fbpx

Subscribe to our Gay Travel Newsletter here

Ecuador Gay Travel

A gay cruise through Ecuador's Galapagos Islands will show you nature as it once was.

Situated on the equator (hence its name), Ecuador and the Galapagos have incomparable opportunities to evolve divine ecosystems (though they were ironically celebrated by the Father of Evolution, Charles Darwin). This is a traveller’s paradise, home to an archipelago thousands of miles from everyday life and one of the most biodiverse places on earth.


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: Quito
  • Currency: American Dollar (USD)
  • Languages: Spanish, with several indigenous languages recognized
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: November & June

LGBT Rights in Ecuador

Gay Ecuador Travel

Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

More Info

It’s an exciting time to be gay in Ecuador. Though it’s a conservative, Catholic-majority nation, the millennial attitude has evolved. Most notably, in June 2019, same-sex marriage became legal. Ecuador was one of the first nations to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and they’ve even outlawed conversion therapy. Interestingly, same-sex couples can’t adopt children, but single gay people can…though straight singles get preferential treatment. There’s progress to be made, but Ecuador is a leading light in South America.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Only legal for singles
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal

Though you’re legally protected from discrimination, you’re not immune from old-fashioned machismo and religious intolerance. While things are progressing quickly, remember that our big gay welcome is new and unevenly distributed here. Be aware when you’re out, especially if by yourself: beware of drinks from strangers, and consider hailing a ride with Uber or Lyft after dark. That said, the nightlife is epic, and Ecuador is a great place to discover.

Gay Villages in Colombia

Solid communities have developed in both the capital of Quito and Guayaquil’s gateway city to the Galapagos Islands. The LGBT community may keep a low profile during the day but know how to blow their hair back once the sun goes down. With the gay scene being so young, many skip the bars and head straight for the clubs late into the night. Consider a disco nap if you’re up for the challenge. Just don’t refer to the crowd as whippersnappers.

Pride Festivals/Events in Colombia

Quito PrideAnnually, in June
Quito Gay Film Festival: Annually in November
Guayaquil PrideAnnually in June

Best Gay Bars in Colombia

Quito: Om Buda Lounge (Gay-Welcoming Lounge)
Quito: Pravda (Karaoke Bar & Disco)
Quito: Tercer Milenio (Nightclub)
Quito: Dionisios (Drag, Cabaret and Comedy)

Best Lesbian Bars in Colombia

Quito: Radar is a gay club that hosts ladies-only nights, but you’ll also feel welcome in most other gay establishments.

5. The Quilotoa Loop

If you’re a fan of hiking, this multi-day trail takes you through the Andes Mountains, beginning and ending at a stunning crater lake.

4. Guayaquil

The second largest city in Ecuador is coming into its own. It even boasts a small gay scene and a pride festival.

3. Quito & La Floresta

Off the tourist path in Quito lies this up-and-coming neighbourhood that gives you an authentic taste of life in Ecuador’s capital city.

2. Isla de la Plata – Silver Island

If time or budget is limited and you can’t make it to the Galapagos, this island is just as spectacular without the crowds and extravagant prices.

1. The Galapagos Islands

We’ve planned an entire cruise around this archipelago. The islands’ isolation has allowed biodiversity to flourish here in a magnificent way.

Best Time to Visit: There’s never a wrong time to visit Ecuador. The temperature rarely dips below 20C/70F, but the best time to snorkel the ocean is between November and June.

Electricity: Type A & Type B sockets

Time Zone: Quito Time (UTC -5), Galapagos Time (UTC-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: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid,  before visiting Ecuador. Talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic to determine if you should take preventative measures.

Visas: Ecuador has an incredibly lenient visa policy. Most visitors staying less than 90 days need a passport valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.

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

It’s an exciting time to be gay in Ecuador. Though it’s a conservative, Catholic-majority nation, the millennial attitude has evolved. Most notably, in June 2019, same-sex marriage became legal. Ecuador was one of the first nations to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and they’ve even outlawed conversion therapy. Interestingly, same-sex couples can’t adopt children, but single gay people can…though straight singles get preferential treatment. There’s progress to be made, but Ecuador is a leading light in South America.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Only legal for singles
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal

Gay Ecuador Travel

Though you’re legally protected from discrimination, you’re not immune from old-fashioned machismo and religious intolerance. While things are progressing quickly, remember that our big gay welcome is new and unevenly distributed here. Be aware when you’re out, especially if by yourself: beware of drinks from strangers, and consider hailing a ride with Uber or Lyft after dark. That said, the nightlife is epic, and Ecuador is a great place to discover.

Gay Villages in Colombia

Solid communities have developed in both the capital of Quito and Guayaquil’s gateway city to the Galapagos Islands. The LGBT community may keep a low profile during the day but know how to blow their hair back once the sun goes down. With the gay scene being so young, many skip the bars and head straight for the clubs late into the night. Consider a disco nap if you’re up for the challenge. Just don’t refer to the crowd as whippersnappers.

Pride Festivals/Events in Colombia

Quito PrideAnnually, in June
Quito Gay Film Festival: Annually in November
Guayaquil PrideAnnually in June

Best Gay Bars in Colombia

Quito: Om Buda Lounge (Gay-Welcoming Lounge)
Quito: Pravda (Karaoke Bar & Disco)
Quito: Tercer Milenio (Nightclub)
Quito: Dionisios (Drag, Cabaret and Comedy)

Best Lesbian Bars in Colombia

Quito: Radar is a gay club that hosts ladies-only nights, but you’ll also feel welcome in most other gay establishments.

Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

5. The Quilotoa Loop

If you’re a fan of hiking, this multi-day trail takes you through the Andes Mountains, beginning and ending at a stunning crater lake.

4. Guayaquil

The second largest city in Ecuador is coming into its own. It even boasts a small gay scene and a pride festival.

3. Quito & La Floresta

Off the tourist path in Quito lies this up-and-coming neighbourhood that gives you an authentic taste of life in Ecuador’s capital city.

2. Isla de la Plata – Silver Island

If time or budget is limited and you can’t make it to the Galapagos, this island is just as spectacular without the crowds and extravagant prices.

1. The Galapagos Islands

We’ve planned an entire cruise around this archipelago. The islands’ isolation has allowed biodiversity to flourish here in a magnificent way.

More Info

Best Time to Visit: There’s never a wrong time to visit Ecuador. The temperature rarely dips below 20C/70F, but the best time to snorkel the ocean is between November and June.

Electricity: Type A & Type B sockets

Time Zone: Quito Time (UTC -5), Galapagos Time (UTC-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: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid,  before visiting Ecuador. Talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic to determine if you should take preventative measures.

Visas: Ecuador has an incredibly lenient visa policy. Most visitors staying less than 90 days need a passport valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.

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


TAILOR-MADE VACATIONS
Plan your dream trip
Tailor-Made Vacation
  • Choose your date

    Choose your date

  • Choose destination

    Choose your destination

  • Tell us what you want to do

    Tell us what you want to do

Learn More



Reviews

Some from our travellers

Eugene L

Of all the trips/tours I have done, this has been the BEST so far!

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Of all the trips/tours I have done, this has been the BEST so far!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Steve & Jim

This is a different kind of gay travel than traditional gay cruises we’ve done before. It was challenging, but great fun.

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

We loved the attention to detail that the team followed to ensure everyone had a great time. This is a different kind of gay travel than traditional gay cruises we’ve done before. A much smaller group, and much more physical activities. We weren’t sure we’d be able to keep up, but it turned out to be fine. We had lots of opportunities for rest breaks and all activities were optional. It was challenging, but great fun.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

David & Jim

The trip provided the right balance between group activities and downtime.

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

A unique once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of the relatively few places on Earth left unscathed by humans. The trip provided the right balance between group activities and downtime. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and there was a good mix of activities over many islands. The ship was well-staffed, and the food was good. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and our host ensured everyone was well taken care of

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Tim B & Joe D

Sorry you missed it, phenomenal destination and host/guides were attentive to guest needs and wants!

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Sorry you missed it, phenomenal destination and host/guides were attentive to guests needs and wants!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

John S

Perfectly well planned and executed!

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Perfectly well planned and executed!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Dave M

Incredible experience

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Incredible experience that perfectly balanced action-packed excursions with relaxing camaraderie.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Barry D

Our trip leaders were extremely attentive

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Very organized… our trip leaders were extremely attentive to individual needs and addressed them.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Howard H

Extraordinarily well-planned and coordinated adventure

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

The destination was spectacular but being able to be there with a great group of men on an extraordinarily well-planned and coordinated adventure made it even more wonderful.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

David D

A terrific itinerary with a great group of travellers

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Out Adventures does an amazing job of bringing together a terrific itinerary with a great group of fellow travellers. It was amazing how much we were able to see and do while still having a good amount of time to kick back, relax, and take it all in!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

John B

Great trip, people and place

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Great trip, people and places. Well organized, relaxed, fun.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Brian Y

Exceeded all of my expectations

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Out Adventures’ gay Galápagos cruise exceeded all of my expectations. Every day is full of activities and the size of the group ensures you fully experience all that the islands have to offer. Where else can you be snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, rays and sharks then hiking along to see iguanas, boobies, and giant tortoises on the same day? I highly recommend this experience to everyone!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Gary D

Top of the list of the dozen out adventures trips I've taken!

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

After 6 years, Galápagos is still the top of the list of the dozen out adventures trips I’ve taken. The diversity of the animals is amazing, but snorkeling with Galapagos and hammerhead sharks that were 30 feet below will always remain a thrilling memory.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP

Steve S

A 15 out of 10!

Galapagos Gay Cruise
Rating:

Absolutely astonishing once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unbelievable encounters with nature, birds, animals and marine species. Fantastic ship with a fabulous crew and a wonderful group of fellow travelers. A 15 out of 10!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
VIEW THIS TRIP
See All Reviews

By using our website, you agree to the Out Adventures Privacy Policy which includes Out Adventures' practices regarding personal data and cookies.    I AGREE