I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: travel is hard these days. As I searched the internet for safe places to travel, I realized that Mexico is open to tourism. Well, not entirely, but they’re opening slowly. So I decided to head to Puerto Vallarta for a few days in hopes of finding some peace of mind, freedom to do as I please, and perhaps some fun.
I was mostly curious about Mexico’s covid protocols. Are the people of Mexico wearing masks? Are establishments open? What measures are they taking to keep the people safe?
I found great information online, but is that information trustworthy? In my eyes, seeing is believing, and I wanted some concrete evidence on what is going on in Mexico.
My Experience in Puerto Vallarta Recently
In the last month, I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta several times. Each time has felt safe and secure.
Restaurants are required to operate at 50% capacity. The social distancing between parties and tables is the norm. They sanitize your hands as you walk in. They take your temperature before they seat you, and you have to sanitize your shoes so that you don’t drag any germs in on the soles of your shoes.
Considering the tropical climate of Puerto Vallarta, sitting outdoors isn’t always an option. Therefore it’s great that they’re taking good safety measures while sitting indoors.
As you walk down the beach and public spaces, you’ll notice that most people are wearing masks. Many public areas are blocked off or half-blocked to reduce gatherings. And although the streets of Puerto Vallarta are mostly empty, it appears it’s getting busier by the day.
While walking near beach clubs I noticed seating areas are sectioned off and separated by plenty of space.
Puerto Vallarta feels safe, and that’s important. Most importantly, the information I found online is definitely trustworthy.
Are people practicing safety?
The only thing I’m worried about is the tourists. Puerto Vallarta is becoming a giant North American tourist destination again. There are many Americans that visit, and some of those Americans refuse to wear masks.
However, it’s been my experience that most (not all) but most people are complying with the rules.
Recently, Mexico reached a grim milestone in terms of deaths due to the virus, and the country began a more stringent lockdown. However, Mexico’s infection and death rate are about as high as LA county’s alone. So, when I say grim, I mean more than they would like.
Now there is a curfew. It means most places have to shut by 8 pm or 10 pm, not including emergency services or taxis. But Uber drivers must stop at 10 pm.
PVRs tourism is rising again
Flights to Puerto Vallarta are increasing each month. As of now, there are about 12 flights per day coming from different areas of North America. That’s a lot of people heading to PVR. It’s also a good sign for its economy and tourism in general.
Puerto Vallarta and Mexico, in general, is doing great considering if you stack it up to the overall infection rate and death rate of the USA. It’s no wonder people are headed there for vacation, a sense of relief and a way to feel safe.
Gay Sex in Public Almost Shut PV down again
With all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that people are flocking to PVR.
The biggest story to come out of Mexico is a scandal! Several gay men at Mantamar hotel in the gay zone of Puerto Vallarta were seen kanoodling.
However, that’s not the worst part. An onlooker decided to film these two men doing the nasty against Mantamar’s see-through glass pool. He uploaded it to social media, and it went viral, fast! The Mexican press picked it up, and it became national news.
The Mexican media stated that Puerto Vallarta is so unsafe that people have sex in public, and the government needs to shut PVR down.
Although I don’t think this incident had anything to do with the new, strict, covid guidelines, I’m sure it didn’t help.
Let me break it down for you:
So the moral of the story is, Puerto Vallarta is safe. If people are having sex in public, don’t film them. Let them be. Or invite them over and keep that video in your secret stash.