PRIDE AND PARADISE IN PUERTA VALLARTA
NORMALLY I HATE A WINDOW seat, but I’m glad to have one for the flight into Puerto Vallarta. Long beaches stretch out and meet the vast, bright-blue ocean, and where the two converge they create clean white foam that looks like meringue. As we descend upon the beautiful city, it’s no wonder people from around the world flock here.
I’d been in town for all of about two hours — just enough time to take a cab from the airport, drop off my bags in my room, get the lay of the land, and poke around the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta for snacks while I waited for my guide. It’s just too bad I didn’t get very far. As I parked myself on a nearby chair overlooking the pool, and seemingly never-ending ocean, I felt no need to leave, and quickly ordered a margarita and some grub from Las Casitas.
Before I knew it, the rest of the team and my guide arrived and it was time to head to dinner. Up the mountain we drove to Costa Sur Hotel, which has quickly become one of the city’s top locations for LGBT weddings. High up on the mountainside, the view was nothing short of breathtaking as we watched the waves crash onto the shore, and listened to the ambient sounds while partaking in our food.
We couldn’t stay long because, despite the view, we were called to the Zona Romantica. Tonight was the beginning of Pride in PV, and as we roamed the streets during the opening night festivities, we were treated to drag queens and an air of celebration I’d never really experienced here in the states. It was intoxicating, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
Waking up the next day in what can only be deemed a small taste of paradise, I felt so lucky. We pulled up to the Los Muertos pier for the Wet and Wild Gay Cruise, and I was blown away. The pier was jam-packed with proud, gay men wearing every swimsuit imaginable. After a few chaotic minutes of getting everyone from the pier to the massive ship, we were on board, and the ship was buzzing with energy. The music blasted, the drinks were flowing, and before long we docked for lunch on the clothing-optional beach called Los Caballitos and in a blink, many of the guests on the boat took full advantage of the option.
As we boarded the boat for our return home, the Gays Gone Wild portion of the trip really took hold. With everyone plenty of drinks in the hole, inhibitions were no longer an issue, and with that I give my warning: This cruise is NOT for everyone. What happens on the boat stays on the boat. But for those who are adventurous, nonjudgmental, and looking to make the memories … do it.
Exhausted and finally feeling the margaritas since my arrival from the Mile High City, I joined my fellow travelers at the Pinnacle at Mantamar for the Andrew Christian Fashion Show. Topher Dimaggio, Pablo, Diego, and Cheddy strutted their stuff down the catwalk for the throngs of gay men. (From my view in the front row I saw enough to satisfy my needs.)
It wasn’t until almost nine when I realized I was starving. In only a few short blocks, we landed at Maia, a tiny but mighty restaurant connected to the Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel nestled in the Zona Romantica. As we dined until our hearts were content, we all laughed because for the first time, we truly realized how lucky we were to be there. And with that, we hit the streets to celebrate Pride on a night we wouldn’t soon forget.
The next two days were a blur of adventure. On the third day, we spent hours taking in the scenery as we soared through the trees at full speed with Canopy el Indio. And the next day we splashed around the water, playing with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. Which, in theory, would be a perfect date on Bachelor in Paradise.
As we enjoyed the final moments of #VallartaPride, we watched the parade as it made its way through the streets of the Zona Romantica, and then headed to the center of town to party hard in celebration. The gays (and the tourists) in Puerto Vallarta know how to have fun. As we danced until the sun rose around us, Pride officially ended.
We poured back into our hotels with just enough time to take a quick nap, shower, and relax for our final adventure. By this time, our massive travel group had dwindled to only a few of us and our beloved guide. We were the last survivors in our jam-packed week of adventures in paradise, and we were rewarded with a luxurious day at the Rivera del Rio, a boutique hotel on the outskirts of town. There, we were wined and dined by our gracious hosts. In the evening, we were treated to the most beautiful walking tour of the luxurious backdrop. We visited Elizabeth Taylor’s old home and watched the Flyers of Papantla descend to the ground in music and style. And as we stood watching day turn to night, Puerto Vallarta only continued to produce. It wasn’t a raging night out on the town, but it was exactly what we need to wind down from a high-energy week.
As the sun rose on my final day in Puerto Vallarta, it began to feel like home. I started thinking about learning Spanish, finding a place to live, and most importantly imagining what I would do for pesos. As I sat on the beach (margarita in hand) watching the sunset, toes in the sand, I took one last photo of that impossibly beautiful sunset.
