The centrally located Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) district is not only a mecca for business lunches for busy executives, shopping stops for the upper class, or cafés for leisurely tourist afternoons. Zona Rosa, in its newest incarnation, is Mexico City’s main gay and lesbian artery. Anti-discrimination laws are enforced in this capital, one of the largest cities in the world, and gay clubs and bars are plentiful. Located in the (aptly named, but long before the gay scene) Zona Rosa on Amberes street, Lipstick is a large club with several different areas to hang out in – some focused on romance, some focused on high-energy dance music. The upscale club attracts a good mix of 20-somethings and 30-somethings. Also on Amberes is the laid-back café BGay BProud Café Mexico, which serves as the unofficial headquarters for gay life in Mexico City. The café is frequented mostly by 20-somethings.

Living on Paseo de la Reforma is one of those rare gay/straight places that really does have a strong following from both gays and straights. It’s a temple of nightlife debauchery housed in a beautiful building. A great selection of top-notch DJs spin house music and exotic dancers keep the party moving.

A little further north, on downtown’s República de Cuba street, are two excellent nightlife choices: El Viena and Bar Oasis. El Viena is a unique gay cantina with a very diverse clientele, and Bar Oasis is a great disco that’s a good spot to continue the party after having a few drinks at El Viena.

Just stay on República de Cuba street if you are in the mood for seeing a decadent cabaret that pokes fun at many female Mexican superstars. The impersonations at La Perla are expertly done by outstanding drag queens. This is a place for people of all sexual orientations, as the cabaret’s humor is equally appealing to all.

The high-energy Mexico City Gay Parade is held every year in late June, and it’s a great opportunity to openly show your pride in a society that is home to a more discreet gay crowd than the ones you have come to expect on American soil. The parade draws millions and starts on one of the city’s main arteries, the Paseo de la Reforma, and continues downtown to end at the historic Zócalo, the central plaza, where a carnival is held to conclude the festivities. All the gay-friendly establishments in town participate in this massive event by holding special events and parties throughout the week. Arco Iris Tours offers complete packages for the Gay Parade, including excursions to the pyramids of Teotihuacán.

The Mexico City Pink Pages are a comprehensive directory on all things gay in the capital – including nightlife, hotels, restaurant suggestions, and activities.  The directory is available at many gay-friendly places around town.

There are several gay-friendly hotels in the Zona Rosa and its surrounding areas. For the most inexpensive option in town, there’s the basic (but acceptable and clean) 3-star Hotel Principal, located in the historic downtown area. Marco Polo is a beautiful gay-friendly property located in the Zona Rosa, on the city’s busiest gay nightclub street, Amberes. With 59 rooms and suites, a good restaurant and all the services one would expect from a executive-level hotel, Marco Polo is a good choice for those looking for accommodations as close to the nightlife action as possible.

Mexico City publishes two good gay magazines, Ser Gay and Homópolis. You can pick up a free issue of Homópolis at some clubs. 

--By Judy Jenner

Puerto Vallarta, the charming city on the Pacific Coast that’s blessed with gorgeous weather, cobblestone streets, and clear, calm waters, has long been a hugely popular destination with the gay and lesbian travel crowd. Vallarta offers many lodging options ranging from simple bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels, private villas with butlers, and rental condominiums for all people, gay or straight.  

On the south end of Playa de los Muertos is one of Puerto Vallarta’s main gay-friendly hotels, the Blue Chair Beach Resort. There’s a no nudity policy on the public Blue Chairs beach, which has, as expected, a good selection of all blue chaises. This area is not restricted to hotel guests, so there are lots of opportunities to meet new people. The so-called “gay beach zone” has now expanded to include several nearby areas, all centered around Blue Chairs. The party atmosphere is unparalleled both at the beach (with food and drink service) as well as at the hotel. This beach and hotel are widely known as the most gay-friendly place in town. It’s the largest LGBT beach-front hotel in the country, and it lives up to its party reputation with a rooftop bar, nightly entertainment and lots of partying on the rooms’ balconies (every room has one). This is an adults-only place, and the property offers daily happy hours, drag shows, massage and spa services, weekly bingo nights and much more.

Abbey Hotel is Vallarta’s newest gay property. All rooms have private balconies with ocean or city views, and the hotel offers complimentary on-arrival drinks, massage services, restaurant, bar, lounges and free Wi-Fi in every room.  Abbey Hotel is located right off the beach and guests receive preferential treatment at the nearby Ritmos Beach Club. 

Villa David is restricted to male guests, and it’s the sole gay resort located in old-town Vallarta, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Built around a beautiful interior courtyard, this 10-room B&B offers a unique lodging experience in a hotel that’s been designed to resemble a private home, complete with a living room with DVDs, books, and cozy common areas. Delicious breakfasts are served in style (think cloth napkins). The rooms have their own distinctive personalities, and there’s lots of gorgeous tile details to be admired in the private bathrooms. Villa David also offers in-house massage services, great sunsets from the rooftop viewing area and an all-gay staff.

For good accommodations in a place known for its party atmosphere, try the Vallarta Cora, located a few steps from Playa de los Muertos. The private one-bedroom suites have 1.5 bathrooms each and are nicely appointed and clean. There’s no shortage of people hanging out at the pool at any given time – it’s open to the public ($5, which includes the first drink) from 3 p.m. until midnight, and many locals regularly stop by after work. This male-only hotel’s fun zones include a steam room and a large Jacuzzi and features include a happy hour every day with drinks available at very reasonable prices.  

Puerto Vallarta’s extensive gay and lesbian lodging options are paralleled only by its all-out nightlife with plenty of hot spots. Olas Altas street is a good place to start your evening. As the clubs in Mexico don’t start hopping until after midnight, take the evening hours to explore bars and cafés, which are in great supply on Olas Altas.  Apaches is a fabulous small martini bar with an adjacent bistro for a great dinner, Frida is a nice spot for evening drinks, and Diva’s offers unbeatable weekly drink specials. Later in the evening, go to Club Cabaña, a hot new gay club, for some great dancing; Club Paco Paco; Los Amigos, an unpretentious gay cantina; or Encuentros, which is one of the nicest places in town.  

For horseback riding tours, try Boana Horseback Riding.  Starting from a lovely ranch north of town, you will be able to explore tropical forest and jump into a refreshing river to take a dip (bring your own towel). The reasonable cost includes two drinks, snacks and transportation to and from the ranch.  

Diana’s Tours is one of the best-known gay tour operators in town and offers a fantastic all-day, all-inclusive gay cruise with snorkeling as well as sunset cruises with open bar.

 For fantastic nude sunbathing in a private spot off the Río Cuale with its fresh, turquoise waters, head to Jungle Secret Oasis. The tour includes transportation, drinks, and a light meal, and you’ll be able to explore some great jungle trails, meet other naturists, and enjoy this secluded piece of Vallarta paradise.

--By Judy Jenner

Formerly the impressive villa of singer Gloria Gayner, Villa Roqueta Acapulco is now a high-luxury gay guesthouse. Dominated by gorgeous white furniture, a million-dollar view of Acapulco bay, and splendid pool and garden areas, this private villa is an excellent choice for gay travelers seeking a high-end experience. Services include breakfast, dinner, lunch, massages, airport transportation, bar service and a gym.

Casa Condesa is a charming, tranquil place, with lush gardens, nicely furnished bedrooms in the main house, the pool house, as well as a palapa suite with a private covered terrace and a garden bath. There’s a great pool, good homemade food served on the patio or the rooftop terrace, and a complimentary open bar poolside. Nude sunbathing is permitted in the sun terrace, where you can enjoy the Acapulco sun from morning until sunset.  Condesa beach is only one block away. This strictly adults-only place is a popular choice for celebrating special occasions, including birthdays and weddings. Aldo, the in-house masseuse, is a traditional folk healer with Aztec roots who combines classic massage with flowers, herbs, and crystals for the ultimate pampering experience.  

Hotel Las Palmas, located in Acapulco’s Golden Zone (the main hotel zone) is a popular choice for those seeking an adults-only, drug-free gay environment. Clothing is optional at the pool. Las Palmas is a recently renovated villa in white Spanish-style architecture. Breakfast is served poolside or on the terrace overlooking Acapulco Bay.

Acapulco is known for its legendary nightlife, and while the gay and gay-friendly nightspots are not as abundant as they are in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, there’s still plenty to choose from. Demás is widely considered to be the busiest and one of the friendliest gay clubs in town. It’s open for men only and offers great shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Relax is a comfortable place that welcomes both men and women, while Picante, which caters mostly to men, is a good spot to catch an occasional drag show or stripper performance.

--By Judy Jenner