How Gay-Friendly is Costa Rica?

[il_admin]

David G. Says:

My husband and I are considering a move to Costa Rica. How gay-friendly is it?

[bekahbottone]

Hi David,

Costa Rica, being a Catholic country, is socially conservative for the most part. However, the tide is changing.

Same-s*x marriage was legalized in May 2020 under President Carlos Alvarado Quesada’s administration. It is one of the first countries in Latin America to not only recognize same-s*x marriage, but to legalize it.

The Costa Rican people (especially in the cities and in the international expat communities) continue to be welcoming towards expats and tourists, regardless of sexual preferences or gender identification. However, in the more rural areas, it is still best to avoid obvious public displays of affection.

There is a large LGBTQ scene around San José, where you can find a variety of bars and events supporting the community. An online search can point you in the right direction. Each year, the city hosts a big pride parade and event.

Manuel Antonio, on the Central Coast, continues to be the number one alternate lifestyle tourist destination. There you will find hotels, bars, and tours catering to this growing tourism demand.

Tamarindo, on the Gold Coast, hosted the country’s first ever Glitter Festival to promote diversity in Guanacaste tourism. It also recently opened a popular gay bar further cementing this Guanacaste beach area as an LGBTQ-friendly option in the country. It’s reopened for the season as of last weekend, and its drag shows are reportedly super fun.