Gay Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica houses a wealth of travel options for people of all sexual orientations. As the Central American nation that is most accepting of the gay community, Costa Rica has also cultivated a small tourism niche offering vacation packages, hotels and even beaches dedicated specifically to the gay community.

Several gay travel agencies offer theme tours and packages to the country focusing on clients’ particular interests from adventure travel to relaxation and romance. Of the gay-oriented hotels and bars that exist, most are located in the Quepos, Manuel Antonio region in the Central Pacific, including the gay-only hotels La Plantacion, Hotel Casa Blanca, Hotel Villa Roca and gay-owned Hotel del Mar. Many people also choose to travel to this area to visit the famed mostly gay nude beach Playita.

In San Jose, the gay nightlife is abundant and varies from the quiet Café Mundo, an artsy bar/restaurant set in a large old Mansion in Barrio Amon, to La Avispa, a giant disco pumping Latin beats. Although neither bar is strictly gay oriented, the clientele usually is. Club Oh! is a great place to go for electronic tunes, while Al Despiste and Bochinche feature live shows, the former catering to a slightly older crowd.

Gay-only hotels in San Jose include the Joluva Guesthouse in Barrio Amon and Colours Oasis Resort on the other side of town in Rohrmoser, both of which offer fun atmospheres and a comfortable retreat close enough to enjoy the busy city center and all the nightlife that the city offers.

In Costa Rican society homosexuals are openly accepted and a common reality in most urban and touristy areas. While civil unions are still illegal among same sex partners, the debate has been brought to the Legislative Assembly for discussion in recent months, which is a big step for a Catholic nation. While the overall public opinion may still oppose certain legal rights for same sex couples, homophobia is not a big problem in the country, and gay tourists have not reported any form of discrimination.