Gay resorts costa rica
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However when it comes to gay destinations in Costa Rica both its capital city, San Jose and the coastal town of Manuel Antonio are on equal footing.
A third option to explore is Puerto Viejo, however please don’t restrict your travel to these places alone, I felt comfortable everywhere during our trip to Costa Rica.
GaySan Jose
If you are flying to Costa Rica, you are likely to be flying in to San Jose.
Open displays of affection are generally fine in gay-friendly zones.
Thriving queer culture: Larger cities have active LGBTQ+ scenes with bars, clubs, and events catering to the community.
Mixed public opinion: While acceptance is growing, there’s still some societal resistance to full LGBTQ+ equality, but the tide is turning.
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This complete travel guide to Gay Costa Rica will provide you with everything you need to know about Costa Rica as a gay traveller, whether that be the best 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 gay travel in Central America, Costa Rica is my number one choice.
I found it to be one of the most welcoming and open countries in Central America for gay travellers, both in terms of laws, attitudes, and a surprisingly large gay scene.
As a destination, it has been one of my favourites.
I have never seen such a diverse range of stunning wildlife in such a short amount of time.
From sloths to red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas, and spider monkeys, I can almost guarantee that wherever you go you will be immersed in wildlife.
Not only that but you’ll find beaches (inc gay beaches), rainforests, cloudforests, dry forests and of course the city, a little something for everyone’s tastes.
When I started to look into the Costa Rica gay scene, I was very surprised (for good reasons)!
Guests of Pacuare can throw away their gadgets for the week as the rooms here are electricity-free. Thanks.
P.s don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, YouTube page and Instagram to see more and keep up to date!
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Whether you’re into beach volleyball or art exhibits, ELLA’s got something for everyone.Beach Parties
Costa Rica’s LGBTQ+ friendly areas like Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Tamarindo are famous for their year-round beach parties.
Owned by artists, the Finca takes pride in its playful design, featuring a number of murals, mosaics and sculptures to complement the organic layout that blends seamlessly with nature. But if you don’t mind a bit of rain, visiting during the “green season” (May to November) can mean fewer tourists and lush, vibrant landscapes.
And if you’re in San José in June, don’t miss the main Pride event—it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Top LGBTQ+ Events in Costa Rica
If you’re looking to experience Costa Rica’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, you’re in for a treat.
I felt perfectly safe while I was here and at night, used Uber to be extra safe.
The gay bars in San Jose were some of the best and there is a new gay hotel near San Jose to chekc out.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a relatively small seaside town, immersed in lush jungle, home to the most visited national park in Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio National Park) and offers lots of exhilarating adventure activities.
The harbour area has seen a lot of development and it has been tagged as the ‘Miami of Costa Rica’ so perhaps it is no surprise that gay tourists are attracted here!
It’s a fantastic platform to connect, celebrate diversity, and soak up some culture. Oxygen Jungle Villas
Oxygen Jungle Villas is one for the adults-only, offering an intimate jungle-side escape in a tranquil Uvita location. Costa Rica is one of the most gay friendly countries in Central America.
Here is a little bit of history on why Costa Rica is a gay friendly country.
In the last ten years, gay marriage was a hot topic for the presidential elections.
Sing along/dance along to the nightly live music. For a vacation spot that mixes beauty, comfort, and inclusivity, Costa Rica’s got your back.
Ready to discover the best gay resorts in Costa Rica? Finca Rosa Blanca
Another of the best places to stay in Costa Rica is the Finca Rosa Blanca, this time elevated in the highlands above San Jose as a hidden eco-resort among mango trees, coffee bushes and all manner of wildlife.
But don’t worry—there’s plenty of room here to feel comfortable and be yourself.
Gay Bars in Costa Rica Worth Visiting
Costa Rica’s gay scene is small but mighty, with the best spots found in San José and Manuel Antonio. Complimentary breakfasts are best enjoyed alongside the villa’s panoramic deck, and while a day spent by the pool and hot tub is surely a must, a number of excursions also await.
Imagine a building so stunning it makes you stop in your tracks—finished in 1897, this theater isn’t just for show; it hosts everything from concerts to ballets. Those who don’t want to leave the hotel however are in luck, thanks to fusion restaurant 02 which serves up fresh local produce over candlelight, to be washed down with their signature hierbabuena cocktail poolside.
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Sunday afternoons Teva hosts a fun pool party with Gaytours, open to the public.
Book here
Hotel Banana Azul – Puerto Viejo
We stayed at Hotel Banana Azul and can’t say enough good things about it. Like many of the all-inclusive resorts Costa Rica has to offer, Casa Chameleon is big on sustainability, using solar energy to heat the pool and conducting monthly beach clean-ups.
With more time to explore, rent a 4X4 for surfing in Dominical and snorkelling in Marino Ballena National Park before dining in Ojochal one evening. We also saw plenty of wildlife including the famous red eyed tree frog!
White Water Rafting – Wave Expeditions
We were super excited to go white-water rafting with Wave Expeditions– an activity we had been keen to do!
This was really well organised, and led by fun, knowledgeable guides.
This beach town isn’t just beautiful—it’s gained the title of being the “Best Gay-Friendly Beach in Costa Rica.” Many resorts here cater to LGBTQ+ travelers with special packages and events.
Plus, there’s vibrant nightlife and a mix of gay-owned and friendly places to stay.
Playa Espadilla
Right in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla is where the action happens. The distances between places are quite large and there aren’t any trains.
If you only have a couple of weeks (or less) we highly recommend letting someone else do all the organising for you!
You will see more, be less stressed and probably save money because these type of companies have better rates with hotels, activities and transport.
Gaycations Costa Rica
We came across Gaycations Costa Rica when we stayed at the gay owned and gay friendly Banana Azul.
We recommend seeing as many different places as possible.
However, we had a bit of trouble getting from place to place. If you’re around, this is the place to be for a dose of visibility and acceptance.
ELLA International Lesbian Festival
This one’s for the ladies!