El Centro, Cancun's downtown area, is local area with fewer tourists, where there are a variety of clubs and bars with a gay-friendly atmosphere. Cancun offers a lively nightlife that doesn't usually start until after 10 o'clock, but often lasts until five in the morning. Despite the fact that bars tend to go in and out of business quickly, there are a few long-lasting gay bars and many of the straight bars are gay-friendly.
Playa 69 is located in Playa del Carmen which is about an hour south of Cancun. Next door is a 7-Eleven which can help you find the entrance. According to gaycities.com, the inside is fairly small but lots of mirrors open up the place for a wild party.The name says it all with this gay bar. There is plenty of dancing, meeting and greeting, and hooking up at Playa 69. The locals start to show up after midnight and consist mostly of a younger crowd between 20 and 30 years old.
Playa 69
Playa de Carmen
29 QROO
Cancun, Mexico 77500
Karamba Bar, established in 1986, is located on downtown Cancun's main Avenue,Tulum Avenue, and is accessible by city transportation or taxi service. Karamba has survived in Cancun since the 1980s and according to their website, they are proud of their gay clientele. The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday and provides entertainment daily that appeals to a variety of people. They play mostly modern and popular music that encourages dancing, and provide an assortment of alcoholic beverages.
Karamba Bar
9 Tulum Ave., Sm 22,
Cancun, Mexico 77500
karambabar.com
Picante Bar, known for throwing wild parties on holidays and weekends, is located in the heart of Cancun, according to gaycities.com. The bar has been operating for 15 years according and has survived many difficult times in the 1990s, according to fodors.com. Picante features elaborate performances and costumes worn by employees. With a variety of drinks and friendly people, Picante shows everyone a good time, gaycities.com says. Thursday nights are Tequila nights with free shots. On other occasions you'll find strippers, drag queen shows, and drink specials to represent Mexico.
Picante Bar
Plaza Gallerias
20 Tulum Avenue
Cancun, Mexico 77500
