Long Weekend in Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta MX

Intro

Now an annual tradition, we always make an effort to have some fun-in-the-sun in the LGBTQ haven that is Zona Romantica! The following is our typical long-weekend itinerary and considerations for late January. 

3(ish)-Day Itinerary

Friday

• Inbound flight to PVR
  The trip from the airport to Zona Romantica is around 30 minutes (without major traffic), more information in General Considerations as to the airport itself and how to get an Uber
• Lunch @ Don Chava 
  After dropping off luggage and negotiating a potential early check-in at the hotel, we walk to Don Chava for some tacos! Cash only but always a delight!
• Jockstrap Party @ Studs Bar 
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Saturday

• Breakfast @ Macarenos
  Yes, it's that good. We tried not going one morning and it was pure regret. This is off the main strip and a family run restaurant with a variety of great breakfast items, fresh juices, and cafe de olla. They even take credit card!
• Pool Party @ Casa Cupula
  We haven't been before but we have added it on our next trip (and will report back). It sounds like a great time.
• Dinner @ Bonito Kitchen (Zona Romantica)
  A beautiful Asian-Fusion restaurant with great cocktails and food and ambiance. Massive trees surround the restaurant with their large roots taking over the sidewalk out front. The restaurant also features great outdoor dining in the central courtyard.
• Cocktails @ Elixir
  Queer and Female-Owned and run cocktail bar with a variety of unique and classic cocktails. While drinks are pricey by local standards (and it's a cash-only establishement) the quality, visual appeal, service and ambiance make it well worth it and a must visit.
• Bar Hopping
• La Noche
  A large bar with the best go-go dancers on the main floor and additional levels (including a large rooftop). This place is busy and it's cash only. 
• Industry
  Smaller bar that is more for dancing. There is a large bar in the center and some stairs to a smaller landing for additional dancing (though to be honest, my memory is always hazy by this point so my description may or may not be accurate)

Sunday

• Afternoon @ Mantamar Beach Club
  After breakfast, we head to the popular Mantamar Beach Club for a day of lounging around, drinks, lunchs, massages (optional). 

Monday

• Late Morning Stroll to Cuale Island Flea Market
  Just past the strip of bars and hotels is a small island accessible by a rope bridge. There are several vendors selling a range of souveneirs and crafts.
• Icecream & Icecream Sandwiches
  Right in the area is a small icecream shop that also sells icecream sandwiches. I forgot where I stored the name and location so I'll have to find it the next time we go back!

General Considerations

Leaving Customs
After clearing customs, you will enter an area that many refer to as the "Shark Tank" where manylocal tour and hotel vendors will approach you to sell their services or offer transportation. It's best to walk with haste and not engage.

Airport-to-Hotel Transporation
We prefer taking an Uber from the airport. Note that Ubers can't pick you up directly from the airport but there is a short walk over a bridge (to the other side of the main street) where the drivers can pick you up.

Cash
Many places are cash-only and we have struggled with the ATMs in Zona Romantica, though there are several. As a result, we order Mexican Pesos from our bank prior ot the trip to avoid high fees or faulty ATMs.