Gay Travel in Costa Rica

Gay and lesbian tourists visiting Costa Rica experience a warm and welcoming environment, in one of the world’s most well-equipped and hospitable tropical destinations for gay travelers.

Gay Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an extremely comfortable destination for gay and lesbian travelers, both in the capital city and among the country’s idyllic beach resorts. Adventure travel activity and tours oriented toward gays and lesbians are common, while a highly tolerant local attitude makes being gay in Costa Rica fun, and hassle free.

Gay Friendly Areas

While all of Costa Rica is gay friendly, the most highly developed gay-friendly tourism area outside of San José is Quepos, the breathtaking beach resort town lining the border of Manuel Antonio National Park. Here is where many gay and lesbian expatriates and vacationers congregate. In San José, the gay bar and restaurant scene is safe and active. This is the best spot for gays and lesbians who wish to experience a much more local flavor.

Activities

Both gay singles and couples can enjoy numerous things to do in Costa Rica, from the vibrant nightlife scene in San José – with saunas, dance clubs, gay bars and restaurants – to hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, surfing, spas, luxury resorts and more.

Lodging

Gays are welcome with open arms in Costa Rica. There are a number of lodging options in Costa Rica that accommodate gays. This is thanks, in part, to the large influx of Europeans and North American entrepreneurs who have come to Costa Rica to found gay friendly hotels, bed and breakfast inns and guest houses. Many owners of gay and lesbian friendly properties are gay themselves. The highest concentration of gay lodging locales can be found in Quepos and San José.

Local Attitudes

Costa Rica has witnessed incredible progress in a very short period of time. A series of recent Supreme Court decisions have ensured protections for gays in Costa Rica, and as a result the capital city of San José is home to a burgeoning gay scene. While traditional Roman Catholic family values, coupled with a strong current of machismo, is a continuing obstacle for local gays and lesbians – especially in rural areas – rapid progress has made tolerance a mainstream ideal.

It is extremely rare for gay tourists to experience any sort of hostility, and gay travelers consistently find Costa Rica to be pleasant and comfortable. While Costa Ricans’ are generally known for their respect and hospitality, there is an added awareness that gay travelers provide a strong contribution to the local economy.

Adventure Tours

Exploring the vast jungles of Costa Rica on horseback or hiking out to remote, hidden waterfalls, kayaking on white water rapids or heading off road on 4wd or ATVs, Costa Rica offers a vast selection of entertaining adventure tours for gay vacationers. Packages often include cocktail parties, luxurious accommodations, saunas and plenty of free time.

Gay Beaches

La Espadilla is a stunningly beautiful nude beach next to the gay friendly resort town of Quepos. It is a bit secluded, which means that getting there requires a quick half-hour hike – be prepared to scramble over a few boulders just before arriving at the beach. Closer by, and with more crowds (although quite beautiful as well) is the gay friendly La Playita beach, close to many of the gay hotels and bed & breakfasts of Quepos.



Gay Travel Resource for Costa Rica
Frommers – Gay Locales in Costa Rica
Gay Human Rights – Costa Rica
Gay Costa Rica [Spanish]
About.com on Gay Travel in Costa Rica
Gay Travel Itinerary in Costa Rica
Global Gayz – Costa Rica
General Resource for Gays and Lesbians Studying Abroad