Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches, moody cloudforests, and amazing biodiversity make it a foremost tourist destination, especially for US travelers. But Costa Rica is also one of the most queer-friendly countries in Central America, making it a matchless gay travel destination.
Read on for everything you desire to know about queer travel in Costa Rica! From an overview of LGBT laws, cultural attitudes towards LGBT individuals, and the best things to do while on your trip, we’ve got you covered!
Staying at the Nayara Tented Camp near Arenal was a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget. I mean, look at that view!
LGBT Laws in Costa Rica
Before I leave for any trip, I love to do a petty research beforehand on the local laws and identity. As an LGBT traveler, I never want to go to a destination without knowing what to expect – it’s a matter of safety! I share all of my best queer travel shelter tips in this publish – including how to prepare beforehand and what to do when you’re on the road.
Luckily, Costa Rica has made significant progress in recent years in providing protections to LGBT residents and travelers. As recently as May 2020, Costa Ri
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park
The most popular national park in Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio National Park is the most visited park in the region. Created in 1972 and encompassing an area of around 682 hectares, this park is among the most diverse and stunning places in the region. Considered to be among the tiniest national parks in Costa Rica, what this park lacks in size, it makes up for in stunning organic beauty.
Manuel Antonio is a cherished area that gays have always called their own. It is still the only area in the country outside the capital with a lgbtq+ bar, an exclusively male lover hotel, numerous gay villas, and gay beach areas. Gay people regularly suspend out on the main beach before the big rock, just before crossing the rocks to Playa Playita, and on Playita itself. Manuel Antonio regularly has same-sex attracted parties at various locations, especially in the sky-high season.
Looking for info on other Central Pacific Coast towns such as Dominical, Jaco or Puntarenas? Notice our Central Pacific Coast page.
If you need transport from San Jose to Manuel Antonio or Quepos, there are regular buses, shuttles and turboprop flights. You can see all the transport options bet
The Ultimate Gay-Friendly Travel Manual to Costa Rica
Curator’s statement
Costa Rica is more than just a travel destination — it’s a lifestyle. With its welcoming Pura Vida spirit, breathtaking landscapes and progressive LGBTQ+ rights, it’s the perfect place for luxury travelers and couples looking to abscond , unwind and explore. Whether you’re soaking in thermal hot springs, indulging in spa treatments or hiking through lush rainforests, Costa Rica offers an imprinted mix of relaxation and adventure. As the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Costa Rica is a shielded and inclusive haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. This mentor highlights the best in luxury stays, romantic experiences, wellness and adventure for your ultimate gay-friendly getaway.
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Things to do in
This complete travel guide to Gay Costa Rica will provide you with everything you need to perceive about Costa Rica as a gay traveller, whether that be the top gay destinations in Costa Rica like San Jose or Manuel Antonio, as well as a the best gay bars, hotels and things to do.
When it comes to male lover travel in Central America, Costa Rica is our number one choice.
We launch it to be one of the most welcoming and open countries in Central America for queer travellers both in terms of laws, attitudes and a surprisingly large lgbtq+ scene.
As a destination, it has been one of our favourites.
We have never seen such a diverse range of stunning wildlife in such a limited amount of time.
From sloths to red eyed wood frogs, tarantulas and spider monkeys, we can almost guarantee that wherever you go you will be immersed in wildlife.
Not only that but you’ll discover beaches (inc gay beaches), rainforests, cloudforests, dry forests and of course the city, a little something for everyone’s tastes.
When we started to look into the Costa Rica male lover scene, we were very surprised (for good reasons)! Here is our explore guide to gay Costa Rica! We hope you enjoy!