Date: Wed, 27 Dec 1995 18:39:33 From: KDean@gnn.com (Kenneth Dean) Subject: Puerto Vallarta I read your Puerto Vallarta information and found it a bit out of date I have revised the information as of my trip with a group of friend there in early December 1995. Guide to Gay Puerto Vallarta General Information Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco. Convenient air transportation is available from most US cities via, American, Continental, Alaska, Mexicana, Aero Mexico, Aero California. Puerto Vallarta is divided into different areas: Nuevo Vallarta - located north of the airport about 10 miles in the neighboring state of Nayarit. This is predominately new hotels, condos and time share. Nice area - quite away from the action. Marina Vallarta - located by the airport many condos, residences and new hotels. Very popular a short taxi ride to the center of town. Downtown Vallarta - the central shopping district just on the north side of the Rio Cuale, very limited accommodations. Some of the gay bars are located in this area. A short walk to Old Vallarta connected by two bridges. They Malecon (Boardwalk) and central plaza is located in this area. Old Vallarta - South of the Rio Cuale. Some hotels and condos. Reasonable priced hotels and condos. This is the area of Playa de los Muertos (Puerto Vallarta's Gay Beach). Mismaloya - South of town. Beautiful private villas available for rent along with many top of the line hotels. Once again a bit remote. Practical Information Water - Great stride have been made to develop water purification systems like those in the United States. By Mexican law, only purified water (and ice made from it) may be served in hotels and restaurants. Food - The food is generally safe to eat in Puerto Vallarta. Restaurants are well acquainted with tourists and understand the necessity of providing safe bacteria free food. Use your judgment - if a restaurant looks marginal...it probably is. Changing Money - Bank and exchange offices (Casa de Cambio) are all around PV. The exchange rates are usually pennies apart. Virtually all businesses are prepared to accept American and Canadian currency, usually at a slightly lower exchange rate. Many of the banks have ATM that accept American and Canadian cards. The most reliable bank with multiple ATM machines is Banamex on the Plaza across from the Malecon (the Boardwalk). Getting Around - The central area near the Rio Cuale (the river in the center of town) is fairly compact and all the gay bars are well within walking distance. Taxis are inexpensive with zone rates set by the government. Though you should agree upon the fare with the driver before getting into a taxi. Shopping - The hear of the shopping area is north of the Rio Cuale near the Malecon. Check the prices out things that are imported to Mexico will probably be more expensive than in your town, but local good are usually negotiable and quite reasonable. Post Office - Downtown near the Malecon, at Calle Morelos & Calle Mina. Look for the CORREOS sign. Telephone - You usually need to buy phone cards to usually most public telephone. All phone numbers in Puerto Vallarta are 5 digits. The area code for PV is 322. The country code for Mexico is 52. So dialing from the states is 011-52-322-(5 digit telephone number). Pharmacies - Just look for the FARMACIA signs. This is where you'll find sun screen etc.. Many medications that require a prescription in the U.S. do not in Mexico. And, in many cases the cost of the medication is lower. A pharmacy that seem to have a well stocked supply and convenient location is Farmacia Olas Altas which is on the south side of the Rio Cuale. Freddie or his son speak excellent English and are most accommodating. Medical Attention - There are many fine doctors working in PV who are either gay or gay friendly. They are knowledgeable of the different medical problems that seem to be bugging us. Should you have any special needs in this area just ask for a referral and you will be given the Doctor's name, addresses and telephone numbers. In PV many still make house calls. Once I was with a friend who cut his leg and required 20 stitches and the doctor came to the hotel, and stitched him up and the cost for everything was only $30.00. The best place to get referrals is from Paco, Howard or David at Club Paco Paco. Supermarket - If you have a condo you may want to stock up on groceries at Supermercado Gutirrez Rizo - on the South side of the Rio Cuale. Downstairs is groceries and upstairs a department store. They stock many American items. Entertainment Tours - Mario and Mario of Amadeas Tours offer special gay tour packages; including horse back riding into the jungles and scooter tours. They are known for their Gay Cruises, including a day cruise ($45.00USD) on Thursday and Sundays from noon to 6:00pm that includes an open bar, snacks, snorkeling gear. The cruise is to a private beach for sunbathing. The also offer a Sunset Cruise ($35.00) on Saturdays from 5:30 to 8:30. It=92s usually best to book in advance contact Amadeas Tours at telephone 3-28-15 or you can usually book the cruises at Club Paco Paco. Bars EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY PRIOR TO GOING OUT FOR A BETTER EXCHANGE RATE. Club Paco Paco - Ignacio L. Vallarta 278, phone 2-18-99. 2 blocks off the beach. This bar and disco relocated November 1995 to bigger and better quarters and boy has it taken off. Open 3:00pm to 6:00am. Happy hour is daily from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Dancing, videos and pool tables. Upstairs is the cantina that opens at 3:00pm with a pool table. The happy hours is very popular with many of the locals including many transplanted Americans and Canadians. The dancing starts in the disco at 10:00pm, which has one of the most outstanding music and light shows in Puerto Vallarta. This bar is owned and operated by Mexican and American gay men. This is a good place for information about what is happening in town. Los Balcones - Avenida Juarez at Libertad 10:00pm to 3:00am. Disco Dancing. You must buy a drink ticket when you enter. This is quite popular but exchange your money for pesos before you go here and keep an eye on you change from your drinks. This was the most popular disco in town until Club Paco Paco opened. Studio 33 - Avenida Juarez 728. They bill themselves as "The Difference Alternative Club" Zotano - Morelos 101 Plaza Rio. An alternative dance bar in Vallarta. It is done up quite beautifully. Beaches Tito's - located in Playa del los Muertos. This is the gay beach. Look for the famous "blue chairs." They serve cocktails, beer and food right on the beach. A must to be seen out during the day. Plenty of other beaches but the only gay beach is at Tito's. Accommodations Casa de Los Arcos - This is one of the most beautiful villas in Puerto Vallarta with panoramic views from its guests living areas that have the open air constructions that is so wonderful in our tropical climate. Contract Christopher Kearney and Susan Wiseman for more information phone 2-56-90. Casa Dos Comales - Aldama 274 phone 3-20-42. Beautiful vacation apartment in the heart of the historic central district. A helpful and knowledgeable staff can assist you in either English or Spanish. Condos & Private Homes - David Watt, a local from Canada, assists visitors in obtaining private homes and condos by the week, month or long term. Contact him early evenings at 3-01-55 extension 415 (or ask for him by name). Highly Recommended. Villa Feliz - Terry and Steve stake great pride in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Within walking distance of the beaches and the shopping area. Phone 2-07-98. New-New-New - Just as I was leaving the owners of Club Paco Paco were in the process of purchasing a hotel that they plan on making into an exclusive gay hotel. Call Club Paco Paco for more information 2-18-99, ask for Paco, Howard, JC or David.