Argentina gay men
A liberal affair with frisky tango sessions and gaucho cowboys, Argentina is arguably the most gay-friendly state in South America. Queer nightlife flourishes across the big cities such as Bariloche, Córdoba, Mendoza and Salta, led by queen bee, Buenos Aires, while, in smaller towns of rural regions quieter same-sex attracted liaisons await. Whatever you’re looking for, Argentina will take you there via the scenic route, surprising you along the way with flavoursome cuisine, extreme natural wonders and new culture mingled with distinct European and indigenous heritage. Adventure through the subtropical north towards the glacial provinces of the south to find famed mountain ranges (Hello, Andes), salty desert plains and confused cities, while, amidst it all, wildlife abounds. We’ve put together a mentor to the best of gay Argentina, so you don’t have to.
Tailor-Made Argentina & Chile: Journey to Patagonia
Embark on a culinary odyssey through Chile and Argentina, experiencing unforgettable wine and sustenance as you visit a bustling market, where you sample local fare; help from reservations at coveted restaurants; sit down and dine with a local resident; and experience
The gay gaucho
Corrientes, Argentina
On the eastern shore of the Paraná River in the province of Corrientes, Uwern Jong rides with Argentina’s Irish cowboy.
Hugh MacDermott’s escape to Argentina from England was epic. Inspired by the book Tschiffely’s Ride, the story of one long-rider’s 10,000-mile journey from Argentina to Washington D.C., he has spent nearly a decade riding across South America, with the spirit of adventure as his compass, most notably living life among the Gauchos. He gained their respect without ever hiding his sexuality and now runs a commute company with his fiancé Paulo – best acknowledged for challenging, experiential itineraries on horseback, one of which I’m about to embark on.
We met in Concepción in Corrientes – a town that’s a far cry from Buenos Aires – to choose up our steeds. I was assigned a team of Criollo horses. I asked their names – “Horse, Horse and Horse,” clearly riders are far less sentimental here. The horses were strong; noticeably taller, with big heads, rounded backs and gigantic hooves. I indicated my surprise at this to Felipe, the head Gaucho and his reply was something I thought I had mistranslated as, “So he doesn’t drown.”
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Local boy Juanjo from Buenos Aires tells us about gay Argentina and what it's like growing up gay in Buenos Aires.
Argentina is one of the most gay friendly countries in the world.
It was the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, which also included full adoption rights. This made it the 2nd in the entire continent (after Canada) and 10th in the world. The right to change legal gender has been in place since 2012 and in the same year, legislation was introduced adding existence imprisonment to hate crimes against the LGBTQ people, gender identity, or expression.
“Argentina was the first region in Latin America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, which also included full adoption rights.”
Buenos Aires in particular is home to a very active gay scene, particularly across Palermo, where we met local young man Juanjo or Juan for short. Juan agreed to give us this interview to tell us about what it's like growing up as a queer man in Argentina.
Buenos Dias Juan! Introduce yourself:
Hola chicos, my name is Juan Morilla, but my friends call me John. I am a 20-year-old drama student from Buenos Aires.
Are you out to your friend
Argentina
Interesting Cities to Visit in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires is often referred to as "the gay capital of South America.". The city has a varied LGBTQ+ scene to discover, particularly around the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods, and is also residence to the tango and several queer milongas (tango halls). San Telmo is the cool, tango-inspired neighborhood with many boutique shops and an excellent Sunday market, a must for all visitors. Buenos Aires is also famous for its parillas (steak houses), which are some of the best in the country. One of the best months to see is in November because this is when the LGBTQ+ pride parade takes place.
MENDOZA
Mendoza is where some of the top wines in the world are produced, in particular the Malbec. The most famous bodegas (wineries) are located here, which you can call on for wine tastings. Some of the best boutique hotels in Mendoza are located within or next to a bodega and make the perfect anchor to explore the area by bike or guided tour. The ideal second to visit is toward the end of the Argentinian summer in February or early March, which is also the hour when the vendimia (wine harvesting) fest
.
Argentina
Interesting Cities to Visit in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires is often referred to as "the gay capital of South America.". The city has a varied LGBTQ+ scene to discover, particularly around the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods, and is also residence to the tango and several queer milongas (tango halls). San Telmo is the cool, tango-inspired neighborhood with many boutique shops and an excellent Sunday market, a must for all visitors. Buenos Aires is also famous for its parillas (steak houses), which are some of the best in the country. One of the best months to see is in November because this is when the LGBTQ+ pride parade takes place.
MENDOZA
Mendoza is where some of the top wines in the world are produced, in particular the Malbec. The most famous bodegas (wineries) are located here, which you can call on for wine tastings. Some of the best boutique hotels in Mendoza are located within or next to a bodega and make the perfect anchor to explore the area by bike or guided tour. The ideal second to visit is toward the end of the Argentinian summer in February or early March, which is also the hour when the vendimia (wine harvesting) fest
.