroll, a meal or a bit of shopping accompanied by one’s pets. Many restaurants, cafes, sidewalk eateries and bars along the Malecon and the historic Downtown area welcome four-legged companions to join at an outdoor table and will serve them a bowl of cold water.
The city also has a number of resident veterinarians and 24-hour pet hospitals in case of an emergency and local stores such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club carry most pet food brands found in the US and Canada.
There are hundreds of direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from the US and Canada on a weekly basis; it is recommended that travelers check regulations and requirements for travel with dogs and cats as they vary from airline to airline.
Mexico is amicable to pets and does not quarantine cats and dogs arriving from the United States or Canada. However, pets must travel with an International Certificate of Good Health that has been signed by a certified veterinarian stating that they are healthy and free of internal and external parasites. Pets must be current on rabies, hepatitis and distemper vaccinations. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should be included, and they should also be tested for ticks & tapeworm prior to traveling to Mexico. All documents must be presented to an officer at the SAGARPA-SENASICA office located inside the Puerto Vallarta airport upon arrival.
For a complete list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta.com
