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Puerto Vallarta has been a travel destination of the LGBT community for over twenty years. Everyone is talking about the popularity of Puerto Vallarta as a destination, with the U.S. News and World Report ranking Puerto Vallarta the #1 "Best Mexican Destination" in 2010. Recently the Miam Herald stated "The 'San Francisco of Mexico' is home to some of the most gay-welcoming folks in all of Latin America" and Apple Vacations rated Puerto Vallarta their #1 destination in Mexico for 2010. Dozens of LGBT owned and operated businesses exist in Puerto Vallarta, including hotels, nightlife venues, retail stores, and restaurants, plus the gay beach at Los Muertos, all here to support the local LGBT community and our guests from around the world.
Puerto Vallarta is a gay old town. Men check each other out over drinks and suntan oil at the south end of Los Muertos beach, dangle from parachutes above the bay, buff themselves out at South Side gyms. Rainbow boys (and girls) spend a day sailing on vessels flying the multicolor flag of love and then dance 'til morning in one of the city's oversexed discos. Mexico's most popular gay destination draws crowds of "Dorothy's friends" from both sides of the Río Grande and from the Old World as well.
The Romantic Zone is the hub for rainbow bars and sophisticated, gay-friendly restaurants. Here, many foreigners have—after falling in love with Puerto Vallarta's beaches, jungly green mountains, and friendly people—relocated to PV to fulfill their ultimate fantasy in the form of bistro, bar, or B&B. International savvy (and backing) teamed up with Mexican sensibilities have produced a number of successful gay businesses.
Gay hotels offer entertainment that allows you to party on-site without having to worry about getting "home." In addition to gay properties such as Blue Chairs and Casa Cupula, hotels like Los Cuatro Vientos, in Centro, and Quinta María Cortez above Playa Conchas Chinas are gay-friendly.
Paco's Ranch and Paco Paco's have been a mainstay of Puerto Vallarta gay nightlife for years, and in their new location they have another hit! Located at Ignacio L. Vallarta #237 just a block from their original location, Paco's Ranch continues to feature local drag performers and some of the best DJs in town, plus their popular Happy Hour hosted nightly from 10:00 pm - 12:00 midnight. For more information, including special events, hours and directions, visit their new website at www.PacosRanch.com.
Acqua Gym and Spa has memberships with no initial sign-up fees, and offers special Locals Membership rates of 20% off published membership rates, and if you want to work out between the hours of 1-5 pm, you will receive a 30% discount off published membership rates as a Happy Hours Member. For location information, membership rates, and more information please visit their website at http://acquagympv.com.
Nightlife venues are numerous, from popular bars La Noche and Sama, to the famous Paco's Ranch and Blue Chairs Resort with their drag shows, plus Wet Dreams and Antropology with continuous all male adult entertainers for men only, you can find everything you are looking for all within the 10 square block Zona Romantica area!
Puerto Vallarta, located in the famed fishing hole of Banderas Bay, is one of the Top 5 deep sea fishing destinations in Mexico. Fishing is a year-long activity for locals and tourists alike, and we're home to the annual Puerto Vallarta International Sailfish and Marlin Fishing Tournament. You can expect to find ample stocks of Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi Mahi (also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish), Red Snapper, Bonito, Shark and Tuna to catch in these waters.
Puerto Vallarta has it's share of masseuses both at salons and day spas, on the beach, and in hotels. Several of our favorite masseuses practice privately and are conveniently available for in and out calls. Looking for a great relaxing sensual massage? In need of a deep tissue massage to work out all those aching muscles from horseback riding or dancing all night? Or is a combination of reflexology, aromatherapy and deep tissue what your body needs to recover.
Puerto Vallarta was a thriving Mexican fishing village and port town long before it became one of the world's leading international travel destinations. The town is proximity to the Bay of Banderas, the agricultural valley of the Ameca River, and the important mining centers in the Sierra have given it a more complex, geographically, and culturally rich past than most Mexican tourist spots.
Puerto Vallarta's historic tourist destination is made up of two well known "zones", El Centro (Downtown) to the north of the Cuale River, and Zona Romantica (Old Town) to the south. With cobblestone streets and Spanish-style houses, these neighborhoods are undeniably picturesque Mexico. Conchas Chinas, only 10 minutes south from Puerto Vallarta, provides direct ocean views and its own beach on this, the most famous of the Mexican Riviera. Renowned for its exclusive villas featured in magazines such as Architectural Digest and Conde Nast, Conchas Chinas is truly luxury living at its finest, providing a private enclave for celebrities from Britney Spears to the Kardashians. The South Shore of Banderas Bay, with spectacular views of the Los Arcos Maritime Nature Reserve at sea, and the Sierra Madre mountains directly behind, is a beautiful location studded with private villas and luxury condominiums, famous for its popularity as a film location from the 60's through today.
Daiquiri Dick’s Restaurant fuses fine dining, a relaxed atmosphere and attentive service to create an exceptional experience. On the most popular stretch of beach in Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos, this long-time icon offers spectacular sunsets, swaying palm trees, and the crash of the waves as a dramatic backdrop. The innovative menu constantly evolves and is characterized as Mediterranean, Mexican cuisine with Asian influences. Whether it is a main course, appetizer, omelet, tapas, salad, or sandwich, the chefs at Daiquiri Dick’s blend the flavors to create interesting combinations, subtle, yet zesty. Careful attention is also paid to the plating and presentation of your meal. There are daily specials to further whet you appetite. Owners Peter and Tari Bowman, Executive Chef, Ignacio Uribe, and Manager, Hnoi Latthitham along with a loyal staff have combined their extraordinary talents to make Daiquiri Dick’s the The 2007 landslide winner of the Virtual Vallarta 2010 "Best Overall Restaurant" award. Whether it’s a celebration dinner, business lunch or casual snack on the beach, both Puerto Vallarta locals and savvy travelers rate Daiquiri Dick’s as their favorite restaurant. The casually elegant setting and warm ambiance are the perfect complement to the delectable and memorable cuisine. A landmark for more than 30 years, and right on the beach, Daiquiri Dick’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday from 9:00 am until 11:00 pm. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays from May 1st through August 31st, and is closed the month of September. |
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TASTE @ CASA CUPULA
Newly open for the 2010-11 season, Taste @ Casa Cupula offers "creative food in good taste" to the public. Under the direction of Executive Chef Oscar Rito, Taste offers a menu from four different cuisines: US, Mexican, Asian and South American, with almost all dishes available in half and full portions. Taste restaurant's secluded jungle setting is romantic and relaxing, perfect for a birthday or anniversary celebration, a quiet date or a group of friends. A granite top bar offers drink specialties ranging from our signature "Cupulini" Martini (with chocolate and chipotle flavors) as well as a number of exciting cocktails. Under the direction of Chef Jose Luis Ponce, our gourmet breakfast is always a high point for Casa Cupula's guests. Now everyone my experience some of the best gourmet breakfasts in Puerto Vallarta, featuring international dishes ranging from Salmon Eggs Benedict and our Casa Cupula Fritatta, to Mexican specialties including Chilaquiles and Huevos Rancheros all made to your specific requests, and the new Ultimate Sundays brunch buffet and afternoon pool party is quickly becoming a standard among both locals and visitors alike.
Delightful owners Carmen Porras E. [supporter of Slow Food cooking techniques] and Claudia Victoria, plus executive chef Mariano Valdés Ruiz, present menu of traditional Mexican family specialties located at Allende 344 in Centro. Named for the aromatic Jaliscan flowering tree found in the restaurant's courtyard, since 2003 this spot offers impressive pozole de camarón, plantain empanadas with black bean and cheese, ceviche Colima with baby scallops, shrimp and mango aguachile, duck [pato] tostaditas, nopal cactus pad salad with panela, tiny crickets [chapulines] sautéed in onion, avocado and tomatillo, duck paté morita, chicken breast stuffed with corn and ricotta, beef tenderloin in molé, pork Pibil with habañero and plantain, crispy duck carnitas Moreliana and cajeta flan. Open kitchen and lovely romantic space featuring an array of art including Huichol, plus they offer event catering and cooking classes. High season enjoy the sounds of Los Frixoleros [Danny and Camila] on Saturdays at 7:30pm. Winner of the Virtual Vallarta 2010 "Best Mexican" restaurant 6 years in a row and the AAA 3 Diamond Award 2009.
Seafood aficionados flock to this joint for their famous "All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips Fridays", and dishes like fresh octopus, whole sea bass and red snapper, garlic shrimp and great slabs of mahi mahi. Located in the heart of "Restaurant Row" on Basillo Badillo only two blocks from the ocean, this local's favorite has a feeling of dining with family, even when you are alone. Large groups are graciously accommodated on the pleasant rooftop terrace that's decorated with old movie posters and midway lights. The service is jovial and quick, the music classic rock, and the specialty drink menu includes Joe's world famous Mex-jito, a mojito made with top shelf tequila and our favorite, the Chile Cucumber Margarita that is beyond words!
TRATTORIA MICHEL
Take part in an experience of traditional Italian recipes and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine right here in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. The excellent quality of the raw products used, their careful handling in the kitchen, and the understanding of the dishes will guarantee that you will have a great dining experience. Everything from bread to tomato sauce is carefully prepared in house, using the freshest quality ingredients available, even if that means importing them internationally. With indoor and outdoor dining available, we have the perfect table ready for your romantic dinner, social gatherings, special occasion, or just a great meal with friends and family, all brought to you by owner/chef Michel Pascal Ferrari.
Reputed by many as Vallarta's top spot with 5 Diamond winner owner/chef Thierry Blouet, and executive chef Hugo Ahumada, presenting Mexican and French cuisine since 1990. World renowned, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine 2005 Hot Tables, and named by the Nestle Food Group as one of the 80 best restaurants in the world, is formal, expensive with attentive, unobtrusive service. Many exquisite choices as sea bass herbs, grilled tuna with tomatillo, glazed tamarind roast duck, tenderloin Camembert-chipotle, osso buco with spinach gnocchi, cream of prawn and pumpkin soup, tuna sashimi salad, escargot with garlic mushrooms, eggplant vegetable symphony, fine desserts as banana strudel with caramel ice cream, tropical baba au rhum and lichi crème brulée. Dine inside in air-conditioned comfort, in the 50-year-old garden, or outside on the hillside [open Nov.-June]. The Cocina de Autor dining room is built in levels, backed by a flowing waterfall with a ficus tree centerpiece [closed Sun. and Sept.] with signature 3-5 course menus. This is #1 for many worldwide travelers as a renown city landmark. Splendid list of 400 wines by the glass and bottle. Live music many nights beginning at 8:30pm with pianist Enrique Flores in the relaxed, elegant Costantini Bar Lounge at entrance. Reservations are advised and usually required, and valet parking is available. Winner of the Virtual Vallarta 2010 "Best Gourmet" restaurant award. Ask about the chef's open kitchen view cooking classes offered through the year. |
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RIVER CAFE
One of the most beautiful settings in Vallarta since 1993, owned by couple Margarito Larios and Eva Sánchez Dueñas, the River Cafe features tiny white lights on trees overhanging the Río Cuale, open-air seating with ample room, and friendly service. Chef Victor Arceo's creative and ever-changing menu with impressive presentations as fried calamari, mussels chipotle cream, farmer's soup in puff pastry, Thai crab coconut cream soup, crêpes with shrimp and spinach, seafood fettuccine and tuna carpaccio; entrées: grilled tuna with papaya, mahi mahi garlic herb, pecan coconut battered shrimp, duck with pear and blueberry, lamb lasagna with wild mushrooms and goat cheese, chicken breast stuffed with wild mushrooms on three cheese pasta, filet mignon red chile and rib eye Bordelaise. Desserts include warm choco lava cake and apple burrito [crisp puff pastry] both with vanilla ice cream, strawberry cheese tart, rosemary crème brulée or dessert coffees. Jazz by Beverly and Willow on Friday and Saturdays from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Reservations are recommended for this winner of the Virtual Vallarta 2010 "Best Outdoor" award, River Cafe is open from 9:00 am - 1100 pm and provides free WiFi within this tropical elegance, a top treat high on many lists. |
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