Costa Rica has a vibrant culture and various activities you can do. The country is very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. In 2020, the Costa Rican government passed some laws to safeguard same-sex unions, making gay travel safe. With that in mind, you will find Costa Rica a safe place for vacationing as a gay couple.
I always encourage my gay friends to visit Costa Rica. There are many places to visit in Costa Rica where you won’t experience any discrimination as a gay couple. However, it’s essential to note that some areas, especially the rural community, might not be receptive to same-sex relationships.
Key Takeaways
San Jose and Manuel Antonia, and most tourist hot spots, are more welcoming to same-sex couples. However, since the country remains mainly Catholic, the reception is different. Hence, it’s essential to know which areas are gay-friendly and which are not. Here are my key takeaways from the Costa Rica Gay Travel Guide.
- Costa Rica was one of the first Central American countries to recognise the rights of the gay community. The country hosts one of the most significant LGBTQ pride events in June.
- You can safely travel to any part of the country as a gay person without any fear of discrimination. However, please avoid public displays of affection, as most locals might not be so welcoming.
- While San Jose is the most popular with all LGBTQ communities, Manuel Antonio caters more to gays. Both cities host several gay clubs, bars, hotels, and even resorts. Manuel Antonio has several beaches that are gay-friendly.
Can gay couples travel safely in Costa Rica?
Yes, but I would only recommend public displays of affection in major Costa Rican cities or places that are popular with gays. Manuel Antonio, San Jose, Jaco, Tamarindo, Cahuita, La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are the most gay-friendly places in Costa Rica. The older generation of Costa Ricans might not be so welcoming, especially in rural areas.
You’ll find several scenic beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park. Playitas Beach, Playa La Mancha and Playa Espadilla are the most popular with gays and lesbians. It has been a massive attraction for LGBTQ travelers for several years. The center of Playa Manuel Antonio is on a hillside with several gay clubs and hotels. Don’t be surprised to see the gay flag on several establishments.
Some travel companies focus on attracting the gay and lesbian community to Costa Rica. Several Costa Rican gay business owners and others supporting the gay community have formed a gay chamber of commerce. Many are in the hospitality industry, where they train the staff on diversity and inclusion.
Gay-Friendly Accommodation Options
While LGBTQ+ communities are highly welcome in most Costa Rican tourist areas, some accommodation options might not be so receptive. Many hotels might frown on people of the same sex sharing a bed or even booking a hotel room as a couple. Fortunately, some people who support the gay community have gay-friendly accommodation options.
Jungle Gayborhood
It is an exclusive LBGTQ+ retreat and wellness center along Manuel Antonio Coast. Jungle Gayborhood is a four-hour drive from San Jose Airport or 60 minutes from Quepos Airport. You can get a flight from San Jose Airport to Quepos. Alternatively, take a bus to Dominical or San Isidro and afterwards take a taxi.
Jungle Gay Borhood has ten cabins and five bamboo treehouses. The retreat has a bamboo house where you can relax. Accommodation options at The retreat center include:.
- King Jungle Cabin: It has a king- and queen-size bed.
- Private deluxe cabin with a king-size bed.
- four-bed shared jungle cabin: Comprises four twin-size beds.
All the cabins have full mosquito net meshing, fans, lights, desks, power, linens and comfortable beds. There is an onsite restaurant, free parking, and a garden. Free WiFi is available for all its guests.
Activities at Jungle Gayborhood include yoga, breathwork and meditation classes. All these facilities overlook the Diamante waterfalls. The retreat center is 13 km from Nauyaca Waterfalls and Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hotel Villa Roca
Hotel Villa Roca is a gay-friendly adult-only resort on the outskirts of Manuel Antonia village. It is between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Manuel Antonia Islands, and the surrounding tropical forests. You will wake up to birds singing and monkeys calling.
The hotel/resort has 12 rooms and five apartments. It has a shared jacuzzi and an infinity-edge pool. After 10:00 AM, the pool is clothing-optional. All rooms have a terrace or balcony with excellent ocean or tropical forest views. The complimentary breakfast is simple but enough to set you off.
The Hotel Villa Roca staff can arrange gay tours. Several good restaurants are near the hotel if you want a change of cuisine.
Colors Oasis Resort
At the heart of San Jose is the Colors Oasis Resort, which is gay-friendly and welcomes visitors from different backgrounds. It is a 25-minute drive from San Jose Airport. The resort has 25 rooms with varying prices and modern amenities. Its location is ideal, as it’s at the center of several gay clubs and bars for vibrant nightlife.
Colors Oasis Resort offers the following amenities:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Exercise room
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
Breakfast is made-to-order if you’re a guest at the resort. Attractions near Color Oasis Resort include La Sabana Park, the Natural Science Museum La Salle, and the National Stadium of Costa Rica.
Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve
As a luxurious, eco-friendly adults-only hotel and resort, the hotel offers a five-star experience to LGBTQ+ travelers. You can choose among villas, suites, and studios, each with modern amenities and beautifully furnished spaces. Gaia Hotel is on a 15-acre piece of land on Manuel Antonio beach.
The resort has 22 suites and villas spread over three buildings. Amenities include terraces, free Wi-Fi, cable-connected smart TVs, minibars, coffee makers, and closets. You can have all your meals at the onsite restaurant.
The main facilities at the hotel are listed in the table below.
| Facilities within Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve | |
| 2 swimming pools | Business center |
| 3 wading pools | Banquet facilities |
| 5 resting and tanning areas | Pool bar |
| Spa facilities with 8 treatment rooms | Free on-site parking |
| Laundry and dry cleaning services | |
Coyaba Tropical Elegant Adult Guest House
The guest house comprises two Spanish Colonial buildings with eight rooms and is ideal if you want a more intimate place. It is two hours and 30 minutes from San Jose Airport. All the rooms are uniquely different and have modern facilities. You can get airport shuttle services at an additional fee.
Enjoy all your meals at the onsite restaurant that caters for various cuisines. You can also request private dining or room service. Have your cocktails at the bar as you unwind for the evening. Amenities in each room include the following:.
- Safety deposit boxes and mini-fridges
- Hot water showers
- In-room complimentary WiFi
- A seating area
Coyaba Guest House is a 10-minute drive from Manuel Antonio Park. It is also amidst the tropical rainforests and beaches at Quepos.
Gay-Friendly Restaurants and Clubs
San Jose has a vibrant gay nightlife. Visit La Avispa, a popular gay bar, and the El Steinvorth Cultural Center. Various restaurants and clubs in San Jose usually offer special packages for LGBTQ events in town.
At Manuel Antonia, visit the Liquid Lounge and El Faro, which are friendly gay establishments. In Cahuita, gay-friendly establishments include Coco’s Bar and Miss Edith’s restaurant.
Coco Loco Disco Bar, Salsa Brava, and La Sula Sea Lounge are gay-friendly places where you can have meals and have a good time at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
While in San Jose, make sure to explore the Best Gay Cruising Spots in San Jose.
Conclusion
Costa Rica is one of the countries that I usually recommend to my gay friends who need a vacation or would like to be digital nomads. The country has legislation protecting the rights of same-sex couples.
Which were the best places to stay or visit as a gay person in Costa Rica? Please share your experience.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
