Escape to Puerto Vallarta with Gay Travel Influencers Michael and Matt

Escape with Michael and Matt

Husbands Matthew Schueller and Michael Lindsay are no strangers to Out Travelers, who were introduced to the married world travelers and their meet-cute in our Spring 2022 print edition. The social media savvy Schueller came out on his YouTube channel in a viral video that inspired Lindsay to come out himself and record a video reply, albeit a year later and 1,300 miles away. The rest is history, as they say.

The pair married in 2018, and when they’re not posting about their travels and life together on their social media, Schueller works as a nurse and Lindsay is a practicing dentist.

RELATED: This Gay Couple Shares Their Love of Life and Travel Together Online

We recently caught up with Michael and Matt to ask for travel tips on some of their favorite destinations. Here are Michael and Matt’s answers to seven questions on LGBTQ+ travel to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Be sure to follow Michael and Matt at their blog (www.michaelandmatt.com), Instagram (@michaelandmatt), YouTube (@michaelandmatt), and TikTok (@michaelandmatt1).

Where do you recommend eating?

"The street food in Puerto Vallarta is unmatched, and you can’t make a visit without stopping at Pancho’s Takos. You’ll recognize the small taco restaurant by its usual long line in the center of Zona Romantica. The hype is there for a reason, as they’re easily the best tacos al pastor I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. Other great eats around central Puerto Vallarta include Birria Robles for double-fried stewed-meat tacos served with broth, Taqueria El Cunado for perfect street tacos, and Mariscos el Guero for ceviche and tostadas."

Where are the best places to stay?

"It really depends on the adventure you’re seeking in Puerto Vallarta. You can’t beat the LGBTQ+ exclusive experience at Almar Resort and it’s famous Mantamar Beach Club. Many travelers prefer a more personalized experience by booking a B&B or their own rental in one of the many accommodations in the hills just south of Zona Romantica. Our favorite B&B is the small gay-owned and operated Casa Muni, an elegantly decorated gem that overlooks the ocean from the hills above. However our favorite way to visit Puerto Vallarta is by splitting a rental with a few friends at Sayan Indah and Sayan Beach luxury condominiums. Booking through Maxwell Residencies, we enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ocean, beach access, and all within a short distance from all the action downtown."

What’s the LGBTQ+ culture like there?

"When Michael and I first visited Puerto Vallarta, we quickly realized we felt more comfortable holding hands and kissing in public there than we did in our own home city. Puerto Vallarta is extremely gay friendly, and often touted as the largest LGBTQ+ hotspot in all of Mexico. There is a huge population there that’s relocated largely from less-accepting parts of Mexico, Canada, and the United States. It’s the one place I’ve visited that I can truly say that not only do I feel welcomed there, I feel at home."

Where should you grab a drink?

"Take an evening stroll down Lázaro Cárdenas and you’ll have plenty of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs to choose from including my favorites, Mr. Flamingo, CC Slaughters, and the multileveled club La Noche. Make sure to walk up to the top to checkout the rooftop terrace! On the southern side of Zona Romantica, BLONDIES Loft & Slushbar is a hotspot for frozen cocktails. I can’t get enough of this place, as I’ve truly had my fair share of tipsy and slushy nights there. The frozen cocktails are deliciously addicting, and the company isn’t half-bad either!"

What are the must-do activities while visiting?

"There is so much to see and do just in Zona Romantica, but there are a few things that should definitely be included on your list. Make sure to reserve an evening to take a sunset cruise to Playa Las Caletas and see a show by Rhythms of the Night. The #1 dinner show in Puerto Vallarta celebrates ancient Mexico’s spiritual connection to nature in an outdoor amphitheater amongst the jungle."

What are the top Instagramable spots?

"In and amongst the streets of Zona Romantica, nearly any alleyway you turn down can become an epic photo opportunity. Some of my favorite locations include Independencia Street in front of the historic church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The Isla Cuale Flea Market is a gorgeous spot for those outdoor-market-type photos. Lastly, Playa Amapas and Playa Conchas Chinas are fantastic less-populated beaches that are not only great for drones, but for that cute insta-beach-shot that will make all your friends jealous."

What’s your favorite memory from Puerto Vallarta?

"My favorite hike I’ve ever done is the trek from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas. On our first visit to Puerto Vallarta, my husband Michael and I read about this hike on a random blog online and decided to try it out. We didn’t do our research well enough, as we quickly got lost and had no idea where we were going. Walking alongside pristine beaches and hillside jungles, it’s so remote that there’s hardly anything or anyone on the trail between beaches. We spent the entire day trying to find our way along the coastline and finally made it to our destination where we caught the last boat back. Afterwards we wrote our own guide on the hike so that anyone going can now have a bit easier time getting there!"

Want to learn more?

Here’s how you can follow all the adventures of Michael and Matt:

Blog: www.michaelandmatt.com
Instagram: @michaelandmatt
YouTube: @michaelandmatt
TikTok: @michaelandmatt1