Costa Rica is not only a great travel destination for its rich biodiversity, it also has become a favorite for LGBT vacations. Keep reading and discover why you should visit our small country on your next holidays.
Costa Rica, an inclusive country
Our small Central American country, famous for its “Pura Vida” is taking very important steps to consolidate itself as an inclusive country.
Last August, the country witnessed one of the most important events in terms of inclusion. The Costa Rica Supreme Court vindicated the advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights that establishes that marriages between persons of the same sex must be recognized and guaranteed without any type of discrimination. Now, the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica, which is the institution responsible for creating bills in our country, and in this specific case those in charge with reforming the Political Constitution, have a period of 18 months to make the necessary adjustments to the law in order to make effective the decision of the court.
Although as mentioned above, this ruling is one of the most important actions for the LGBT community fortunately, it is not the only one.
Last May, the Supreme Electoral Court announced the decision that all people can choose the name they want to appear on their ID without having to comply with their gender. The decision even goes further and eliminated the gender from Costa Rica´s IDs in order to eliminate stigmatization, especially for the transgender population.
Image courtesy of BS Noticias
The current government has also made several efforts to make inclusion a priority in Costa Rican society. Five months ago, President Alvarado signed and Executive Decree which demands that all state institutions modify their documentation, procedures and internal registries of transgender people that wish to change their name, photo or gender. Also, attorney Luis Eduardo Salazar Muñoz was pointed as the Commissioner for Matters Relating the LGBTI population, a new governmental position created to promote and push forward bills and public politics geared towards the recognition of the LGBTI community rights.
LGBTI Commissioner of Costa Rica. Image courtesy of Costa Rica Star / Roberto Carlos Sánchez
An inclusive society means a peaceful and safe destination for LGBT vacations. So, now what should you do, where should you stay and where should you go?
LGBT Vacations
One of the most popular destinations within Costa Rica for LGBT vacations is Guanacaste. Located in the north Pacific Coast, this warm and sunny province has it all! Visit secluded beaches, impressive volcanoes and lush forests, also luxury accommodation options and the best nightlife!
Where to stay?
There are many hotels in Guanacaste that embrace diversity and inclusivity as part of their main values, but one of our favorites is Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
This exclusive boutique hotel is located on the top of a hill boasting 180* ocean views. Stay in one of the 21-villas with private plunge pools and extensive views of the ocean, guaranteeing total intimacy for your LGBT vacation.
Image courtesy of Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
What to do?
If enjoying Costa Rica for the first time, be sure to include the following tours on your next LGBT vacation:
Monteverde Costa Rica Cloud Forest
If nature is your thing, you can´t miss our full-day private tour to the mysterious and rare Cloud Forest in Monteverde. Visit a biozone of 64,250 acres, right on the Continental Divide of the country and an eclectic town of farmers and artists. Monteverde is home to 2.5% of the planet´s biodiversity and 50% of all Costa Rica´s flora and fauna.
Explore this natural treasure in a zip-line tour or calmly hiking the hanging bridges. Also, visit with us a Hummingbird garden, and have lunch in a local farm, where you will get to know the processes of coffee, chocolate and sugarcane production.
Arenal Volcano Adventure Day
Arenal Volcano
This is the perfect full-day tour to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer during your LGBT vacation. Visit a volcano, a waterfall and the rainforest; all in just one day!
The colossus will blow you away from your arrival. The perfectly coned volcano is surrounded by a living lab that you can explore either by zip-lining, through a series of hanging bridges or hiking a private ecological reserve.
This personalized tour offers you the possibility of choosing the 3 activities that best suits your desires.
Hot springs and a visit to the impressive La Fortuna waterfall are also part of the menu.
Guanacaste Essence – Costa Rica cultural tour
If culture and authentic experiences are what you are looking for to experience on your next LGBT vacations, our Guanacaste Essence tour is your fit.
Visit with us a traditional Costa Rica Hacienda, pass by centennial houses that will take you back to the colonial age, and learn about pre-Columbian art visiting “The Pottery Village”.
For lunch, we will visit the historic city of Santa Cruz, which name translates to Holy Cross. This town is considered one of the most valuable in Costa Rica due to its folklore.
If you are planning your next LGBT vacations, be sure to contact us and we can help you plan tailor-made experiences in private tours with the best certified-only bilingual guides and the comfort you deserve.