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EQUIPO Publicista y Socio Propietario Jerry Jones Jerry@outandaboutpv.com Publicista Asociado y Socio Propietario Benjamín Camarena García Benjamin@outandaboutpv.com Ventas y Relaciones Públicas Gerwin Rutten Gerwin@outandaboutpv.com
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Diseño Gráfico y Publicitario Saúl Santos fsdemianhades3@gmail.com
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Portada Paco Ojeda Modelo: Santiago Flores
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Contribuciones: Alexis Valesco, Alejandro Chavez
DIRECCIÓN DE OFICINA Y DE CORREO Out & About PV, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. Out & About Puerto Vallarta Constitucion 285 A, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
ACERCA DE NOSOTROS Out & About PV es una publicación de O&APV, S. de R.L de C.V. Publicación trimestral gratuita de Puerto Vallarta con contenido LGBT de Puerto Vallarta y áreas colindantes. Out & About PV es un estilo de vida enfocado a información de viaje, eventos, negocios y noticias locales para LGBT. O&APV es gratuita, y distribuida en Puerto Vallarta, disponible en línea en todo el mundo en outandaboutpv.com
OPORTUNIDADES Out & About PV, S. de R.L de C.V. admite escritores, fotógrafos y videógrafos voluntarios durante todo el año. Si estás interesado en contribuir a nuestra publicación, envía un correo electrónico a editor@outandaboutpv.com, con currículum, información de contacto y muestras de tu trabajo. El trabajo de voluntarios es sin goce de sueldo, pero los contribuidores reciben crédito por su trabajo en nuestra publicación, impresa y en línea. Recomendamos ampliamente solicitar a aquellos buscando prácticas en periodismo o comunicación.
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First Time Visitor Guide
DestinationBeaches
Bar and Nightlife Overview
Mercurio Swimwear
Advertising Directory Listings
Pause Anti-Aging Clinic
Destination Entertainment
Destination Transportation
Destination Safe and Sexy Time
Money Tips
Memories of Pride
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First Time to Puerto Vallarta? Here’s a Helpful Guide
By Neil Ward If this is your first visit to Puerto Vallarta (or you’re reading this from home before you leave), here are some tips that we’ve complied to help make your visit as fun as possible. First, you’ll be given a form to fill out on the plane that you will present at the immigration check point. Immigration officers will review and stamp this. Put this with your passport. Take a photo and carry it with you. It is a very important piece of paper as it documents your name, flight number, date of entry, and method of entry. This paper will be needed to board the return flight home to the US along with your boarding pass that the gate agent will collect. When leaving the P.V. airport to get to your accommodations make sure to get a taxi from the booth by baggage claim. You will need to know the zone you are staying in for the rate. Try your best to deflect the many, many drivers that will try to give you a ride as you pass through the airport. If you want to take an Uber, you will have to leave airport property (turn left out of the front door, go to the end of the building, turn left and cross the bridge to the other side of the highway. Call for your Uber there.) I stayed in the “gay district” Romantica Zone (or Zona Romantica). So in the taxi, it was about a 30 minute ride south through the hotel zone, the ocean front, and into the Romantica Zone. Think of the Romantica Zone as a neighborhood in the larger city of PV. It is about an 8 x 8 city block area and still shows it roots as a fishing village. This route was a beautiful welcome to the area. The gay district is very walkable, but be forwarned! Keep an eye where your feet are going, as many of the sidewalks are uneven and the streets are made from cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes or walking sandals (But….a word of caution: Flip flops are not great for walking around the city as the sidewalks are uneven and the roads are paved with various sized rocks with cement filling in the cracks). I encourage you to take time during to walk around and experience all the colors and textures of the buildings, the hidden courtyards, the colors of blooming trees and bushes on the sidewalks, the many murals and tile works. It’s a great way to experience the neighborhood food stands and people. When crossing streets, there are no walk signs to signal when it is safe to walk across the street. So, it’s a little like frogger, 6
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you need to gauge how fast the oncoming traffic is going, find an opening and scoot across as the drivers don’t typically slow down. Luckily, with cobblestone streets, vehicular traffic cannot go very fast. There are a lot of stores that will accept Visa and Mastercard with a minimum purchase (500 pesos and up). Check with your financial institutions on foreign transaction fees. Some of these are up to 3%. Also, if you purchase anything by credit card it automatically includes a 16% government tax. I wouldn’t plan on card transactions being the method of purchasing goods. There are a lot of street vendors for food (You can get a decent meal for under $100 pesos) and merchandise (that you can barter with on price) that will not have access to a credit card machine. Tip: When there is someone bagging your purchases, it is customary to tip 1 or 2 pesos. If you need additional pesos there is a Banorte ATM on Olas Altas, just a block east off the beach and Malecon (the equivalent of the boardwalk) by A Taste Of Italy. Three air-conditioned lockable stalls help to give you safe access to cash. This ATM dispenses pesos and your bank does the currency conversion. Be prepared to wait a little bit as this is a popular ATM. Always look for skimmers on ATMs and monitor your credit card and bank accounts for fraud. If you like the beach, as I do, there are many places that provide umbrellas and chairs to sit in and relax but some do charge for trips to the bathroom. ( On a side note, public bathrooms are available around the city but there is a charge for use, a good way to use your loose peso change.) I went to the beach at Blue Chairs on the far south end of town at the Gay Beach. The service is great and they do not charge for trips to the bathroom. You can spend a whole day there splashing around in the water, eating, drinking, people watching, and sunning yourself. While you are there be prepared for the non-stop stream of people selling sunglasses, jewelry, blankets, etc. Also, there are guys who offer massages on the beach. Both will be dressed in all white. Be polite if you do not want anything. These people are selling their wares on the beach in the hot sun all day long. A simple “ No, Gracias” (No, thank you) will suffice. This also happens while walking down the Malecon, which is the boardwalk that starts north at Hotel Rosita and goes all the way south to Vallarta Shores. D e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
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Protect yourself from the sun, especially if your skin has not seen the sun in a while. Wear at least an SPF of 30 when out during the day or even sitting under an umbrella. You will still get plenty of sun. Don’t ruin your vacation with a sunburn. You can purchase sunscreen at the various Farmacia (pharmacy) if you don’t have room in your carry-on bag. If you are staying in a condo or just want to save money on food, you can get quick snacks and drinks at OXXO markets around the city. They are the equivalent of our Seven Elevens. For more involved cooking stop at the Ollin Market (Mercado Ollin, Puerto Vallarta) at the corner of Pino Suárez and Lázaro Cárdenas. They have a much larger selection of food, drinks, and alcohol. For household needs (laundry detergent, bath soap, shampoo, etc) and other prescription needs, visit the Farmacia Guadalajara on Lázaro Cárdenas, three blocks east of Ollin Market. I would recommend getting a few Electrolit bottles for your fridge to drink during the day, after a day at the beach, or after a night at the bars. A few great places that I enjoyed eating at include: • The Swedes • Qulture • La Piazzetta • Langostinos Restaurant and Bar you can sit ON the beach at night
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First Time to Puerto Vallarta?
A few great locations to visit:
Mirador Cera de La Cruz
(observation deck on the top of the mountain) The panoramic view of the city from here is amazing! The easiest way to get to it is to walk the Malecon to the street named Abesolo. Then start to walk up towards the mountain. It is a strenuous hike up the stairs to the top. Take your time, watch your step and bring water. You’ll get to see local families on their patios, beautiful architecture and views on the way up. Once at the top you will have 360-degree views of the area. I would highly recommend doing this either in the morning before 10am or in the evening around 8pm. Between the sun and the humidity you will sweat through your clothes. Also, there are no bathrooms at the top, so make sure you go before.
Malecon Starting north at Hotel Rosita and winding its way down the oceanfront and through the streets, the Malecon goes all the way south to Vallarta Shores. There are plenty of things to do including restaurants, night clubs, amphitheaters, and souvenir shops along with the Naval Museum along its path. In addition, there are many sculptures along the way and the popular tourist spot Puerto Vallarta photo spot. It really comes alive at night with street performers, food, entertainment, and merchandise vendors.
Elizabeth Taylor + Richard Burton’s House – on Calle Zaragoza
Up in the hills by the Rio Cuale is Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s home which is now a hotel and restaurant. Walking by you can get a quick snap of the bronze statue.
Los Muertos Pier
– on the Malecon by Langostino’s Restaurant & Bar This is where you can catch tour boats during the day, sight see, or get a good view of who is on the beach. At night it is illuminated in the colors of the rainbow and is a popular spot to hang out and listen to the waves.
Rebecas – on Olas Altas My favorite men’s clothing store in the area. Just a block off the beach. If you are looking for a swimsuit, clubbing outfit, or underwear the selection is quite large and the staff is quite helpful. They also accept Visa.
Rio Cuale Explore the Rio Cuale area by by entering over the River Cuale walking river bridge on Aquiles Serdán. The Gringo Gulch Bridge is a great place for photos and will be in front of you but you will need to walk around some buildings to get there. Walking towards the ocean on the Rio Cuale you will pass BabelBar and enter the Isla Cuale Flea Market. Souvenirs, clothing, home furnishings and more are here in this daily market. It’s a lot of fun to see all of the different designs and crafts of the area.
My week in P.V. consisted of eating, sightseeing, pool time, and parking my butt at the beach. Being immersed in the neighborhood and walking everywhere removed me from my Midwest suburban automobile centric life. Being present and on the street forced me to slow down and interact with people and really notice the environment. I loved walking past a seemingly unfinished villa only to peer through its gates and see an absolute paradise inside complete with gorgeous patterned tile, lush palms and a crystal-clear swimming pool. Every street held a surprise with architecture, patterns, textures, and public art. I tried my best to greet and speak to people in Spanish when I was out and about and at the store. Google Translate helped a lot here. At night it was refreshing to walk past families and see them playing cards on card tables on the sidewalk. Or seeing an elderly couple chatting on their patio and hearing Buenas Noches as we walked by. The memories of the warm ocean breeze, the sun glimmering off the surf, and the spectacular views comforted me as I headed to the airport to return home. Departing from P.V. you will go up to the second floor by the baggage claim area and follow signs to the security checkpoint. There are plenty of duty-free shops to grab last minute souvenirs and alcohol on the way to your gate. It is worth mentioning again, that you will need your boarding pass and the immigration paper to board the plane. Landing in Dallas Fort Worth, I downloaded the Mobile Pass app and submitted my passport information and customs declaration before I even got off the plane. I passed through baggage claim (I did not check any bags) and arrived at customs and border patrol. The Mobile Pass app made the customs and border patrol checks super easy and fast for re-entry to the U.S. A note: Your bags do not automatically get to your connecting flight. You will have to get them from baggage claim and recheck them with your airline. I learned that after customs and border patrol you are outside of the secure area and are required to go through security to get to your connecting flight. Luckily, Dallas Fort Worth had multiple security checkpoints with walking and waiting times posted. I would recommend getting in the shortest line possible to get through and use the SkyLink system to get to your specific terminal and gate. Again, schedule a flight with at least a 2-hour layover each way. Should your flights get delayed or if you will miss a connecting flight use Twitter to get a hold of your airline to reschedule. So, relax, see the sights, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself in Puerto Vallarta. It holds something for everyone.
When roaming around P.V. taxi cabs fares are negotiable. Ask the taxi driver how much it will be to your destination and agree on a price before getting in the cab. If you are using Uber, disregard, as those fares are set. However, Uber drivers will still appreciate tips in Pesos. Author Neil Ward relaxes at the pool during his first visit to Puerto Vallarta. 8
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Neil’s Suggestions: Before departing: • Get $1,000 or more in pesos: can order these from your bank • Check on Health Insurance: can get a policy in Mexico for about $38USD (I bought a policy from Guardian Insurance that would cover emergencies in Mexico. WeExpats is also another great company that many visitors use/ • Let your bank know you are traveling internationally • Download Google Translate app + offline translation file • Download Mobile Pass app • Get a Nathan running belt
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2021 Travel Guide
What to pack: • Swim suits • T-shirts • A hat (ballcap or a large floppy hat for the beach) • Comfortable shoes to walk in • Walking sandals • Sunscreen SPF 30+ • Reusable water bottle (Brita filter bottle) • Sunglasses • Tote or shoulder bag
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Beaches Welcome All With Sun and Fun By Alejandro Chavez A favorite activity for many visiting Puerto Vallarta is spending the day relaxed on the beach. Depending on what you’re into, Puerto Vallarta has some options for you. So look no further and let us give you the rundown so you come prepared. Los Muertos Beach (aka the Gay Beach) Without a doubt, one of the most popular beaches in PV is ‘Playa Los Muertos’, PV’s own gay beach and very popular amongst gay travelers worldwide. It has topped many lists, including the ‘best gay beach’ list from Newsweek in 2019. It placed second just behind Hilton Beach from Tel Aviv, Israel. Why do people love it? PV’s Los Muertos beach is one the largest gay beaches in Latin America with a very open-minded and friendly ambiance to go along with it. The location is also perfect; it is located in ‘Zona Romantica’, the gayborhood of PV where you can find many restaurants and gay bars. If you want to find a spot to soak up the sun and spend the day, there are a few places you could go that will match your taste and what you’re looking for. From south to north, these are the gay or gay-friendly beach clubs that offer the basics (chair and umbrella, food and drink service) and more: Mantamar Beach Club. Known as the ‘party spot’, Mantamar offers a wide variety of services from your regular beach chairs, to lounge chairs, gazebos, cabanas, access to a pool, and DJs setting the mood. Ritmos Beach Café. Dubbed ‘Green Chairs’ for the color of some of its beach chairs, it is a favorite of many. Ritmos offers a more laid-back atmosphere at the heart of Playa Los Muertos. Known to have one of the best customer service on the beach. Blue Chairs. Being the first gay-friendly hotel in PV, the Blue Chairs beach club is very popular among foreigners and Mexican nationals. Although the beach area is smaller than its neighbors’, you can easily spot Blue Chairs for the color of its beach chairs. You guessed it, its blue! 10
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Sapphire. A more low-key and relaxed spot to spend the day. Sapphire offers access to a pool, lounge chairs, and convenient day-passes. As you walk down the beach, you will find more places that offer similar services but do not target the gay tourist specifically as the spots mentioned above. If this sounds more like your taste, then by all means go and spend the day at any of those places. Remember that after all, PV is a very open-minded tourist town and it is very rare to encounter any issues relating to discrimination. Other Great Beaches The best beaches are down south of Puerto Vallarta along Bahía de Banderas. They may all not be within walking distance but are easy to get to. From the closest to furthest from PV, here is a list of the recommended beaches to visit and a way to get there: Conchas Chinas Beach. Discrete and just minutes away from Zona Romantica. Take in the picturesque scenery and enjoy the sunset to end a perfect day. There are natural pools that form along the edge of the sea where you could see fish and other marine animals. It is the closest beach south of Los Muertos Beach. Therefore, you can get there by foot if you enjoy an easy short walk. You can also get there by public transportation or taxi. Los Colomitos Beach. One of the hidden and small beaches in PV with turquoise waters. We recommend visiting for only a short time since it does not have any restaurants or facilities. Perfect for a quick swim and as a stopover for other beaches nearby. To get there you might want to get to Boca de Tomatlán first (a small fisherman town, also known as just ‘Boca’) and you get there by either taking a public bus or taxi, or you might even D e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
Beaches Welcome All With Sun and Fun
2021 Travel Guide
catch a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier. Once you get to Boca de Tomatlån, you can either take a water taxi or go on a fun one-mile hike. Las Animas Beach. A remote beach in a small town perfect for a full day excursion. It has restaurants, bars, and activities such as parasailing and banana boat ride, and option to rent paddleboards. This beach is only accessible by sea or by land in an over an hour hike from Boca (only for the strong and brave). You can take a water taxi from Boca, which is just about a 5 to 6 minute ride. For more on the hour-long hike, look for our Paradise Beaches and a Hike - Great Day Excursion story for more details! Yelapa Beach. A classic! This beach is perfect to just spend the day and relax. It has just a few restaurants, places to get a beach chair and umbrella, and even small hotels with the basic services. To get here you would have to take a water taxi from Boca that takes around 40 minutes. It is only accessible by sea. Sayulita. This gem is located north of PV and it is a surfers’ paradise town. It is known for hosting international surfing and paddleboard competitions. It is a bit bigger than the other beach towns mentioned here so you will be able to find hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and even surf lessons. It is very much accessible; to get here you can hop on a bus, taxi, or your own vehicle. There are busses that depart from a bus stop by Francia and Berlin streets across the street from Coppel (department store) close to Zona Hotelera. The bus ride will take around an hour and ticket costs under $5 USD one way.
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If you decide to go on any of these excursions, we recommend the following: 1. Bring sunscreen 2. Bring a plastic bag to keep your electronics and other valuables from getting wet 3. Bring cash as most do not take credit cards 4. Bring mosquito repellent 5. If you drink alcohol, stay away from the water 6. Take care of nature and the marine wildlife 7. Make sure not to leave trash behind 8. Hydrate yourself 9. Enjoy and take in the scenery 10. Take photos, share with friends, and tag @outandaboutpv in instagram!
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Hiking the Beaches
of Paradise
By Alejandro Chavez
Hanging out at Los Muertos Beach is great and all, but if you’re in Puerto Vallarta for a few days and wish to explore beyond the gay beach for smaller, more secluded, beautiful beaches nearby, we bring you a great day excursion suggestion that includes a great but challenging hike and some beautiful beaches! So get your sunscreen ready and let’s have a fun-filled day! The beaches you will get to know during the hike are located between Colomitos Beach and Las Ánimas Beach (last stop), like Madagascar Beach – a very small and relaxing beach. These are very gorgeous beaches, so be prepared to have your breath taken away! The hike, as we mentioned, is quite challenging! From Boca to Las Ánimas beach it takes around one hour with just a couple very brief stops. Something to take in consideration is for the hike back from Las Ánimas to Boca, we wouldn’t go pass 4pm as the tide starts to rise and there are a couple of sections during the hike that this may cause an issue. In addition, you won’t want to get stuck in the mountains during night time. The recommendation is to make it to Boca early enough to have time to explore all of the beaches and not have to hurry back. Your first stop and where the hike begins is in a small fishermen’s town just south of PV named Boca de Tomatlán (or just ‘Boca’). From Zona Romantica, you will take a public bus in the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Constitución streets. Next to the Oxxo, there will be buses lined up that depart every 15 minutes or so (Mexican time) and these buses will say either Mismaloya and Boca or just Mismaloya (they’re both the same). As of January 2021, the bus fare is $10 MXN. The trip to Boca lasts around 30 minutes. For the trip back from Boca to Zona Romantica, buses run until around 10:30pm. As any public bus, this bus will make just a few stops before making it to Boca. During the short journey, take some time to look out to your right side window and appreciate the gorgeous scenery. You will spot a few beaches along the way. You know you made it to Boca because it is the last stop and everyone will get off. Once you get off the bus, head down the hill and you’ll find yourself at the dock. Remember that this is a small fishermen’s village, so you probably won’t get lost here. If you wish you could explore and walk around for a bit and take some pictures before starting the hike. The hike begins through a small bridge off Pelicanos Street (one of just a handful of streets in Boca). The hiking trail starts off pretty discrete, so don’t be wary if you have to walk by people’s houses at first. Ask for pointers along the way if needed. 12
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Hiking the Beaches of Paradise
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For the most part, the hiking trail will contain some kind of guides such as wooden handrails or steps made of wooden boards. You might also see signs or maps showing you where you are. It is worth mentioning that there are two separate paths in order to get to Colomitos Beach that eventually unite before arriving there. The path that is used more frequently is the one that runs closer to the sea (as seen in image below). Be prepared for some gorgeous views. Once you arrive to Colomitos Beach, you made it to your first stop! It is your choice if you wish to stay there for a while and relax or continue the hike. Colomitos Beach is just a small sandy pocket that has a drink kiosk, perfect for a quick stop and a swim if you like. A word of caution, we do not recommend drinking during this whole adventure. You may encounter slippery surfaces and it is best that you are fully alert. If you want to drink, leave the drinks for when you head back to Zona Romantica as there are many bars there to choose from and you can brag about your day to your friends. Along the hike trail, you will pass a few smaller beaches. Feel free to stop and take in the scenery. If you take photos, don’t forget to tag O&APV in Instagram @outandaboutpv !! After an hour or so, depending on the number of stops and duration, you should arrive at Las Ánimas Beach, which is the last stop. This beach is a bit bigger than the other ones and it has a few restaurants if you decide to eat and recharge. The hike back is the same deal. As a reminder, we highly recommend you do not drink if you are doing the hike back to Boca. Also, make sure you are making your way back at 4pm the latest just to be extra cautious. Once back at Boca, make your way to the same bus stop from where you got off when you arrived. The trip back also takes 30 minutes and the fare remains at $10 MXN. The bus will drop you off at the same location by Basilio Badillo and Constitución streets. Repeat this excursion as many times as you like! 2 0 2 1 Tra v e l G u i d e
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Bar and Nightlife Overview
With more than 25 LGBTQ bars, and more restaurants than we can count, there are almost endless possibilities to enjoy a night out in Puerto Vallarta. With limited space, we asked the O&APV staff some of their favorite places and why. We encourage you to do your research and find the perfect place that fits your taste and needs, as our list is just a sliver of all of the many offerings. People Watching Bar Chachalaca, located only half a block from Los Muertos Pier on Francisca Rodriguez St, this bar is a great place to people watch and catch up with your friends. Chachalaca is a local bird that, talks a lot, and thus the bar is fittingly named!
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Unique Bar Blondies offers slushies with alcohol, a perfect combination to quench your thirst after a hot day at the beach. They offer two locations – Calle Pulpito and Basillio Badillo – with each having a cool vibe that you are sure to enjoy. Neighborhood Bar Reinas is a great neighborhood bar with a queen décor. Located at Lázaro Cárdenas 361 they will do their best to make you feel like family.
Piano Bar Garbo is a great jazz and piano bar. It’s located on Calle Pulpito, and has great live music and a nice mix of locals and tourists.
Bear Bar La Cueva is PV’s only bear bar – that we’re aware of – and it’s in a new location – now located at Calle 5 de Febrero (moving this past year from its Olas Altas location) you can enjoy drinks and fun with fellow bears or bear admirers and then have dinner upstairs at the popular restaurant, No Way Jose.
Bar with Best View Top Sky Bar overlooks the gay beach area and offers great food and drinks as well as a great view. It’s on top of the Alamar Hotel complex and open to guests of the hotel as well as non-guests.
Cowboy Bar Los Amigos is a popular cowboy bar located at Calle, Venustiano Carranza. You’ll find friendly bartenders and cheap beer. And of course, locals sporting cowboy hats!
Bar/Club to Mingle with Locals Paco’s Ranch, located at Ignacio Luis Vallarta 278, is a cowboy-themed bar and dance club that is popular with locals. They have fun drag shows, is another cowboy-themed gay bar but it’s also a club where you can dance the night away (see more about this below).
Open Air Bar Mr. Flamingo, located at 295 Calle Lázaro Cárdenas, is at the corner of the “gay strip” in PV that has a large concentration of bars. It’s a Tiki bar with a cool vibe. It’s a great place to people watch and have a quick drink.
Dance Club CC Slaughters, located at Calle Lázaro Cárdenas 254, on the corner of the “gay strip”, is a late night, early morning dance club that is popular for tourists and locals.
Best Patio Anonimo, located at Rodolfo Gomez 157, looks small as you enter, but head up to the second floor for a wonderful patio area. The bar actually has three floors, with each having its own personality and fun.
Strip Club There are at least three men’s strip clubs in PV. But Club 69, located on Lazaro Cardenas, was our top staff selection. It offers a variety of hot men dancing for your pleasure.
Martini Bar Apaches Martini & Cocktail Bar, located on Olas Altas 439, has some great Martini’s. Check out their happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. for some really great deals.
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Bar and Nightlife Overview
2021 Travel Guide
Sports Bar Check out All Access Sports bar, located Calle Lazaro Cardenas. It’s half block from the beach and offers a terrace seating with view of #Plazalaza. It is gay owned and has local fun and gay-friendly staff, This is the place to be to watch sports on the screens or to enjoy live music. Watch their facebook for the events. Brunch Taste Restaurant, located at the hotel Casa Cupula, has a fantastic brunch on the weekend. They have it all – from mimosas, sushi, waffles, chilaquiles, omelettes, quesadillas, sea food, fruit, juices, desserts… and more! Brunch is served every Sunday starting at 10am – 2pm. Located at Callejon de la Igualdad 129. Lunch El Mole de Jovita, located at Calle Basilio Badillo 220, is a great lunch spot to try Mole - a traditional Mexican sauce. El Mole de Jovita serves different variations, all delicious and made from a recipe handed down in this family owned restaurant. Dinner No Way José (cool name, right), is located at 5 de Febrero 260 and a fantastic place to have dinner offering contemporary cuisine. It’s popular so you might want to make reservations. Local live entertainment is often offered.
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Hotels
With Puerto Vallarta having the largest number of gay hotels and resorts in Mexico, you’ll find there is a gay-friendly accommodation option for everyone – from adults only to those that cater to families. Here are just a few that our staff enjoys. Hotel Mercurio is located a 10-minute walk from Los Muertos Beach and offers a 24-hour adults only pool area. With a great restaurant, complimentary buffet breakfast and an outgoing friendly staff, Hotel Mercurio is a great option for gay men! Marriott Puerto Vallarta isn’t in the “gay district” – it’s located not far from the Airport at the marina. But this fantastic resort is an ideal hotel for gay families and works hard to make sure the LGBTQ community is welcomed. The hotel features one of PV’s largest pools, a beautiful beachfront and several great restaurants. Casa Cupula is a luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the gay district. With a great restaurant, an onsite gym, and a popular clothing-optional pool party, it’s a great getaway. Piñata PV Gay Hotel is a clothing optional fun sexy boutique hotel that is an easy walk to the gay beach and nightlife area. Hostel While there are numerous hostels located throughout the gay district. Our pick is Jet’s Hostel, a six-bed gay hostel, that has shared sleeping areas. Jet is a young, outgoing local entrepreneur, and also operates Jet’s Boat Tours and Jet’s Nude Boat Tour.
Popular Events
There are an endless number of events offered to the LGBTQ community that occur at different times of the year. From art walks to festivals, there has to be something to fit your taste and budget. Be sure to check the event online to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Bear Festivals: There are several bear festivals and events, including Beef Deep, that take place in January and February. These festivals attract beefy, scruffy men, and their admirers. Puerto Vallarta Pride: Orgullo Vallarta Pride is held the last week in May, that boosts a parade and a week-long schedule of events. The event draws thousands of visitors who love to show their pride. Semana Santa: Easter holidays are a big deal in Mexico. This holiday isn’t a gay festival or event, but if you visit around Easter, you’ll get to see various community parades and celebrations. Day of the Dead Festival: Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated in early November. You’ll see a variety of Ofrendas set up throughout Vallarta and a parade is often held. It’s a fun time to visit and reflect on those you have lost. 16
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Mer curio Swim
Exclusive Men’s Swimwear Without the European Designer Price Tag Show your style with these locally made swim suits
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Mercurio Swim
2021 Travel Guide
The name “Mercurio” has been known to the local and international LGBTQ community for nearly 20 years, since Hotel Mercurio opened its doors in Puerto Vallarta in 2002. The “Beers Boys & Burgers” parties on Sundays was a very popular Vallarta mainstay, until the pandemic forced it to suspend in March 2021. Since 2018, the Mercurio brand has expanded into men’s beach fashion, with the Mercurio Swim men’s swimwear line. We asked Paul Crist, the owner of Hotel Mercurio and Mercurio Swim, what prompted him to dive into the swimwear business. He admitted, with a sly grin, that the opportunity to work with gorgeous male models was a “a factor” but that mainly, “the quality of sewing, fabrics and elastics in locally available men’s swimsuits was not all it could be.” He added, that “imported swimwear, from designers in Spain, Australia, and the US are beautifully made but very expensive.” So he set out to design and manufacture his own line, using local talent and labor, and under his own very discerning eye for quality, fit and design. He supervises a staff of 4 in his own atelier workshop, and selects all the fabrics, imported elastics, and even the thread used to produce Mercurio Swim swimsuits and shorts. Crist invites clients to compare the quality and style of Mercurio Swim with the high-priced name brands available online and in boutique shops anywhere in the world. The best quality spandex fabric (also known as Lycra) comes from Colombia, Brazil, and Spain, and Mercurio Swim sources fabrics from those sources. The Italian elastic used in Mercurio Swim products is the most resistant to pool chemicals, salt water, and UV sun rays. The stitching on each suit is carefully inspected to ensure there are no skipped stiches that can result in unraveling. And many of the bikini, thongs and square cut suits are fully lined with a super soft liner, giving them a more luxurious feel and adding to durability and long wear.
Some swimwear and underwear that is designed to accentuate the package can be uncomfortable or even chafe the delicate skin in that area when worn all day, especially if you’re having an active day at the beach or pool. The Mercurio Swim pouch design in all of the fitted styles achieves a bit of “lift” while being comfortable to wear and really sexy to look at. So, you might be wondering, “What swimsuit style is right for my body type? What will look best on me?” It’s a common question. Many men have no idea how to choose a swimsuit style. There are a few guidelines, but the sales staff at Mercurio Swim are trained and ready to help you decide. And keep in mind that you’ll look great in a suit that makes you feel good and that adds to your self-confidence! Don’t hesitate to try a style that you haven’t worn before! And it’s always a good idea (and more fun) to shop with a trusted friend or partner that may see you differently than the “you” you see in the mirror! Mercurio Swim offers a wide range of styles, so you’re sure to find a style, color, or print design that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for a super sexy bikini, an even sexier thong design, a classic boxer-style swimsuit, or a swim short that’s perfect for lounging, the gym, or running around town, Mercurio Swim has you covered! Available at the Mercurio Swim retail outlets in Puerto Vallarta’s Gayborhood at:
Lázaro Cárdenas Street #279-C
(just a half block up from “Pride Corner”) And at:
Hotel Mercurio
Francisca Rodríguez Street #168 (just up from the Los Muertos Pier) Online Store at mercurioswim.com with shipping available in the US, Canada and Mexico. 2 0 2 1 Tra v e l G u i d e
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Mercurio Swim
Trajes de Baño Exclusivos para Hombres Sin el Alto Precio de Diseñadores Europeos Muestre su estilo con estos trajes de baño de fabricación local
El nombre “Mercurio” ha sido conocido por la comunidad LGBTQ local e internacional durante casi 20 años, desde que el Hotel Mercurio abrió sus puertas en Puerto Vallarta en 2002. Las fiestas “Beers Boys & Burgers” celebradas los domingos fueron siempre muy popular en Vallarta, hasta que la pandemia obligó a que se suspenderá en marzo de 2021. Desde 2018, la marca Mercurio se ha expandido para incluir una línea de trajes de baño para hombres, conocido como Mercurio Swim. Le preguntamos a Paul Crist, el dueño de Hotel Mercurio y Mercurio Swim, qué lo impulsó a entrar en el negocio de los trajes de baño. Admitió, con una sonrisa traviesa, que la oportunidad de trabajar con modelos guapos era un “factor”, pero que principalmente, “la calidad de la costura, las telas y elásticos en los trajes de baño para hombres disponibles localmente no era todo lo que podía ser”. Añadió que “los trajes de baño importados, de diseñadores de España, Australia y Estados Unidos, están muy bien hechos pero son muy caros”. Así que se propuso diseñar y fabricar su propia línea, utilizando talento y mano de obra local, y bajo su propio ojo, muy exigente para la calidad, el ajuste y el diseño. Supervisa una plantilla de 4 personas en su propio taller y selecciona todas las telas, elásticos importados e incluso el hilo utilizado para producir los bañadores y shorts de su marca Mercurio Swim. Crist invita a los clientes a comparar la calidad y el estilo de Mercurio Swim con las marcas de alto precio disponibles en línea y en las boutiques de lujo de cualquier parte del mundo. La tela de spandex de mejor calidad (también conocida como Lycra) proviene de Colombia, Brasil y España, y Mercurio Swim obtiene telas de esas fuentes principalmente. El elástico italiano utilizado en los productos Mercurio Swim es el más resistente a los productos químicos ásperos de la piscina, el agua salada y los rayos UV del sol. Las costuras de cada traje se inspeccionan cuidadosamente para asegurarse de que no haya puntos saltados que puedan provocar que se deshagan. Y muchos de los trajes de bikini, tangas y de bóxer están completamente forrados con una tela suavecita , lo que les da una sensación más lujosa y aumenta la durabilidad y el uso prolongado.
pueden irritar la piel delicada en esa área cuando se usan todo el día, especialmente si tiene un día activo en la playa o la piscina. El diseño del soporte (el portahuevos? Jaja!) de Mercurio Swim en todos los estilos logra un poco de “elevación” a la vez que es cómodo de usar y realmente sexy a la vista. Por lo tanto, es posible que se pregunte: “¿Qué estilo de traje de baño es el adecuado para mi tipo de cuerpo? ¿Qué se verá mejor en mí? “ Es una pregunta común. Muchos hombres no tienen idea de cómo elegir un estilo de traje de baño. Hay algunas pautas, pero el personal de ventas de Mercurio Swim está capacitado y listo para ayudarlo a decidir. ¡Y tenga en cuenta que lucirá genial con un traje que lo haga sentir bien y que aumente su confianza en sí mismo! ¡No dudes en probar un estilo que no hayas usado antes! ¡Y siempre es una buena idea (y más divertida) comprar con una pareja o un amigo de confianza que pueda verte de manera diferente al “tú” que ves en el espejo! Mercurio Swim ofrece una amplia gama de estilos, por lo que seguramente encontrará un estilo, color o estampado que sea perfecto para usted. Ya sea que esté buscando un bikini súper sexy, una tanga aún más sexy, un traje de baño clásico estilo bóxer o un bañador tipo short que es perfecto para descansar, ir al gimnasio o correr por la ciudad, ¡Mercurio Swim lo tiene cubierto! Disponible en las tiendas de Mercurio Swim en la zona Gay de Puerto Vallarta en: Calle Lázaro Cárdenas # 279-C (solo a media cuadra de “Pride Corner”) Y en: Hotel Mercurio Calle Francisca Rodríguez # 168 (justo arriba del muelle de Los Muertos) Tienda en línea en mercurioswim.com con envíos disponibles en EE. UU., Canadá y México.
Algunos trajes de baño y ropa interior que están diseñados para acentuar el “paquete” pueden ser incómodos o incluso 20
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Local Business Directory Food, Fun & More
The Palm Cabaret & Bar The Palm has been a part of Puerto Vallart’s entertainment scene for more than 21 years. It is Puerto Vallarta’s oldest live entertainment venue in Old Town, and was originally a video restaurant-bar. – a hangout where singers, musicians and drag queens would perform during their stay in Puerto Vallarta. It now has the honor of occupying Trip Advisor’s number three of the 116 things to do in Puerto Vallarta in the “concerts, shows and cabarets” category. thepalmcabaret.com Tamale’s Tours Tamle’s Tours is Puerto Vallarta’s newest gay day on the bay. Tamale and Sugarbaker strive to bring you a tour company like no other, offering a safe and fabulous day for everybody and everybody. Relax aboard a 75’ yacht or play in the beautiful Banderas Bay Website: www.tamalestours.com Email: tamalestours@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/tamalestours Instagram: @tamalestours Tony’s Please Restaurant & Bar Established in 1978, this Mexican restaurant & bar is a Puerto Vallarta favorite. Located on Calle Lazaro Cardenas # 440, you’ll find authentic made from scratch Mexican dishes along with a wide range of international food including fantastic steak and seafood, along with select Italian dishes. Tony is everyone’s friend and would love to see you. It’s a must while you are in Puerto Vallarta. tonysrestaurant.restaurantwebexperts.com Vallarta Food Tours Vallarta’s number ONE tour with more than 2,600 five-star TripAdvisor reviews. It was recently awarded the number four food experience in the world by TripAdvisor for 2020! Pick from ten different food tours, almost anything to fit your taste! 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. Their love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture has inspired them to create the city’s finest culinary tour. vallartafoodtours.com Branden & James Nomad Family Photo Group Check out PV favorites, BRANDEN & JAMES new shows, “The Lady Gaga Songbook’ and “Broadway At The Beach” & capture some special moments with your loved ones in a lifestyle shoot courtesy of Nomad Family Photo Group.
Spartacus With more than 4,000 square feet, Spartacus is a men’s only gay sauna/bath house located in the gay district of Puerto Vallarta, Zona Romantica. Four floors with a large rooftop terrace, pool, dry sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, showers, and so much more. spaspartacus.com Hamam Turkish Spa By appointment only Hamam Turkis Spa is a boutique authentic hamam spa that provides an oasis of tranquility and revitalization. Choose from a comprehensive range of turkis bath Hamam rituals, body scrubs with Vichy shower, and massages. This indulgent time can be share with up to two people at the same time, and arrangements can be made for men only, ladies only, or couples. hamampv.com All Acces Sports Bar All Access Sports Bar is located at Calle Lazaro Cardenas, half block from the beach and offers a terrace setting with view of #Plazalaza. It is gay owned and has local fun and gay-friendly staff, this is the place to be to watch sports on the screens or to enjoy live music. Watch their Facebook for the events. www.facebook.com/AAsportsbarpv La ChaChalaca Bar Located just a few minutes from the Los Muertos Pier and a few blocks from the gay beach area, La ChaChalaca Bar has an openair patio and air conditioned bar. A terrific place to enjoy excellent food, drinks, videos, spend time with friends, and make new ones! Always a 2 OZ strong pour! Enjoy a full dining menu and delicious drinks in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/lachachalacabar Vallarta Botanical Gardens Just a 30-minute or so drive from Puerto Vallarta, in the vast jungle, is the beautiful Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Make time to visit one of the top attractions in Puerto Vallarta, that is spread out over a 64-acre area (26 hectares) located 15 miles South of Puerto Vallarta, driving along the highway south that goes to Barra de Navidad. Plan a day visit, starting with breakfast or lunch in the on-site restaurant. Vist the Orchid Conservatory (see some of the 300 of the 1,000 plus native Mexican orchid species), the Chapel, the Horcones River (where you can swim) or just enjoy the surrounding nature, the flowers, trees and lush jungle. www.vbgardens.org
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Retail Stores Gallery Lod Jewelry LOD Jewelry started with a passion for Colombian Emeralds. The Colombian born brother team grew up fantasizing about these little green gems eventually studying jewelry and opening their store in Puerto Vallarta 7 years ago. With modern and unique designs for men and woman, featuring all-natural precious gems such as Mexican Opals, Tahitian Pearls and of course emeralds, you will be surprised and delighted when you visit their beautiful jeweler gallery nestled in the heart of El Centro. lodjewelry.com Old Town Market This gay owned store has almost everything you may need! Looking for food or supplies to stock up your rental or hotel room? Need a quick run for some adult beverages? Located on Lázaro Cárdenas 315, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta. @OldTownMarketPV www.facebook.com/OldTownMarketPV Xocodiva Handmade in right here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, these custom chocolate treats start with the finest Belgian chocolate and the freshest local ingredients. All chocolate is all natural and free of preservatives. Each truffle is carefully and lovingly hand-painted or decorated and prepared with care and passion creating the finest chocolate truffles that are as beautiful as they are delicious! Xocodiva handmake all of our other delightful products, from a huge assortment of mouthwatering creative barks to our hand poured bars. Check them out (Monday thru Saturday, 10 -6) at their production kitchen (A. Serdan #368), where you can watch the magic happen. www.xocodiva-pv.com Angels PV Store Looking for club, fitness and swim wear for men made in Mexico. Angel’s Store PV offers quality products made and designed in Mexico. Proud to support the local economy by buying and selling locally. www.facebook.com/angelsstorepv Mercurio Swimwear Mercurio Swim was conceived and launched in 2018 by Paul Crist and fashion designer Todd Barnes with a mission to create men’s swimwear of high quality, excellent fit, and limited production for local guys and tourists. The swimwear line was designed in order to address several shortcomings they saw in the men’s swimwear available in local stores. In many stores, the quality of fabrics and notions (the thread, elastic, drawstring, etc. used in sewing) is poor. Attention to stitching is often lacking in factory 26
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produced swimwear—and poor stitching doesn’t hold up! The result of using cheaper materials and manufacturing methods is a swimsuit that does not wear well. The fabric and elastics lose their stretch. Stitching pulls loose. Colors fade. Sun, suntan lotions, pool chemicals and saltwater all affect the materials used in swimwear, so it is important to use the best available if the goal is a durable suit that will fit well for a long time. At Mercurio Swim, we’re very serious about quality and quality control. mercurioswim.com Decoracion Suarez With more than 20 years of experience, Decoracion Suarez can help you with blinds and curtains, custom made to fit your new home or condo. Installation provided. decoracionessuarez.com
Real Estate Monica Miller, Real Estate Agent Ryan Donner & Associates Monica was born in the San Francisco bay area and raised two sons in the Napa Valley. Monica’s background is personal and business finance. She has managed multiple investment real estate properties in the Napa Valley as well Vineyard Operations. Monica’s knowledge of the area combined with her finance background and her steadfast work ethic make her a trusted resource to a broad spectrum of clients. ryandonner.com/contact/monica-miller Ryan Donner & Associates Ryan Donner quickly climbed the ranks of the real estate business in Puerto Vallarta. In 2018 he began forming his team of agents that work under him while he worked as a realtor himself. In 2019, Ryan formed Ryan Donner & Associates (Ryan Donner Y Asociados S de RL de CV). The company quickly began expanding and working with other real estate agents in Mexico that share the desire to work together to create a larger network that benefits real estate buyers and sellers. ryandonner.com Timothy Real Estate Group Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with strategic sales office locations throughout the Bay of Banderas from the Romantic Zone to Sayulita. Because the Banderas Bay 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. timothyrealestategroup.com Kim Kieler, Real Estate Agent Ron Morgan Properties Kim has decades of executive merchandising for Nordstrom’, which evolved to ownership of more than ten fine art/luxury furnishing stores in the California area from San FranD e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
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cisco to Beverly Hills. She has been a resident of Puerto Vallarta for more than a decade. She is a member of Multi-List Vallarta and AMPI FlexMLS. Kim says “I’ll work hard to provide personal insight to all of the small details, making the transition to your new home and country as effortless and exciting as possible.” Kim specializes in luxury real estate sales in Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/kimkielerproperties Alfredo Sanchez, Real Estate Agent Tropicasa Realty Alfredo has more than 14 years of experience with Tropicasa Realty, and is passionate to help you find your Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit dream home. Alfredo says “I understand that for most of you, buying or selling a property in Mexico is a completely new experience, but my goal is to simplify this process.I will support you through the entire real estate process so you can make an informed decision. “ Tropicasa Realty was founded in 1997 by Wayne Franklin, a former broker from California with over 25 years of real estate experience in the U.S. and Mexico. tropicasa.com/AlfredoSanchez Ron Morgan Properties Ron Morgan Properties is a full-service, innovative company specializing in real estate sales and rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Helping you find your new or second home, your best rental options, or your perfect office space in one of the most beautiful Bays in the world is their number one goal. With offices in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s “Romantic Zone”, we are in a prime position to assist both buyers and sellers. Whether you are looking to buy your dream property, starting a business here, or looking to list your home or business for sale or rent, our professional and knowledgeable team will assist you with every detail. ronmorgan.net
Places to Stay/Rentals
www.rentalspv.com Hotel Mercurio Hotel Mercurio has been ‘home’ for LGBTQ guests for nearly two decades. Arriving for your stay with them, you’ll feel the warm and welcoming embrace of greeting beloved friends. Most of the staff have been part of the Mercurio family for many years, so our returning guests really do become our friends— an experience you may not enjoy at larger hotels or rental properties. Hotel Mercurio offers a popular breakfast every day, included in your room rate. Breakfast is 8 am to 11 am weekdays, and until noon on weekends (with free mimosas and bloody Mary’s!). www.hotel-mercurio.com Samson Waters Samson Waters offers vacation rentals, concierge services, and property management. With a staff that prides themselves on an ability to understand its guests needs and provide an experience that will surpass all expectations. Samson Waters has offices in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida and Puerto Vallarta, and caters to international individuals who wish to maximize their rental income or those looking for an exceptional vacation experience. samsonwaters.com
Specialized Services Rainbow Notary & Nuptials Selecia Young-Jones is a wedding officiant and mobile notary, offering LGBT weddings and notary of United States documents. Selecia offers worldwide access for United States documents via a Zoom type meeting. She can help notarize acknowledgments, Jurats, Federal and State forms, Insurance and Banking documents. www.rainbownotaryandnuptials.com
Casa Tamarindo Casa Tamarindo is an adults only traditional styled villa, located in the Alta Vista neighborhood of Old Town Puerto Vallarta. Located just mere steps from Zona Romantica, dining, nightlife, the Malecon and beaches. Nestled on a hill, there are stairs to climb to reach the accommodations, but you get an incredible unobstructed view of Banderas Bay, breathtaking sunsets and panoramic city sights of Old Town from the rooftop deck and pool.
Mexico Event Design Looking to get married in Mexico and not sure where to even start. Check out Mexico Event Design. This company specializes in wedding planning services for LGBTQ couples in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita, Mexican Caribbean, Cancun, and Riviera. With three event planners on staff, this team can handle it all! Need another special event planned? Yes, they can do that too, including birthday parties, fashion shows, corporate retreats, and product launches. Let Robert Schley, Jorge Celis and Yanina Haddad help you plan and design your next special moment.
casatamarindopv.com
www.mexicoeventdesign.com
Rentals PV Offering apartment rentals in Puerto Vallarta, in the heart of the Romantic Zone, Old Town, just one block from the beach Playa Los Muertos. Offering different apartments for rent at with all located close to the beach. Concierge and free wifi connection in all units. One well-behaved dog is allowed in 28
some units. Our staff speaks Spanish, English, French, German and Dutch. So please contact us if you are looking for a house or apartment for rent.
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Healthcare Vallarta Medical Center With modern facilities and cutting-edge medical equipment, Vallarta Medical Center’s healthcare staff is ready to provide medical, surgical and hospital care. Focused on making you feel the best during your stay, the medical center has a group of nationally and D e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
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internationally recognized specialists. With bilingual medical professionals, the team are specialist in stabilizing and treating patients in any emergency. vallartamedicalcenter.mx/en/home Pause Anti-Aging & Wellness This is Puerto Vallarta’s first-ever clinic the specializes in Bio-Identical hormone replacement. Working with the transgender community, this clinic provides personalized treatment and care, to provide a more stable hormonal management. Staff also specializes in Andropause for men and Menopause treatment for women. www.facebook.com/pausemexico WeExpat Insurance Services Got insurance? Don´t become a GoFundMe campaign and make sure you have insurance. WeExpats is an international insurance broker that provides low cost healthcare products to people worldwide. Get a free quote at weexpats.com/PV or email Brett@WeExpats.com Dr. Aurelio Jimenez – Doctor at Home PV Dr. Jimenez makes house calls! Yes, if you’re feeling ill and need medical assistance, Dr. Jimenze and his associates offer a home consultation service so that you can be attended to quickly and professionally from the comfort of your home, hotel or apartment so that you have a speedy recovery. Dr. Jimenez, creator of Doctor At home, is a general practitioner who graduated from the University of Guadalajara in 2016 (professional ID 11526687), since then he has worked as a general practitioner and has extensive experience with the diseases that afflict the Puerto Vallarta tourist. www.doctorathomepuertovallarta.com
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Bioidentical Hormones:
An Innovative
Treatment for Transgender People By Alexis Velasco Dr. Cinthia Becerra is one of the precursors in Mexico of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy which, as opposed to traditional medicine, represents a less aggressive treatment for gender dysphoria. We met Dr. Cinthia Becerra within the facilities of Pause Anti Aging & Wellness, a health center focused on elevating people’s quality of life through the prevention of premature aging. And it kind of surprised us (in a positive way) that right from the moment you enter this place, you start feeling revitalized and getting good vibes. This is probably due to its exquisite interior design that combines wooden furniture, modern illustrations, landscape pictures and plants. However, the fundamental reason why Pause is a one-of-a-kind wellness facility in Puerto Vallarta is its modern approach: treating the symptoms of the patients through the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Cinthia explains that the goal of this treatment is to restore hormonal balance providing hormones that are 99% identical to those produced naturally by the human body at a molecular level. This distinguishes them from synthetic hormones used by traditional medicine. “It is a way less aggressive method that comes in various forms: creams, sublingual pills, nasal spray and prolonged-released implants known as pellets. It is a completely personalized therapy, since each person is different and requires different compositions based on laboratory studies that we carry out in advance.” Especially after the age of 35, a significant percentage of the population develops symptoms and diseases related to hormonal imbalance, which is why this therapy becomes relevant. Notwithstanding, Dr. Cinthia (who graduated from Medice School at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and has a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida) has patients of all ages, including older adults and adolescents. For some years now, she has also accompanied the transition of people with gender dysphoria. “It all started as a personal interest in increasing my knowledge and exploring a new field within bioidentical hormone replacement. I did a lot of research about everything transgender people go through at a socioeconomic, mental health, and human development level. I went through the suicide rates within this community, among other sad data which shows the rejection they receive from most members of society and the lack of information on gender dysphoria,” she says. “I spoke with the chemist Carlos Pérez from Bionourisso laboratory, with whom I work with, and we managed to develop pellets with a special composition for the treatment they need. Now I can say that we are pioneers in Mexico, treating this community with bioidentical hormones.” 30
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According to Dr. Cinthia, the greatest benefit of this treatment, as opposed to synthetic hormones, is the physical and emotional stability it gives patients. Alongside Dr. Cinthia is the psychologist Lic. Jannine Oceguera, who has a master’s degree in Sexuality and plays a key role from the beginning of the process, identifying whether it is indeed a person with gender dysphoria and offering the appropriate accompaniment. In addition, both professionals assign each of their transgender patients a “godfather,” someone from the LGBT + community who has already gone through the same process and can support them and share her/his experience. Body Transformation and Sex Reassignment Surgery The greatest satisfaction for Dr. Cinthia and Lic. Jannine is seeing their patients happy, embracing the gender in which they identify. Becerra mentioned that they have achieved impressive changes in their appearance: “many people do not even notice that they are transgender people.” Some changes patients experience are the increase of the cheekbone in women and the redistribution of fat at the hip level; while men develop masculine traits. When asked about sex reassignment surgery, Dr. Cinthia mentioned that most of her patients are not interested in this procedure at the moment and are satisfied with the course of their hormone treatment. “This would represent a next step in their transition, but it should be noted that it is a more complex and lengthy process that involves the intervention of a multidisciplinary team: plastic surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, psychiatrists, among others. My patients have expressed interest rather in cosmetic changes such as chin, the Adam’s apple or in the vocal cord surgery”. This way Dr. Cinthia’s transgender patients have not only managed to acquire more confidence and emotional stability through the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, but also reached an improvement in their quality of life. If you want to know more about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, contact Pause Anti Aging & Wellness Center, where you’ll also find available intravenous nutrition therapy, psychological care and a wide variety of bioidentical hormone replacement therapies focused on treating the symptoms of menopause, andropause, among other conditions related to hormonal imbalance. Pause Anti Aging & Wellness Edificio Heza, Groundfloor. Río Paraná 222, Fluvial Vallarta 322 365 5516 info@pausemexico.com D e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
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Puerto Vallarta Offers Variety of
Performing Arts, Music, Drag and More
By Alexis Velasco ACT II ENTERTAINMENT Located in the well-known Basilio Badillo street in Zona Romántica, this venue has positioned itself as one of the favorites in town thanks to its extensive variety of shows, including LGBT+ performers. Plays, musicals, drag queen shows and music concerts make from ACT II a not-to-be-missed attraction in your trip to Puerto Vallarta. The venue also has a piano-bar where you can enjoy a drink and socialize before your event starts. Some of the shows that make up the 2021 season of ACT II Entertainment are: the burlesque success Follies La Rouge; Reflections, A Musical Tribute to the greatest iconic “Lady Bands” of all time and the 6th seasons of the hilarious drag queens Hedda Lettuce (performing Tossed Salad) and Mama Tits (The Bi*ch is Back). Check our upcoming events and buy your tickets at www.act2pv.com. THE PALM CABARET & BAR When it comes to lively music and shows, The Palm Cabaret & Bar has you covered. Located on Olas Altas street at the heart of the gay district of Puerto Vallarta, the venue has been in business for more than 20 years and it is the perfect place to get to know and enjoy the voices of international and national singers and musicians that have become important references in Puerto Vallarta. Some of them are the Kim Kuzma, Spencer Day & Effie Passero, Tonny Kenneth (who has collaborated with Out & About PV Magazine as a host for interviews on social media), Cheko Ruiz & Big Band and many more! 34
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Of course, LGBT+ oriented shows are part of the season 2021 of The Palm, including the drag queens Miss Conception (and her multiple costume changes) and Sutton Lee Seymour; as well as more personalities performing mainly during the winter. Visit The Palm’s website for more information: www.thepalmcabaret.com. INCANTO Located in a charming property facing the Cuale river bank, this art center features a piano-bar and a small-format theater that hosts interesting literary events, plays, concerts, and comedy shows. Incanto is a true experience by itself, since you can also enjoy the views of the nature that surrounds the venue from the property terraces. Breakfast and casual dining are also available in this establishment and there’s Open Mic on Sunday nights. Facebook: Incanto Vallarta. GARBO PIANO BAR If you are looking for a more intimate atmosphere to enjoy live music; Garbo Piano Bar is one of the best options as it features jazz, blues, bossa and other Latin rhythms performers. The venue is located on Púlpito Street in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, so it is also a good choice to have a drink before partying at a nightclub. Some of the favorite artists and music groups that perform here are Piel Canela and the pianist Salvatore Rodríguez. Facebook: Garbo Bar Vallarta. D e s t i n a t i o n P u e r t o Va l l a r t a
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TEATRO VALLARTA Although the calendar of events of this theater is not as extensive, Teatro Vallarta is the largest artistic complex in town and usually introduces productions from other parts of Mexico and even from other countries. This establishment has hosted international ballet shows, received renowned Mexican stand-up comedians and theater companies from Mexico City, as well as local productions. Most of these events are aimed at the Spanish-speaking community. Check out upcoming shows at www.teatrovallarta.com. PLATAFORMA 322 Conceived as an alternative space for contemporary dance, this cultural center is located in colonia Versalles, which in recent years has become a hotspot due to its exciting culinary offerings, real estate development and convenient location. The venue usually hosts local plays and events by local dance companies and domestic theater companies from cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara. Plataforma 322 also hosts the festival Espontรกneo, which takes place every year in November and offers dance workshops to children, youth and adults throughout the year. Shows are mainly aimed at Spanish speakers. Facebook page: Platform 322 Art and Culture Production. * We widely suggest to check in advance all the protocols that each theater and venue are enforcing against the Covid-19 pandemic. 36
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TRANSPORTATION IN PUERTO VALLARTA HOW TO GET AROUND TOWN By Alexis Velasco
Fortunately, nowadays, transportation has become very accessible in the city: one click on your smartphone screen is all you need to have a vehicle at your disposal in just a few minutes. However, we know that, for many LBGT+ travelers, it is important to know all the transportation options in Puerto Vallarta and decide which one is the right for them depending their location and destination. Here is a quick guide: UBER This is the option that we like the most and recommend to move around the city. It is fast and accessible. Enter the app on your smartphone, select your origin point and destination, confirm your trip, and wait for your driver (who should arrive soon). We know that you are here on vacation and do not need to stress trying to figure out how to go from one place to another. From the Puerto Vallarta airport to the Romantic Zone, the rate is around 120 pesos (6 USD). Of course, this price can vary considering aspects such as traffic, time, and the weather. Taxi Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are very easy to locate as they are all yellow and numerous. In fact, it used to be a saying that the city had the largest number of taxis in all Mexico. Although we have not been able to confirm this information, we are certain that if you are in the tourist area, you will have one very close to you. Something that is important to notice is that many taxis do not have taximeters, so we advise you to ask the price of each trip to the driver before getting onboard. Car Rental In Puerto Vallarta there are several car rental agencies that you can approach to move around the city freely, insured and at a low cost; whether you book a car in advance or hire one at your arrival to the International airport. Some of these agencies are: Avis, Fox Rent Car and Hertz. If you like this option, we highly recommend using a GPS app to make your trips even more pleasant. But no worries, Puerto Vallarta is a small city with very few main avenues, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting around!
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Money Tips While in Puerto Vallarta One of the most questions we get from our readers is, what do we do about money? You got to have money in some form – and while U.S. or Canadian dollars may work in some places, Mexican Pesos or credit cards will work best. U.S. dollars are accepted at many places, but you may not get a very good exchange rate – so it’s in your best interest to bring the local currency for Mexico, which is the Peso. Many U.S. banks will prepare foreign currency for you at great exchange rates, but you typically must order it so plan for that about two weeks before your trip. If you forget, don’t worry. You can take money from a variety of ATMs located throughout the city. It has been our staff experience that you’ll get a better exchange rate with an ATM than with the money exchanges. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted – but be careful – unless you have a card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee, those fees add up quickly! ATMs Puerto Vallarta has many banking ATM machines where your bankcard will work. But, just like in the U.S., watch for skimming and cloning. Remember the ATM will dispense the cash as Mexican Pesos. How much should you bring? Things in Puerto Vallarta generally costs less than they do in the U.S. or Canada, but again, that’s all based on personal preference and taste. We would suggest generally to prepare to spend $50 to $100 USD per day on your trip for massages, food, tours and drinks. Tipping We would suggest that you tip like you would in the U.S. or Canada – 15 to 20 percent in pesos. Some websites suggest tipping taxi drivers only if they help with your bags. Just remember the average daily wage in Mexico is very low - So your tip dollars are always appreciated by the locals. Taxes Mexico has what is called an IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado [Value-Added Tax]), which is a federal sales tax in Mexico. It is currently a whopping 16%, and this tax is usually included in prices at stores and restaurants. Hotels may add this tax, and an additional 2% municipal room tax, onto your room price.
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Memories of Pride Puerto Vallarta has one of the world’s best pride festivals, even winning the 2018 Gay Travel Award as “best pride celebration.” Here are some photos of Pride celebrations from the past few years. The annual seven-day pride festival, organized by the local LGBT business association ACT LGBT A.C., is held in May each year. 2020 2020 was Puerto Vallarta’s first-ever virtual pride, held from June 8 to June 14, 2020. It was organized by Mandy McPherson and a hard-working group of volunteers. This on-line event brought forward a week full of live and recorded broadcasts, from cake baking lessons to live local performances. It was a true community effort bringing together all sections of the LGBTQ community.
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I n s p i r e d
El Paredón
l i v i n g . . .
Agave Vallarta
Los Altos
Casa Papelillos
105º Sail View
Pacífica Bucerías
Quadrant Bucerias
Indigo Bucerías
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