Puerto Vallarta surprised me.
I arrived expecting a tourist-filled beach town… and instead found a place where art, pride, nature, and real Mexican culture all meet without apology.
In this episode of Pato’s Path, I travel from Guadalajara to the coast and discover a Puerto Vallarta I never expected:
• morning walks along the Malecón
• sculptures, mosaics, and outdoor art at every turn
• the vibrant safety and celebration of Zona Romántica
• the power and beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Garden
• sunset at Playa Los Muertos
• a hike to the Mirador de Conchas Chinas
• vendors, street food, chapulines, and the BEST tacos
• rainstorms, flooded streets, and yes… even a crocodile!
What I found in PV wasn’t what I’d been warned about. It wasn’t “too touristy” or “too gentrified.” It was a place full of culture, joy, queerness, and nature—a coastal Mexico that feels alive, artistic, inclusive, and deeply connected to its roots.
If you love exploring Mexico, discovering hidden gems, learning about culture, or following LGBTQ-friendly destinations, this episode has something for you.
Welcome to Puerto Vallarta—where Pride, art, and lush nature meet.
And welcome back to Pato’s Path, a journey of exploring, celebrating, and remembering to enjoy the world around us.
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