There are a handful of bars that host drag shows later in the evening, the most popular stops being Dionisio, Burdel and Farinelli. Nightlife kicks off in the early evening on the terrace of the popular bar/restaurant Station Bar Bar 105 is another popular choice thanks to their tasty pisco sours. The best road trips in Chile: From Patagonia to the Atacama Desert The eclectic décor resembles something from an LSD trip or Alice in Wonderland, and the establishment's self-proclaimed theme is “Peruvian Transvestite Kitchen” – what the website explains is a "tribute to the apocryphal Peruvian miracle-worker followed by immigrants, prisoners, homosexuals, transsexuals and transvestites, where marginalized rage is welcomed and transformed into balm for tolerance and respect." The food at Sarita Colonia is delicious, too.
Santiago’s gay scene is large and mainly congregated into one area called Bellavista, which harbors a mix of bars, clubs and restaurants. One of Santiago’s most famous restaurants is the gay-owned Sarita Colonia. Chilean society outside of the big cities does remain very conservative, with a strong influence from the Catholic Church. As a sign of solidarity with its LGBTIQ+ community, the Palacio de la Moneda (the formal office of the president) in central Santiago lights up with rainbow colors on May 17 for the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
In just a few decades, Chile has quickly evolved to having major gay events and a strong queer culture, and in December 2021 passing marriage equality laws in a landslide vote. All the rooms are open on Saturday nights, and the entry of 48,000 pesos ($16/£12) allows you to access all areas and includes an open bar until 2am.Ī colorful sidewalk scene in the Bellavista neighborhood in Santiago © John Elk / Getty Images Santiago, ChileĬhile has come a long way since the dark days of the oppressive Pinochet years between 19, when LGBTIQ+ people were detained and reportedly killed in high numbers. The complex is split into 13 mini clubs spread over 5 floors, and each one has its own theme. The main highlight of Bogotá's gay scene is the mega-club Theatron, the largest LGBTQ club in South America. The capital city, Bogotá, is an excellent destination for LGBTIQ+ travelers who will find a welcoming scene in the Chapinero neighborhood, home to gay hangouts like the bar/restaurants El Recreo de Adán and Estación Cafe. It is, however, worth noting that the machismo attitude still persists quite strongly in rural areas, particularly by the coast. Thanks to its cultural diversity, Colombian society tends to be open and tolerant despite being so staunchly Catholic. Wander the winding walkways of Bogotá's Candelaria neighborhood © Krzysztof Dydynski / Getty Images Bogotá, Colombiaīogotá, Colombia's bustling capital city, has undergone a massive transition over the past 20 years. If you need a respite from the busy market, the nearby Pride Cafe is the perfect place for a few afternoon cocktails. Travelers shouldn't miss the Sunday market at San Telmo, as they'll be treated to live tango performances in the streets, and of course, many souvenirs to buy.
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The writers take in the view in Buenos Aires © Nomadic Boys / Lonely Planet Buenos Aires, ArgentinaĪrgentina is socially liberal compared to most of its neighbors – it was the first country in South America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, and the ruling also included full adoption rights.Ĭonsequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. Each November, the city hosts a large Pride festival that attracts over 100,000 people, and the government also invests in and supports the LGBTIQ+ community – an international gay business and LGBT tourism conference called Network360 takes place every August along with the BADiversa week, which includes a variety of festivals, events and concerts.