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As the gay capital of Latin America, one of the best events to take part in is Puerto Vallarta pride week.
This iconic event is a 7-day celebration honoring the LGBTQ community. It’s a blast to attend, whether you’re straight or LGBTQ.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Mexico – Jalisco was the first state to legalize gay marriage! Every year, thousands of LGBTQ tourists come to enjoy the welcoming gay friendly atmosphere and fun festivities.
The city becomes a massive party full of arts and cultural events, concerts, movie screenings, and nonstop parties at the beach and on the street.
In this Puerto Vallarta gay pride guide, I’ll share how to make the most of your time if you’re coming for pride.
When is pride celebrated in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta pride takes place at the end of May. The 2023 event is scheduled for the 23-30 May, which will be the 10th annual celebration!
It’s sure to be an incredible time, so start planning your trip and booking the top gay hotels, as they sell out quickly during this week.
Attending pride as a straight person
I am straight but have celebrated pride in Puerto Vallarta two years as an ally which has always been a blast. It’s one of the top events to take part in Puerto Vallarta!
Many events put on during pride, such as the parade and block party, are open to anyone. However, some parties are only for gays or lesbians.
I’m fully aware I can’t give you a complete picture of what it’s like to attend from the perspective of an LGBTQ+ person, so I also recommend these articles by Nomadic Boys and Lez Travel For Life.
Where to stay if you’re visiting for pride
If you’re coming to pride for Puerto Vallarta, the hub of activities will be around Zona Romantica, the city’s gaybourhood. That’s where the massive street party takes place and several other events in the neighborhood venues.
The only downside is that it will be loud there, so if you prefer a quiet retreat to come home to, I recommend staying a bit further away, either in 5 di Diciembre or Conchas Chinas.
Puerto Vallarta is relatively easy to get around – you can get a 10-minute Uber for a few dollars or walk along the Malecon between 5 di Diciembre and Zona Romantica.
This article has more information about choosing where to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
Gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re coming to PV for pride and want to make the most of your time, there’s no better place to stay than one of Puerto Vallarta’s gay hotels. You’ll be sure to meet other friends right away but book these in advance, as they fill up quickl.
Almar Resort – If you’re looking for luxury and want to be in the center of the action, then stay at Almar. It’s the largest all-inclusive gay resort that hosts many of the pridparties at the Mantamar beach Club with its gorgeous pool club.
If you’re looking for something smaller, check out Villa David. It’s the longest-operating gay Bed and Breakfast, pleasing guests since 1988. The interior of this mansion is stunning, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from Zona.
For the most affordable option, head to Jet’s gay youth hostel. Combining hostel styles from Berlin and Japan, this youth hostel is famed for its naked boat parties. It’s only open for travelers aged 18-35, so expect a party.
Top things to do during Pride in Puerto Vallarta
Pride Parade in Puerto Vallarta
One event you cannot miss is the pride parade, which takes place from Hotel Rosita at the start of the Malecon and into the Zona Romantica with a party in the park.
You can stand anywhere on the street next to Malecon and catch it, or head up one of the bars with a terrace and watch it from above.
In 2022 we watched the parade from Terraza House Bar in El Centro. This was an ideal spot because they have a second-floor patio where you get a fantastic viewpoint of the parade from above.
Vallarta Pride Block Party
Another event you must attend is the massive Vallarta pride block party in Zona Romantica. Several blocks get sectioned off, and the streets become one giant dance party with live vendors, performances, and world-class celebrities for a night to remember.
In 2022 Ultra Nate played on the street, a completely free performance! All the bars will overflow with people dancing onto the streets, and it’s just the funnest atmosphere to be in.
Attend Pride Parties
The number of parties that happen during pride are endless.
The opening night events kick off with parties across the resort’s main gay bars and clubs at Mantamar Beach Club, part of Almart Beach Resort.
The beach club is on Los Muertos beach, the gayest beach in PV, and the place to hang out if you’re looking to party during pride. But even smaller beach towns like Yelapa put on their own gay celebration.
The Top Bar also hosts an opening night celebration where the Vallarta Pride Committee presents its “Pride Vanguard Award.”
Top bars in Zona Romantica to party for pride
- Mr. Flamingo, an airy gay bar always crowded and buzzing with music.
- Industry: a large club with house music and a predominantly male crowd.
- La Noche – A three-story gay bar, each with a different vibe. They also put on drag shows!
- CC Slaughters – an excellent place to go dancing into the early hours as it’s open until 6 am.
For beach club party vibes, head to Mantamar Beach Club, Blue Chairs, or Sapphire ocean club.
For pre-drinks, check out Elixir Mixology Bay, a lesbian-owned cocktail bar with some of the city’s best drinks. Or grab a slushie from Blondies, and you’re sure to have a fun night.
For an easy way to learn about the hottest clubs and bars in town, check out this guided gay bar tour.
Other things to do during Puerto Vallarta Prude
If you’re coming to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate pride, enjoy some of the other amazing things to do.
If you’re looking for a boat cruise, Diana’s Tour runs a now-famous gay and lesbian cruise. They sell out far in advance of the event, so book early. Jet’s naked boat tours is also a famed pride activity.
Aside from the gay events, PV has so much outdoor adventure to offer! Go chasing waterfalls, take a hike along the coast, zip-lining, ATV riding, and more.
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I’ve attended pride celebrations all over the world, and Puerto Vallarta is truly one of the most special. If you get the chance to come during May, don’t miss out on attending some of these fantastic celebrations and supporting the incredible LGBTQ community.
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