Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Expect nothing short of an extraordinary stay at this prime oceanfront location on Banderas Bay!
Mexico is an astoundingly eclectic country that welcomes LGBT travelers with open arms. In recent years, LGBT rights in Mexico have expanded, though tolerance of sexual diversity was prevalent in indigenous Mexican culture. For these reasons, and much more, it is a popular destination for many gay travelers.
In 2017, Mexico became the sixth most visited destination in the world, proving that interest in this dynamic country is only growing. Don’t come just to relax on the beach (or gay beach) — come for the top-notch food, the thriving arts scenes, and the high-end gay resorts in Mexico that cater to your every whim. Our friend and neighbor to the south is brimming with beach towns, each one different from the next, electric urban centers, and wondrous mountainous regions. Though English is fairly widely spoken in Mexico, it is important to understand vital phrases in the local language. For instance, if you are looking for a certain bar or part of town, it can be particularly helpful to know a few of these terms. Before beginning your journey to Mexico, read our list of important practical phrases you will need for your trip.
Got Mexico in mind but not sure where to jet off to? Below are a few gay Mexican destinations we highly recommend:
Baja California: Gay Cabo San Lucas & Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a stylish gay-friendly escape spread over two coastal towns in Baja California Sur, Mexico: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Come here to bask in the glorious sun or sail by the famous “El Arco” rock formation, then spend your nights sipping margaritas at restaurants or bars overlooking the ocean.
El Arco, Cabo San Lucas
Looking for a gay-friendly resort or hotel in Cabo San Lucas & Los Cabos?
Check out our ultimate LGBTQ resort guide.
Quintana Roo: Gay Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Between Cancun and all of the coastal villages forming the Riviera Maya to the south, gay travelers will find a huge variety of experiences to savor — everything from snorkeling and bar hopping to visiting Mayan ruins and indulging in spa treatments. There are plenty of gay bars and clubs in Cancun and activities are mostly clustered near Boulevard Kukulcan downtown.
Cancun
Looking for a gay-friendly resort or hotel in Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
Check out our ultimate LGBTQ resort guide.
Pacific Coast: Gay Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Acapulco
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a veritable treasure trove of well-developed beach towns. It doesn’t get much better for LGBT travel than Puerto Vallarta— the town was even recognized as having the best Pride event in our 2018 GayTravel Awards! Nearby Punta Mita is better suited to those seeking tranquility and luxury, and Acapulco, further down the coast, beckons with its star-studded past and unique seafood offerings.
Punta Mita
Mexico’s Interior: Gay Mexico City and Querétaro
Culture-seeking travelers in search of the best gay vacations should look to this fascinating country’s interior for mountainous topography, breathtaking architecture, and trends in everything from fashion to food. For gay travelers who want to broaden their horizons, nothing beats a trip to these gay-friendly cities in Mexico: sprawling Mexico City and its charming Spanish-style neighbor Querétaro located about three hours northwest.
Mexico City
Want to explore more of Mexico? Scroll down for a full list of our Mexico gay travel guides.
Gay Marriage and Weddings
Same-sex marriage is now legal in all of Mexico's states and legal in all jurisdictions. Previously, in 2015, the Mexican Supreme Court issued a ruling that said any same-sex marriage performed in Mexico must be recognized by the country at a federal level, which was a huge win for the Mexican LGBT community and for same-sex couples all over. As a result of this progressive change, Mexico is a top wedding destination for the community. With its stunning landscape, tropical climate, and amazing beaches, there is no question that Mexico is an glorious backdrop for a gay wedding.
Gay Bars
With its extravagant and exciting gay clubs and bars, Mexico City is widely considered the capital of gay Mexican nightlife. At the center of this capital is Zona Rosa, a neighborhood in Mexico City that is especially popular for its shopping, nightlife, and overall gay community. But, Mexico City does not wholly define Mexico's gay scene, as there are plenty of gay bars and clubs in Cancun and other major Mexican cities.
Gay Events
There are plenty of ways to experience gay events in Mexico. Pride events are extremely prevalent in much of Mexico's major cities and are continuing to gain popularity. In fact, in Guadalajara alone, LGBT Pride parades have been held each June since 1996. These pride events are also popular in Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara. In addition, the Day of the Dead, an annual holiday celebrated in Mexico, is a popular time for events with many gay clubs and bars hosting costume parties to celebrate the holiday. Check out our events page to see if there are any upcoming events in Mexico.
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