Tropical Nights
By Josef Kandoll W.

Puerto Vallarta made a name for itself some years back as a party town. During the 1960s, with the onset of international tourism, this destination was discovered when prices were still low. Many of those who came were looking for a retirement haven. But as the destination grew, young people arrived to fill the need for workers in tourism and other local services. It was this major influx that encouraged the amazing cultural mix that invited everyone to dance together under the stars. Or, as it were, under the disco ball!

Early clubs such as the renowned City Dump catered to the younger crowd, while the popular Carlos O’Brian’s was favored by middle-aged tourists during the day and the intrepid youth at night. (It just closed last year after nearly 40 years on the Malecón.) In the last decade, a number of new places have raised the bar with complex sound and lighting systems, extravagant decor and the most affable waitstaff this side of the border. Of any border.

Walk along the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta and choose your style. Not only in music (reggae, rock, hip-hop, mariachi, banda, jazz, pop, Cuban) but also in ambience (laid-back, techno, glamorous, down-home, sophisticated, total tourist, party-time). Also, nearly all the nightspots face the Malecón to give you that all-attractive view.

New on the Malecón are PuntoV, Glam and Mandala, all with menus during the day when you can check them out. They come alive at night and compete with the already-established Zoo, Hilo, Señor Frog’s, Bebotero, Ztai and Hard Rock Cafe. That’s not to forget the popular La Bodeguita del Medio, and, just within a couple of blocks, the ever-busy De Santos and the sophisticated Bar Costantini. In the Hotel Zone, clubs such as Christine and Collage attract young with-it visitors and locals who want something other than the Malecón. On the malecón of the Marina, don’t miss the new troubadour bar at Tikul. In the Romantic Zone, just south of downtown, a number of gay bars include Mañana, La Noche, Garbo and Encuentros. Music is hot and the men are hotter.

One of the growing trends in these last few years has been dance classes. Al and Barbara Garvey embraced tango with a passion after she saw the show Tango Argentino in 1985, eventually moving to Puerto Vallarta where they continue to give tango lessons to this day. Every Wednesday at the J&B Dance Club in the Hotel Zone, they tear the rug from 8–10 p.m. While beginners’ courses start every five weeks, continuing lessons for intermediate and advanced students are held on Mondays. Private instruction is also available.
tangobar-productions.com

During a recent interview, local dance instructor Irma Gutiérrez Ayala attributed dance with having “saved my life. It taught me passion and tenacity.” We’re not sure that these qualities can be taught, but they can certainly be caught! With her instruction, she believes that anyone can dance. (Yes, even you!) “It’s an attitude, and it affects every area of your life. You’ll walk differently, talk more confidently and live more fully when you connect with your physical body.” While she can be found regularly at Gold’s Gym and other local spots such as J&B, Gutiérrez is also available for private instruction.