PUERTO VALLARTA

While there are many beautiful destinations in Central America, the most popular gay paradise this year seems to be Puerto Vallarta. Located in the Bahía de Banderas, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has many local attractions and entertainment focused on the gay community. A common tell-tale sign of a gay friendly hotspot is the rainbow flag, and there is no shortage of these lofting in the air in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While the rainbow flag hangs proudly in many venues, hotels and hot spots, there is a level of discretion and respect that encompasses this community and all are welcomed without discrimination of course! The Olas Altas area is host to a private gay friendly beach and a variety of hotels catering to the LGBT communities in travel. A particularly popular spot is the Courtyard Cora--a Jacuzzi bar with capacity for fifty people, which is the perfect number for a party while still intimate. Puerto Vallarta is also home to a gay Nature Park, Paco's Paradise, with a private beach.

Mexico is a land of surprising depth and diversity, where tourists are greeted with a sense of hospitality and openness that only Mexico has to offer. Being a "gay-friendly" destination not only involves having a "zone" where the community can walk, but additionally welcomes you to go out anywhere in the city with the freedom to stroll hand in hand with you partner.

This paradise is geographically diverse and legendarily beautiful with great sunsets, beaches, rainforest, and the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. With ecological treasures, art, history and culture, all gathered in one place, what Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has earned is the recognition as being the "Jewel of the Coast".

It is no wonder that gay friendly tourism is quickly becoming a primary cause of the economic development of Mexico, offering limitless opportunities and options to experience such destinations as Puerto Vallarta with abundant natural beauty, historic monuments and works of art.

Puerto Vallarta's Rich History

In 1963 director, John Huston filmed "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The scandalous hollywood affair between Burton and Taylor made headlines and the subsequent results put Puerto Vallarta on the "destination map" for US tourists.

In the late 60's and early 70's Mexico invested in highways, airport and utility infrastructure so that Puerto Vallarta could be easily accessed by either air or ground, and in the early 70's Puerto Vallarta saw tourism boom. In 1968 Puerto Vallarta officially became a city, and through this, became an international resort destination. In 1970 between U.S President, Richard Nixon and President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz for treaty negotiations. It was this visit that showcased the destination and contributed to the travel boom.

Puerto Vallarta sits beneath the canopy of rain forest, providing a very different climate. Offering an extensive menu of attractions and entertainment, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone. With cultural events and exhibits, Puerto Vallarta is a destination for enthusiasts of crafts, art and folklore. For the preservationist, the rainforest offers the experience of a lifetime, to commune with nature and learn of the natural and abundant resources and ecology.

If relaxation on the beach is your style, Puerto Vallarta is home to miles of beautiful white sandy beaches and countless romantic coves and hideaways. With an abundance of activities, from parasailing to yachting, jet skiing and scuba diving, the open waters of Puerto Vallarta beckon to you, crystal blue and green and welcoming to be discovered.

Nightlife is aboundant with many popular night clubs and an array of quality restaurants to please even the most discriminating palette. Puerto Vallarta is romance in splendor, lush and green and truly tropical. This beautiful city by the bay has a population of over 300,000 friendly residents and covers more than 1,200 square kilometers. With a careful balance of modern infrastructure and convenience that has somehow balanced with Mexico's old world charm, you really can have it all in this pristine and beckoning destination. Interesting to note, donkey sightings are frequent in Puerto Vallarta as donkeys are still used for delivery in many parts of this unique city!

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