Costa Rica Gay Travel

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 of 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 the majority of 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: Club Venue (Young crowd, different rooms have different music)
San José: Club El Teatro (Young crowd, large dance club)
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 really 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 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: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.

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.