If you’re a man who likes to have sex with other men in public places, you’ve landed on the perfect page. If you’re under 18 or have no interest in this topic, you’ve probably ended up here by accident. Feel free to go back to our main Puerto Vallarta page.
The ‘gay capital of Mexico’ is the leading international destination for gay travelers from the United States. Puerto Vallarta has everything a gay man could desire: gay bars and clubs, hotels in all price ranges, and beaches where, during summer, it’s wall-to-wall sexy hot flesh. All of that skin on display gets hormones racing, and there’s only one way to deal with that: go cruising. Puerto Vallarta has numerous options to get down and dirty with those guys you’ve been eyeballing on the sand all day.
Dedicated Cruise Venues and Saunas
There are two sex-on-premises venues (SOPV) in Puerto Vallarta, and they’re both in the Zona Romantica gayborhood
Elizabeth Taylor Theater
Elizabeth Taylor is often credited for ‘introducing the gays to Puerto Vallarta.’ She fell in love with the city in 1963 when filming ‘The Night of the Iguana’ and returned often, bringing her stable of gays with her. She gifted the Elizabeth Taylor Theater to the city as an arthouse cinema screening movies that would draw a gay crowd. Years later, though, a crooked mayor turned it into an adult cinema. Rumor on the street is that she was mortified.
Over the years, it’s morphed into a gritty, seedy, dirty, gay sex-on-premises venue where gay porn is screened, and guys hook up. You can even get beer at the ‘candy bar.’ Visitors have commented that the toilets are pretty gross and in desperate need of some cleaning and maintenance, but doesn’t that just add to the experience?
While Elizabeth Taylor might be turning in her grave knowing that her beloved arthouse cinema is not a gay SOPV, she might secretly be delighted that the gays are still using the venue for their own purposes.
If you’re looking for some sleazy, down and dirty action and you have a spare 60 pesos ($US 3), this place is for you. It’s open daily from 2 pm to 10 pm and gets very active after 8 pm.
Spartacus Sauna
Spartacus is a gay-man-only sauna in the Zona Romantica gayborhood. It covers four levels, and the rooftop has a pool and bar. Sunbathe nude and order cocktails, which you can charge back to your locker. Find a guy you like? Head on down to the third floor where you’ll find private cabins, dark rooms, and a video room. When you’re all done, the second floor is where you’ll find the wet areas, grab a shower in the giant communal shower area, or soak in the hot tub.
You can receive a professional 1-hour tantric massage for 1,200 pesos (US$70). The venue employs these masseurs and has a dedicated area. The venue has a strict ‘no rent-boy policy’ which means that the rest of the crowd are horny guys just like you.
Spartacus Sauna is open daily from 2 pm until 6 am, and the entry fee starts at 300 pesos (US$15).
Gay Bars and Clubs with Dark Rooms
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of gay bars and clubs; for now, only one has a dark room, yet it gets plenty of activity. Let’s hope some other venues get clued in and add their own. Until then, go to….
Studs Bear Bar
Located in the Zona Romántica gayborhood, it’s a 3-floor leather/bear bar with a dark room on 1st floor, the dark room opens at 10 pm on most nights, and closes around 12:30 am, not that the action stops then.
There are four themed nights every week: Friday: Jockstrap Night (biggest cruising night), Wednesday: Underwear Night, Thursday: Daddies Night, Saturday: Blackout Night
Studs Bear Bar opens every day at 3 pm and closes at 2 am weeknights and 4 am weekends. The crowd is primarily bears and their supporters, but all gay men are welcome and encouraged to explore their more playful sides.
Gay Men Only Resorts
Sometimes when you’re on vacation, you’re keen to hook up but don’t feel like venturing far from your hotel. Why not stay at a resort where cruising is part of the concept? Puerto Vallarta has one ideal spot.
Pinata PV Hotel
Nestled right in the heart of the Zona Romantica gayborhood is the Pinata PV Cruising Hotel. It’s exclusively men-only, and that includes all the staff. The pool, jacuzzi, and steam room are always clothing-optional, and the rooftop gym is promoted as “fully available for all your cruising needs.”
“Noche Caliente” (Hot Night) is the name of its famous Saturday pool party that draws guests, visitors, and locals. The venue also hosts gay-only special events every month.
There are only 8 rooms at this resort, so book early to avoid missing out.
Beaches, Parks, and Outdoor Areas
For those of you who enjoy getting it on in the great outdoors, there are plenty of other guys who think the way you do, and here’s where you’ll find them.
Playa Los Muertos (Main Gay Beach)
The wall-to-wall flesh referred to in the intro can be found during summer at Playa Los Muertos. It’s at the south of the Zona Romantica gayborhood and sees action day and night. During the day, the blue and green chair areas get the most action. After dark, the beach gets even more active, from the blue chairs all the way to Los Muertos Pier. Also, the bathrooms at the beach clubs are popular cruising spots.
Playa Conchos Chinas
An alternative is Playa Conchos Chinas, which is just south of Los Muertos (a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute drive). Most of the cruising goes on in the rocky coves, which provide secluded areas. Guys head there in the late afternoon or early evening. Just be aware that this location gets both cruisers and regular beachgoers, so discretion is needed.
Isla Río Cuale (Rio Cuale Island)
Rio Cuale Island is located just north of Zona Romántica, and it divides downtown from the gayborhood. During the day, it’s a regular tourist-heavy island with restaurants, vendors, and the city’s cultural center. However, at night, it becomes the largest public cruising ground in PV. There are wooded paths, benches, and plenty of secluded areas.
El Malecón (Boardwalk)
El Malecón, a 12-block promenade in the downtown district along Rosita beach, is a waterfront after-hours cruising area. When the tourists leave and the lights turn off, the guys come out. Its proximity to the downtown bars and clubs makes it convenient for a stop-off on the way back to your hotel.
Street Cruising
If you’re in Zona Romántica, you’re already in the heart of the cruise area. The side streets between the gay bars on Lázaro Cárdenas are where you’ll find guys cruising while bar hopping. Olas Altas Street gets packed at night during the summer. You’ll also see plenty of sexy guys walking in bathing suits from the gay beach to their accommodations. A popular walking (cruising) route is to start at Lázaro Cárdenas, then walk down Ignacio L Vallarta, then Basilio Badillo, Olas Altas, and Rodolfo Gomez down to the beach clubs
Is Cruising Legal in Mexico?
Is hooking up with guys in Mexico legal? The good news is that, mostly, yes, it is. Mexico has very liberal laws for gay men; in fact, same-sex acts have been legal since 1871 (Napoleonic Code). Puerto Vallarta specifically is the most LGBT-friendly city in Mexico. Public displays of affection (PDAs) are accepted in Zona Romántica. Now, sex in public places is a little bit of a gray area; you could do it, but if someone reports you, the authorities may want to talk to you, and there could be a fine. It doesn’t appear, though, that getting reported is very common, but there’s still a chance. Basically, if you’re at one of the outside locations, it’s still a bit of a risky activity, so be discreet.
Action at SOPVs is allowed and even encouraged, so if you’re a bit hesitant about getting in on outdoors, there are plenty of indoor options perfect for you.
