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!

 
March 30, 2015   Food and Restaurants, Highly Recommended

Red Cabbage Restaurant – Hidden Gem in Puerto Vallarta

One of the locals in Vallarta showed us this place. Which is what I love.  Ask the locals, “what is your favorite place to eat?”  and you get answers  of hidden gems!

But word is getting out!  They were written up in Bon Appetit  and  New York Times!

The atmosphere is simple and casual, with walls covered in a selection of bohemian and eclectic artwork. Dinner selections feature menus from Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s fiestas.  Funky and fun, this hidden spot pays homage to Frida and Diego in both decor and menu.

Authentic and traditional Mexican meals.  Fantastic vegetarian menu and lots of great starters, soups and dinners to satisfy everyones taste. Everyone at my table loved the peanut soup. I found the mole sauce to be one of the best I have ever had! Homemade  sauces and food cooked with love is what you find here.

When owner Lola Bravo first opened, people were worried for her.  (Some 20 years ago). Choosing a place off the beaten path – and serving traditional Mexican meals….well,  she does just fine!  Word has spread, but you can still get a table here – most times.

Lola believes that the cuisine of Mexico is as varied as Chinese, Italian or French cuisine. Every region has its own style and specialties and every chef has their own way of creating a dish. The experience of Mexican food in the U.S. and Canada rarely encompasses the wide variety of flavors and ingredients found in classic Mexican cuisine.

Preparation can be very labor intensive and there are no shortcuts to producing the best this cuisine has to offer. It is this type of food that Lola and Carmen create at The Red Cabbage Cafe and Cooking School. – There is also  a cookbook and DVD  available.

Red Cabbage gets consistently high ratings on TripAdvisor  .

This is a non-smoking restaurant.

Cash Only.  And reservations suggested – by phone. Call after 3pm.  223-0411

It is a fantastic walk from Centro Vallarta! – Go east on Calle Lazaro Cardenas past the Emiliano Zapata Market to the end of the street at the river where you turn right onto Calle Rivera del Rio. About two blocks further, just around the curve in the road you will see the brightly lit Red Cabbage Cafe!

From first glance you don’t know what to expect. It looks just like a simple restaurant nestled in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.  There’s nothing flashy or extravagant on the outside to let you know that the restaurants there. Its literally one of those places where you need to know where your going or you could miss it.

But everyone comes for the fantastic  home cooked food and flavors! From the first bite of your appetizers to the last bite of your entrees…I feel confident you will be  in food heaven.

 Red Cabbage Restaurant, Calle Rivera del Rio* 204 a

Read More
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.

Read More
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!

Read More
March 29, 2015   Entertainment, Food and Restaurants, Gay Bars and Clubs, Highly Recommended

Gay Bar Hopping Puerto Vallarta

Whether you are traveling alone  or with a group,  Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping is tons of fun!   Experience the best personalized nightlife service, meet people from all over the world, and discover 7 of the best gay hot spots while you have a drink at each stop and are having the time of your life…..all in five hours.

This tour is a great way to see the clubs and make new friends, while visiting Puerto Vallarta!

Christian Serrano the owner  says, “I decided to create the tour because so many clients I had would ask “what can we do tonight” or “what places do you recommend?” Sometimes they couldn’t find some places or got there too early or too late and missed the spirit of the venue. I wanted every visitor to experience the very best of Vallarta’s gay nightlife and fall in love with this magical town the same way I did.

The bar hopping tour is a unique service that I created using my 9 years of knowledge living in PV full time and going out a LOT hehe!! I also incorporated my customer service knowledge that I learned in school and working in the US for a national corporate restaurant chain.”

 

 BOOK  IN ADVANCE.  Spaces  are limited  and some nights  DO SELL OUT!   Prices  range  from  $60-$130  depending on the night  and which liquor package is chosen  and if dinner is included.  (Dinner is included  Friday and Saturday, but not on Thursdays).

Read More
March 28, 2015   Food and Restaurants, Highly Recommended, Hotels

Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel Celebrates Diversity

Over the last 75 years, Puerto Vallarta has grown! But not lost its charm.

I love that in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantica Zone and Old Towne, you have so many unique special boutique properties to choose from.

On my recent trip, I discovered  a  “new” place to stay. VILLA MERCEDES PETIT HOTEL. Amapas 175, Playa Los Muertos. I have walked by here before, but never had the chance to see inside! Just peaking in the front door, you can tell that something very special is inside!

Adults only, pet friendly, gay friendly, Villa Mercedes is a  fantastic gem! A PETIT HOTEL with boutique type accommodations steps away from Los Muertos Beach. It has sort of a 50’s  Palm Spring feel to me. Bright colors, simple and sleek lines and a bit eclectic.

Here is the cool part; Villa Mercedes is located  in this historic hacienda-style building built in the early 1950 ́s, at the time the first and only “finca” or weekend retreat in the once secluded and remote Los Muertos Beach.

The property takes its name after its original owner, who was a real trailblazer in PV and one of the earlier settlers. They have preserved most of its original architectural character through generations. Now the property is ran and owned by Mercedes grandson, who is gay. They have been a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) since 2009. And an active member of the Puerto Vallarta LGBT Business Association, and was one of the first supporters and still is an active supporter of Puerto Vallarta ́s Gay Pride.

Art and Mexican crafts mixed with contemporary eclectic define most of the carefully decorated spaces with  wonderful murals by artist Ana Rifa, Zapoteco textiles, gorgeous vintage cement tile mosaics, and original historic architecture.

Connecting to the property is 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar (Formerly the old Kit Kat Lounge). Intimate dinner is served every night at Villa Mercedes Peitit Hotel´s courtyard. Drinks and appetizers are also available upon guests´ request in the pool bar or in the roof deck on the third floor. Guests can choose from two interesting menu choices: Pulpito 116 and Maia Inspired Cuisine. Breakfast is also served in the courtyard during the high season  months of November to May. Service in the hotel´s courtyard and roof deck is open to guests and their friends from 9:00 AM to 11:30PM.

The property has a total of 16 lodging options ranging from studio rooms, jr. suites, master suites, and penthouses. Some include fully equipped kitchens, others have kitchenettes. All have been upgraded with AC, flat-screen TVs, wifi access, cieling fans, temperpeudic mattress tops, safe boxes, mini-bars, and unique art, and decor, and textiles.

There is a courtyard at ground level with a pool, lounge area, food and bar service, and tropical landscaping. On the third floor there is a more private sun deck and roof garden accessible to guests and also available for events. – I just LOVE THIS PLACE. It’s a piece of Vallarta history!

 

Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel Adults Only

Amapas 175, Playa Los Muertos
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
+52 322 223 4543 | +52 322 222 2148
Read More
March 28, 2015   Highly Recommended, Hotels

Rivera Del Rio HIDDEN GEM Hotel

Magical and Whimsical!

LOVE THIS PLACE!!! What a hidden gem! It is whimsical and magical and you never want to leave! Usually my hotel is just a place to crash and shower and change. This place is SO SPECIAL, you never want to leave. The rooms are very very nice. Staff is top notch. The rooms, pool and views are breathtaking! Did I say I LOVE IT HERE?! This is  MY FAVORITE Puerto Vallarta  Hotel.  It is visually stunning inside. Everywhere you look.

Situated in the heart of old town Puerto Vallarta (Zona Romantica). This luxury boutique bed and breakfast property  is located on the bank of the Rio Cuale and the last remaining dirt road of old town. Rivera del Rio offers a luxurious setting for your wedding, honeymoon, group event or getaway with friends.

8 Rooms  that are all very very nice! Each is very special. LOTS of photos on their site that will WOW YOU!    Prices can run  anywhere from   $80-$150  for smaller rooms  up to  $170-$260  for the larger suites.  All depends  on the season  and  days you choose.

Rivera del Rio is a sumptuous Mexican bed and breakfast villa, nestled on the verdant banks of the Rio Cuale river. Here, amidst a primitive elegance, one steps back through the ages where Old Town Puerto Vallarta intertwines with the exquisite décor of the legendary “Silver” Maria Cortez.

Hailed by Casas and Gente Magazine as one of the world’s top architectural lady designers, N.Y Interior designer Billy Baldwin called her eclectic abode “the house of dreams” – a true Boutique Hotel.

Stars from all over the globe have crossed her threshold; from Raquel Welch to the jewel fashion icon Ken Lane. Her flowing manta curtains captured not only the movie cameras of Tony Scott but countless films and set locations from Vogue to Italian Elle. John Crocus labeled lasting acquaintances “Silver,” and fashion icon Perry Ellis, the “Luxury Lovers.”

Bathing in an emerald pool forget five stars, you will find a web of stars as you savor the 360 degree view of a jaguared Jungle, or languish in the Greek oyster alabaster spa, particularly sensuous in the pearly glow of moonlight.

Each newly remodeled and carefully crafted apartment is decorated with heavenly marbled fireplaces, Victorian leopard-claw tubs, and crispy cold air conditioners that will acclimate you to Vallarta’s heavenly temperatures. The Rivera del Rio is one of the few haciendas in Puerto Vallarta to offer a wholly purified water system!

It doesn’t get much better than this!

  • Delicious made to order breakfast
  • Spacious suites including several with living rooms and kitchenettes
  • AC mini splits throughout suites and living room areas
  • Flat Screen TVs with Cable TV
  • Wireless Internet throughout suites, villa, and pool deck
  • Free USA and Canada calling
  • Free Local and Mexico calling
  • Outdoor Rooftop Pool
  • Outdoor Whirlpool Tub for 10
  • Indoor Lap Pool
  • Daily maid service
  • Top of the line pillowtop mattresses, linens, and comforters
  • Top of the line bathroom towels and amenities
  • Large soak tubs and bidets in most suites

 

Paradise awaits you – A true joy and delight at your beck and call! Viva Mexico!

Watch the Video on their site!

104 Rivera del Rio,
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 48380, Mexico
+1 480 233 1420 (US/CAN)
+52 322 150 6998 (MX)
Read More
March 27, 2015   Gay Vallarta, New and Happenings

Puerto Vallarta named HRC’s National Travel Partner

The Puerto  Vallarta Tourism Board has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans,  as the organization’s first national travel partner. Reaching over 1.5 million members and supporters, including US Vice President Biden.

During the campaign, Puerto Vallarta will promote its adventure, gastronomy, cultural, nightlife, romance and family offerings in HRC conferences, dinners and events in 20 cities, including San Francisco, Los Angles, Minneapolis, New York and Chicago.

Participants of the events will have a chance to win stays in Puerto Vallarta with hotel accommodations provided by Casa Cupula, Costa Sur Resort and Spa, Luna Liquida, Marriott CasaMagna and Villa Mercedes. Winners will also have the opportunity to have special dinners at Café des Artists or Sapphire Ocean Club and take Vallarta’s Gay Bar Hopping Tour. Puerto Vallarta’s Vallarta Adventures is the partnership’s and will provide access to its various activities, including the longest zipline in Mexico, the magical beach destinations of Vallarta’s South and the colonial town of the Sierra Madre.

Puerto Vallarta, offers visitors a friendly and supportive environment to all its visitors and has been Mexico’s leading destination for LGBT visitors for decades. Gaycities’ 2014 Top Beach Destination, Puerto Vallarta boasts a gayborhood home to an array of gay bars and nightclubs, gay-owned restaurants, hotels, stores, services, and entertainment that put the destination in a league of its own. Its Vallarta Pride, is a 10-day celebration of LGBT culture that starts the Pride season in May and this year will have Orange is the New Black’s Lea DeLaria as its Grand Marshall with appearances by Andrew Christian.

In recent years, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the entity responsible for promoting the destination in the US and Canada has partnered with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), GMHC and the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association to promote the destination’s diverse tourism offerings. In 2014, Puerto Vallarta became the first Mexican destination to participate in a World Pride with its Noche Alegre event during the World Pride celebrations in Toronto.

Many of Gay PV’s main attractions can be found in the Zona Romantica, a delightfully walkable and compact area where tourists of all stripes mix and mingle at the beach, in cafes, in restaurants and bars, as well as on the newly widened and covered sidewalks of the neighborhood.  In the past decade, many gay ex-Patriots from North America have joined locals in opening businesses in the area to cater to gay tourism, creating a vibrant and exciting mix of unique and friendly businesses.

 

Read More
March 26, 2015   Beaches, Food and Restaurants, Gay Bars and Clubs, Highly Recommended, Hotels

Blue Chairs Gay Resort Hotel

Probably the most famous and popular LGBT hotel in Puerto Vallarta!

Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea Hotel, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico,  was  launched in 1995  as the original gay hotel right on the beach with it’s own gay section  of  “blue  chairs”.

Tourists coming to the city knew to go to the “blue chairs”  to find  the gays!

Since opening, they have done 2 renovations, always seeking to improve the space and they currently updating again,  and should be finished  by May/June 2015.

40+ comfortable and fine guestrooms classified in Partial Ocean View with or without Kitchenette, Ocean View, Ocean Front, Junior Suite and Master Suite, where you can find something to feel at home.

It’s  LOCATION  LOCATION  LOCATION  at Blue  Chairs. You wake up, and stroll out the front door and can have breakfast or drinks right there on the beach. The restaurant/ bar Blue Chairs Resort Beach Club,  has a wide assortment of offerings and priced extremely reasonable. Breakfast/lunch  $4-$7.  Most drinks  for  $3-$6.

Located on Malecon 4 and Almendro Streets, RIGHT ON THE BEACH FRONT, in one of the main zones of this wonderful port, encounter zone of the gay community, surrounded by commercial areas and beach, close to many of the attractions of our destination, so you will have a large list of options to visit, all very close by. The whole Romantica Zone  is  very walkable.  Cabs  will take you nearby  for about $4-$8, if you don’t wish to walk.

Upstairs in the hotel the have go go gods nightly   at  around 5pm,  and twice a week they offer shows featuring local impersonators and diva’s. The Blue Sunset Rooftop bar has daily Happy Hour  3pm – 11pm.  And offer a Margarita’s on the rocks special, 3pm – 5pm!

The staff  is super friendly here and are happy  help you with any special requests or guidance. Someone is on duty 24 hours a day.

It may only be  40 rooms – but has A LOT to offer.  Several levels of rooftop views, a pool on premise, restaurant and bar right at your door and the BEACH AND OCEAN, just steps away.

You will really have a hard time leaving the resort and the beach! But you must!  You must get out and explore everything the wonderful  gay Puerto Vallarta has to offer! – IF YOU DON’T  STAY HERE, you will end up here. Everyone ends up at Blue Chairs for drinks, a show  or the beach. So you might as well  get a room!

 

Malecon y Almendro 4, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
+52 322 222 5040       BLUE CHAIRS  RESORT

 

Read More
March 25, 2015   Art, Highly Recommended, Retail and Shopping

Galeria Indigena Fine Mexican Native Art Puerto Vallarta

The first time we drove past Galeria Indigena, there was a girl outside dressed as “Catrina”  and I knew we had to stop in! We made the cab drive turn around and drop us off!

When you walk in the door – it’s sensory overload!  Rows of fantastic arts! This place is huge!

The store has an extensive collection from various indigenous cultures of Mexico: dance and ceremonial masks, handcrafted  Oaxacan black clay pottery by Zapotec indians, unique Day of the Dead items in ceramic and paper mache’, sacred  Huichol Indian bead and yarn work, hand-blown glass, Nahua Indian lacquer art from Guerro, religious arts and figures, majoloica pottery from Tlaxcala and talavera ceramic pieces from Pueblo with some 800 designs, Mata Ortiz pottery, as well as extraordinary bark paper etchings by internationally-known Nahua artist Nicolas de Jesus. The collection of items will wow you!

While we were there picking and choosing what we wanted to take back with us, we started talking with the owner,  who has been in business 27 years! He  offered us a beer and gave us a private tour of his growing collection upstairs! (Which is not yet open to the public). I just want to work in this store!

For the past 27 years Ignacio Jacobo (“call me Nacho”) and his wife, Maria del Camen Najera,  traveled throughout their native Mexico searching for indigenous art which they offer for sale in their 5,000 sq. ft. Galeria Indígena. (Indígena is Spanish for “native” or “indigenous.”

“Nacho’s” inventory comes from some 54 Mexican tribal regions. He says that many of the skills are passed on from generation to generation, with each generation modifying the basic efforts and utilizing new technologies and skills. He is forthcoming in telling the stories behind most of his inventory. I’ll share some of them with you.

ROWS of Catrina’s   at all prices!  I don’t think I have ever seen so much Day of the Dead art in one shop!  You have to allow a good hour  to browse this wonderful treasure trove of art!

 

Sidenote – Some 100 years ago (1913), Mexican artist and cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada created the La Catrina’s calavera, the skeletal skull covered by a broad-brimmed hat decorated with ostrich feathers.

Some say that he was parodying poor Mexicans for putting on upper-class European airs. During the years 1946-47, Diego Rivera created a mural that featured a skeletal La Catrina fully dressed in finery. Rivera depicted himself as a young boy holding La Catrina’s bony right hand while behind him stands Frieda Kahlo with her hand on his shoulder. Posada stands at La Catrina’s left. The mural is now at the Museo Mural Diego Rivera in Mexico City. La Catrina has morphed into Mexico’s symbol of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) signifying Mexican’s belief in the neutrality of death.

 

The Indigena gallery is one of my personal favorites for gifts.  But secretly I want ONE OF EVERYTHING  for  myself!

Galeria Indigena – Central – 628 Juarez. 

Tel: 223-0800, 222-3007

Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 11am-3pm.

 

FIND THEM ON  FACEBOOK!

Read More
March 25, 2015   Food and Restaurants, Highly Recommended

No Way Jose! Voted BEST FOOD Puerto Vallarta

Ask just about anyone in Puerto Vallarta  and they will name  NO WAY JOSE!  as one of their top favorite restaurants!

Melt in your mouth Filet for  about$17?!
Table-side prepared Caesar Salad that is one the BEST I have ever had in my life!

No Way José! boasts the only Mexican Contemporary menu in PV with delicious dishes representing every region in Mexico.

You’ll find your fav from the Red Snapper Carpaccio to the Creamy Shrimp Bisque, from the Chiles En Nogada to the Mole Poblano.

And you MUST, I stress  MUST order a  flaming coffee  drink! The guys make it a show stopper and it’s delicious!

You’re kidding?  You don’t see anything on the menu that excites you?

No problem! Their award-winning kitchen, La Cocina de Amor, happily responds to special orders to please even the most discerning palate. For the vegetarians who are on the look-out for creative options, they use only the freshest locally grown in-season vegetables to create dishes found only at No Way José!.

At No Way José! you become part of the family after your first visit.

Owners Julie and José Alfredo personally attend to every guest, and take every comment to heart to continuously improve their menu and service. “We’re a romantic and spontaneous environment where you may hear José Alfredo burst into song at the bar, or where you may be invited to spin around for an impromptu dance by a member of one of the most charming service teams in Puerto Vallarta.”

“We provide joy and happiness through delicious food, creative drinks, impeccable professional service and the warmth of a happy home that brings Mexican cuisine to the world.

We are at your service.  

We are… Tu Casa in Vallarta!”

 

 

       NO WAY  JOSE!

5 de Febrero 260, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
+52 322 223 2853

 

Read More
March 24, 2015   Art, Retail and Shopping

Colectika Gallery and Peyote People Art

COLECTIKA GALLERY

is a wonderful shop with room after room of amazing Mexican art. Located at the corner of Guadalupe Sanchez and Allende. Owner Kevin, together with his  wife Beatriz  work directly with artists and their families.

Here you will see very old Mexican traditions in art but interrupted in new colors, forms and techniques!

This evolution in traditional Mexican folk art is adapted from the outside world and allow Native and Mexican folk artists alike a whole new way of expressing how their ancient traditions and beliefs fit into today’s modern world.

Artists like Jacobo and Maria Angeles, Afonso Castillo, Saulo Moreno, Guillerimina Aguilar, Florencio Lopez, Santos Bautista, Luis Castro and Jose Benitez are very well recognized and have been shown in museums and galleries the world over!

(On a recent visit, artists Jacobo and Marie Angeles were on hand, doing some live wood carvings).

The store provides a wonderful tour of many rooms; some indoor and some outdoor.  Art in every corner and at many different price points.
Huichol Indian Beaded Mexican Folk Art; Oaxacan Wood Carvings; Oil paintings to Catrina and Day of The Dead.  It’s a world where skeletons come alive to celebrate life. Shaman converse with their Gods and nahuales shift from human to animal form under the light of the moon.  Something here for everyone.

They also own a shop called  Peyote People at  Juarez 222, Colonia Centro.  Peyote People is more of a store than a gallery – though there are art pieces here as well.  Prices  are very affordable.

The story behind the store is quite fascinating!  Deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico live the Huichol Indians. Very little is known about the exact origins of the Huichol, but today they are clinging to a set of customs and beliefs that make them one of the best preserved Pre-Columbian tribes in the Western Hemisphere.

Since 1997 Kevin and his wife  have been traveling up to the ancient Huichol Indian Ceremonial Center of San Andres Cohamiata where  they have followed a number of Huichol families through their daily lives and have documented the ceremonies that set them apart from the rest of the world. Through their web site  they give you a never before seen look into the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle and  Peyote People help market their art for the money they need to host their traditional rituals and ceremonies.


Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that provides most of the carvings to our artists as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported exclusively by us into Mexico for our artists to use in their art. We have been recognized by the Huichol Indian Traditional Government of San Andres Cohamaita for not only promoting their artwork but also for our commitment to the preservation of their customs and traditions through what we call CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY:
 

“Cultural Authenticity may be an invisible quality but it is what separates
the ‘urban’ Huichol from those who actually live in the Sierra and are
actively involved in the preservation of their cultures traditions.”

 

Located at the corner of Guadalupe Sanchez and Allende.

Colectika Gallery & Peyote People

 

Learn about the Puerto Vallarta  art walks and schedule  HERE.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
February 23, 2015   Entertainment, Music, New and Happenings, Special Events, Things to Do

Final Days for KINSEY SICKS @ Palms

FINAL  DAYS!   Last show is March 1st!

GET TICKETS  NOW!

Read More
February 13, 2015   Art, New and Happenings, Things to Do

Galeria Colectika presents Oaxaca wood carvers

Galeria Colectika will be hosting two of the most famous Oaxaca wood carvers, Jacobo and Maria Angeles, on a special event to take place Wednesday, February 18, 6-10 pm. Last year was truly special for the award winning couple, as they participated in the creation of a 1200 piece nativity scene for the Vatican Museum. 142 carving families were involved in the monumental project but Jacobo and Maria were responsible for carving and painting Mary, Joseph, the Angel and baby Jesus.

Their nativity scene was inaugurated on the 10th of December by Pope Francis. Jacobo and Maria were on hand to describe why they made Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus darker than the Angel.

At Colectika, the artists will demonstrate how they carve the traditional Copal wood, create the natural pigments that they use to decorate their pieces and share experience creating the Nativity scene for the Vatican Museum.

Galeria Colectika is located at Guadalupe Sánchez 858 in El Centro. For more information, please click here.

Read More
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.

Read More
February 3, 2015   Gay Bars and Clubs, New and Happenings, Special Events, Vallarta Pride

Puerta Vallarta Gay Pride with Andrew Christian

Andrew Christian will be attending the Puerto Vallarta Pride event this year and has announced his participation at the fashion show scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9.00pm in Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill.

He also confirmed that the international models Topher Dimaggio, Pablo Hernández, Diego Sans and  Cheddy O will be wearing some of his best creations and his recent designs to delight the audience.

This is Puerto Vallarta’s third pride event with this year’s theme being “Unity” to represent the coming together of all lifestyles. The pride festival will be held from May 19 – 25, 2015, with events, movies, dance parties, beach parties, parades, and more scheduled throughout many of the city venues.

The fashion event will be complemented with the participation of Liquid Men and Amsterdam PV, two local boutiques, which will be presenting their own clothing lines and exclusive accessories during the catwalk.

General admission is $20USD ($ 290 pesos) and VIP admission, which includes preferred seating, a complimentary drink, waiter service and a meet & greet after the gateway, is $30USD ($435 pesos). Tickets can be purchased  NOW.

The Vallarta Pride 2015 Organizing Committee is thrilled to have Andrew Christian at the Pride Festival and is pleased to confirm that the participation of other celebrities, as well as the tentative schedule and venues for all events will be announced in the upcoming days.

Vallarta Pride

Read More
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.

Read More
January 28, 2015   Gay Bars and Clubs, New and Happenings, Special Events, Things to Do

Coco Peru Coming to the Palm

COMEDY DRAG ICON COCO PERU

LIVE! AT THE PALM

 

 The Palm Cabaret and Bar is excited to announce the return of popular comedienne, monologist and film and television personality, Miss Coco Peru, in Coco Peru Live!, February 2 -15.

 

Recognizable by her trademark copper-toned flip hairdo, Miss Coco is the iconic drag persona of American actor and comedian Clinton Leupp. He is a native of City Island, New York and a 1983 graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, New York.

For more than twenty years, Miss Coco Peru has starred in various one-woman shows across the U.S. and other countries, including Puerto Vallarta, where audiences fell in love with her last season. Coco has also hosted numerous LGBT events, and is well-known for her many hilarious movie roles and her series of live theater performances. She starred in Richard Day’s ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and was one of six performers featured in the Logo original stand-up comedy series, Wisecrack.

Coco has also appeared in a number of other supporting and guest-starring roles in film and television, including a memorable and hilarious appearance in the 1999 independent film, Trick. Other supporting and guest-starring roles include Will & Grace, Arrested Development, and Twins. She also appeared in the Bravo network’s reality series Boy Meets Boy, Welcome to the Parker, Wigstock, and the very successful film To Wong Foo – Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar with Hollywood heavyweights Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo. Coco also voiced the role of ‘Mama Hippo’ in the 2006 Disney animated feature The Wild, and appeared in an Orbitz TV commercial that was later nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. Since 2005, Coco has hosted the ‘Conversations with Coco’ series in which she interviews and celebrates the lives and careers of some of the LGBT community’s favorite icons including Bea Arthur, Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Black, Lily Tomlin, Liza Minnelli and Jane Fonda.

In Coco Peru Live!, she performs some of her favorite monologues and songs spanning her long career, as well as some new material. Whether you’ve heard all or some of these stories, or if you’re a Coco virgin, come see why Lily Tomlin called Coco “one of the last great storytellers” and experience the trailblazing Queen who elevated drag, whilst still wearing sensible heels. It’s sure to be hysterical! Online tickets may be purchased at The Palm’s website, please see link below.

Also playing at The Palm is Vallarta favorite Spencer Day, who is back for a second engagement beginning Jan. 30 – Feb. 8. Hot Argentinian duo Bohemia Viva! is also appearing through Feb.3rd, along with popular strings and vocals quartet Well-Strung, now playing through Feb. 6th.

Returning in February to The Palm is Dragapella Quartet – The Kinsey Sicks with two new shows beginning Feb 9 – Mar. 1st., and making her Palm debut will be drag comedienne Miss Richfield 1981, Feb. 11 – 24 (see calendar for more information and showtimes).

 

The Palm is well-known for bringing top notch, cutting-edge entertainment to Vallarta. Inside you’ll find an intimate, completely refurbished 90-seat cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting, creating the ambiance of cabarets from days gone by. Shows are scheduled seven days per week with two different shows nightly through April, 2015. The Palm also offers matinees at 4:00 p.m. on selected shows.

The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica. Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, and at The Palm’s Box Office, open at 11:00 a.m. daily. A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV.com. Box Office opens at 11:00 a.m. daily. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.

Read More
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.

 

 

 

Read More
« Older posts
Newer posts »