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 Travel & Outdoors | October 2006 
Gay Day Tripping in Vallarta
 LoAnn Halden & Joseph Kandoll - PlanetOut
| | From the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the deep blue waters of Banderas Bay, there's plenty of room for adventure. |
Puerto Vallarta - Live out your own cinematic fantasy in Puerto Vallarta, the Mexican playground that served as backdrop to the Richard Burton film "Night of the Iguana" and his torrid affair with Liz Taylor. From the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the deep blue waters of Banderas Bay, there's plenty of room for adventure - no matter how you define it. You've got a day to frolic, and we've got 10 suggestions to help you tap into the city's magic. Grab a map and hit the shore!
1. Put on your walking shoes. PV is easy to navigate on foot. Stroll the Malecón (downtown oceanwalk) and the Main Plaza, then walk southward to the pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River into the Romantic Zone, the gayest neighborhood in town.
2. Eat like a local. Breakfast on huevos rancheros or a salmon omelet with cream cheese at the KitKat (Pulpito 120; +52-322/223-0093). Hit the heart of the Romantic Zone for gourmet delicacies at La Palapa (Amapas at Pulpito; +52-322/222-5225) on Los Muertos Beach.
3. Get some color. Settle into a chaise on Los Muertos Beach at gay-owned Blue Chairs Resort or the Green Chairs next door. The only effort required is flagging down a waiter to refill your margarita.
4. Great escapes. Adventurous souls can make their way to Paco's Paradise (+52-322/227-2189; www.pacopaco.com), a 20-acre gay jungle hideaway with hiking trails and waterfalls accessible only by boat. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace should check out Terra Noble (Tulipanes 595; +52-322/223-3530, where the Temazcal spa experience predates the Spanish.
5. Did someone say tequila? PV is in the state of Jalisco, where this potent liquor is distilled. Sample varieties that aren't exported at Agave Grill (Morelos 589; +52-322/222-2000).
6. Break out the gold card. The original jewelry designs of June Rosen Lopez (Fca. Rodriguez 200 at corner of Pino Suárez; +52-322/222-5049) are displayed in a gem of a store next to her home. The art at Galería Córsica (Leona Vicario 230, Centro; +52-322/223-1821) will have you salivating before you enter the double-glass doors.
7. Make like Tarzan. Numerous companies offer zip-line expeditions (i.e. canopy tours) for brave souls and their admirers. Contact TTF Tours (+52-329/296-5588; www.ttf.com.mx) for 10 thrilling rides outside of town above the Cuale River.
8. Find your inner flower child. Visit the new Botanical Gardens (044-322/105-7217; www.pvbg.net) about 45 minutes south of town. This hacienda-like plantation building offers displays of glorious orchids and other jungle plants, tours of a flourishing fern grotto, and great dining with a view of the mountains, jungle and valley.
9. Go "Brokeback" south of the border. Ride horseback through the surrounding jungle with Boana Tours (+52-322/222-0999 or www.boana.net/tours.htm).
10. Break the surface. Fabulous snorkeling can be found at the Los Arcos Rock Formations visible just south of town. |
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