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Costa Rica Gay Travel

National Geographic once described it as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.”

Famous for misty cloud forests, simmering volcanoes, and boundless biodiversity, Costa Rica is also home to San José, where nightlife rivals the country’s wildlife. After abolishing its army in 1949 to fund education and prevent civil war, the country nourished its reputation as the eco-tourism capital of the world. Today, vast swaths of the country are covered in rainforests, national parks, and protected beaches. And the nation’s rallying cry is now Pura Vida. Translating to ‘Pure Life,’ your entire state of being will be infused by the ensuring spirit. You’ll find the phrase makes a fitting refrain for everything from dancing in San José’s gay discos to zip-lining through a cloud forest to surfing in Tamarindo.


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: San José
  • Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
  • Languages: Spanish
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: Dec–Apr

LGBT Rights in Costa Rica

Gay Costa Rica Travel

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

More Info

In 2015, Costa Rica made history as the first Central American country to recognize same-sex marriage. While many legal battles are still being fought in the courts, and the average Costa Rican maintains a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ attitude towards homosexuality, the country overall is quite welcoming.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Unknown
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts

Manuel Antonio has been an LGBTQ+ hot spot for decades, boasting parties, a queer resort, and the only LGBTQ+ bar outside the capital city. Speaking of San José, queer travellers who decide to enjoy a weekend here before diving into the country’s rainforests and coastlines will be pleasantly surprised by the nightlife. The city features popular gay bars and clubs that spin everything from electro to Top 40 and, of course, locally-beloved Latin pop. There’s even a lesbian-owned bar that attracts plenty of chicas who like chicas. 

Gay Villages in Costa Rica:
San José: No gay village, per se. But most LGBTQ+ businesses are peppered through the neighbouring Merced, El Carmen, and Gonzalez Lahmann districts.

Pride and Gay Events in Costa Rica:
San José: First gay Pride was in 2019

Best Gay Bars in Costa Rica:
San José: Zona Rosa (Dive bar atmosphere)
San José: Club Venue (Young crowd, different rooms have different music)
San José: Club El Teatro (Young crowd, large dance club)
San José: Puchos Mens Club (Bar with sexy dancers)
San José: Oráculo, Bar and Grill (Mixed crowd, fetish bar)
San José: El 13 (More upscale lounge)

Best Gay Beaches in Costa Rica:
Manuel Antonio: Playa Espadilla near the surfing area (on the opposite end from Manuel Antonio National Park)
Guanacaste: Tamarindo Beach, famous for its surfing, and nearby Langosta beach for those that prefer it a bit less crowded.

5. San José
Often overshadowed by the country’s natural wonders, San José has come into its own as a cultural destination. 

4. Manuel Antonio National Park
The country’s smallest national park may be one of its most exciting. It doesn’t hurt that the town of Manuel Antonio is also an LGBTQ+ hotspot. 

3. Bagaces
Northwestern Costa Rica features some of the country’s best wildlife sightings.

2. Playa Tamarindo
This sunny Pacific beach is well-known among surfers. It also happens to have some top-notch snorkelling. 

1. Arenal Volcano National Park
This brilliant and sprawling national park is an eco-adventurer’s dream. In the midst of nearly 30,000 acres of humid rainforest, stands an imposing volcano that could double as a Bond villain’s secret lair. Visitors are welcome to hike the volcano, join a hanging bridge tour, paddle the nearby lake, or slip into the park’s numerous hot springs.

Best Time to Visit: We recommend booking your vacation during the dry season (Dec–Apr). Accommodations may be pricier, but you’ll have far less rain than you will in the “green” season.

Electricity: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A and B sockets. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/costa-rica for more information.

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, some travellers may be required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations. 

Visas: A visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to Costa Rica for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
LGBT Rights in Costa Rica

In 2015, Costa Rica made history as the first Central American country to recognize same-sex marriage. While many legal battles are still being fought in the courts, and the average Costa Rican maintains a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ attitude towards homosexuality, the country overall is quite welcoming.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Unknown
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts

Gay Costa Rica Travel

Manuel Antonio has been an LGBTQ+ hot spot for decades, boasting parties, a queer resort, and the only LGBTQ+ bar outside the capital city. Speaking of San José, queer travellers who decide to enjoy a weekend here before diving into the country’s rainforests and coastlines will be pleasantly surprised by the nightlife. The city features popular gay bars and clubs that spin everything from electro to Top 40 and, of course, locally-beloved Latin pop. There’s even a lesbian-owned bar that attracts plenty of chicas who like chicas. 

Gay Villages in Costa Rica:
San José: No gay village, per se. But most LGBTQ+ businesses are peppered through the neighbouring Merced, El Carmen, and Gonzalez Lahmann districts.

Pride and Gay Events in Costa Rica:
San José: First gay Pride was in 2019

Best Gay Bars in Costa Rica:
San José: Zona Rosa (Dive bar atmosphere)
San José: Club Venue (Young crowd, different rooms have different music)
San José: Club El Teatro (Young crowd, large dance club)
San José: Puchos Mens Club (Bar with sexy dancers)
San José: Oráculo, Bar and Grill (Mixed crowd, fetish bar)
San José: El 13 (More upscale lounge)

Best Gay Beaches in Costa Rica:
Manuel Antonio: Playa Espadilla near the surfing area (on the opposite end from Manuel Antonio National Park)
Guanacaste: Tamarindo Beach, famous for its surfing, and nearby Langosta beach for those that prefer it a bit less crowded.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

5. San José
Often overshadowed by the country’s natural wonders, San José has come into its own as a cultural destination. 

4. Manuel Antonio National Park
The country’s smallest national park may be one of its most exciting. It doesn’t hurt that the town of Manuel Antonio is also an LGBTQ+ hotspot. 

3. Bagaces
Northwestern Costa Rica features some of the country’s best wildlife sightings.

2. Playa Tamarindo
This sunny Pacific beach is well-known among surfers. It also happens to have some top-notch snorkelling. 

1. Arenal Volcano National Park
This brilliant and sprawling national park is an eco-adventurer’s dream. In the midst of nearly 30,000 acres of humid rainforest, stands an imposing volcano that could double as a Bond villain’s secret lair. Visitors are welcome to hike the volcano, join a hanging bridge tour, paddle the nearby lake, or slip into the park’s numerous hot springs.

More Info

Best Time to Visit: We recommend booking your vacation during the dry season (Dec–Apr). Accommodations may be pricier, but you’ll have far less rain than you will in the “green” season.

Electricity: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A and B sockets. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/costa-rica for more information.

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, some travellers may be required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations. 

Visas: A visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to Costa Rica for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.


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Reviews

Some from our travellers

Christopher R

Everything was excellent and ran smoothly

Costa Rica: Gay Eco-Adventure
Rating:

The experience, the accommodations, the people, and the food – Everything was excellent and ran smoothly

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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Doug M

Some of the most vivid sensual experiences of my life

Costa Rica: Gay Eco-Adventure
Rating:

Some of the most vivid sensual experiences of my life. Soaking near waterfalls in absolute peace at the Rio Perdido River, a catamaran excursion in Tamarindo that brought tears to my eyes, the guides for organic farming, plant life in Rio Perdido, and facing mortality on the zipline and being saved by open-hearted young Costa Rican men!

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