Mexico is a widely gay-welcoming country with legal protections that date back to the ‘70s. In June 2015, The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation changed the definition of marriage to include same-sex relationships. However, like most countries, discrimination does still exist and a reasonable amount of caution should be practiced.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
Puerto Vallarta has long been deemed one of the world’s premiere gay hot spots. Beyond this rambunctious resort town, robust queer scenes exist in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and most tourist destinations. Finally, Mexico City has hosted an annual Pride parade as far back as 1979!
Gay Villages in Mexico
Mexico City – Zona Rosa
Puerto Vallarta – Zona Romantica
Guadalajara – Zona Rosa
Pride Festivals in Mexico
Mexico City Pride – Annually in June
Puerto Vallarta Pride – Annually in May
Guadalajara Pride – Annually in June
Best Gay Bars in Mexico
Mexico City – Baby (Nightclub)
Mexico City – Boy Bar (Nightclub)
Mexico City – Tom’s Leather Bar (Fetish)
Mexico City – Nicho Bears & Bar (Bears and their followers. Men-only)
Mexico City – Kinky Bar (Slightly more upscale bar. Drag Queens. Mixed young crowd)
Mexico City – Vaqueros Bar (Cowboy-themed. Men-only)
Mérida – Blue Gay Club (Nightclub)
Mérida – Papis (Drag Queens, dancing)
Mérida – Casa Chica (Cocktails, Mixed crowd)
Puerto Vallarta – La Noche Lounge Rooftop Bar (One of the most popular bars. Becomes a club later in the night)
Puerto Vallarta – Mr. Flamingo (Tiki Bar)
Puerto Vallarta – Blondies Loft and Slushi Bar (Specializing in alcoholic slushies. Mixed crowd)
Puerto Vallarta – CC Slaughters (Bar in the front, club in the back)
Puerto Vallarta – Bar Frida (Popular with Bears)
Guadalajara – El Ciervo (Bar)
Guadalajara – Ruta Claudillos (Club. Mixed crowd)
Guadalajara – Envy (Club. Trendy young crowd)
Best Lesbian Bars in Mexico
Mexico City – Alba 33 (Mixed, but large lesbian following)
Mexico City – Kinky Bar (Slightly more upscale bar. Drag Queens. Mixed crowd)
Mexico City – Cabarétito Fusión (Nightclub. Tuesdays tend to attract a lesbian crowd)
Guadalajara – Ruta Claudillos (Club. Mixed crowd)
5. Puerto Vallarta
This queer resort town needs no introduction. Spend your afternoons sunning your buns on the south end of the beach where the queer community typically hangs out. As the sun sets, most LGBTQ+ visitors meander over to Zona Romantica for margaritas and palomas. For day excursions, check out Diana’s tours.
4. Cholula
Officially known as Cholula de Rivadavia, this boutique city has one particularly important draw: the largest pyramid in the world, albeit hidden under a mountain! Sitting atop the ancient structure is the brightly coloured Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
3. Teotihuacán
A series of otherworldly pyramids await visitors a short 40km/25 mi north of Mexico City.
2. Mérida
Steeped in history and culture and featuring some of Mexico’s best regional cuisine, this lively city is an excellent gateway to the rest of Yucatán State.
1. Mexico City
Mexico’s megalópolis has undergone a travel renaissance. For a city that was once deemed unsafe, it is now North America’s premiere short-haul destination. The downtown core overflows with cultural highlights (The Blue House, AKA Frida Kahlo Museum), inspiring history (North America’s only royal palace!), cantinas, street food and endless gay nightlife.
Best Time to Visit: Mexico’s shoulder season runs July through August. The high season begins in December and ends in April. Avoid travelling to Mexico in September when heavy rain and high winds are common.
Electricity: A-, B-type sockets.
Time Zones: Mexican Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6) & Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Mexico, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Mexico for fewer than 180 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.
Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
