Chile is a popular destination for gay travel destinations due to its unique geography, which allows travelers to visit volcanoes, enjoy beautiful beaches, ski or snowboard the Andes and spend a night on the town in Santiagos gay district all in the same day. Chile is a country rich in landmarks and varied landscapes including the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the penguin colony at Mirador de Chepu, the Easter Island statues, Elqui Valley in La Serena (which is steeped in legends about extraterrestrial activity) and exquisite architecture and churches that dot the cities, countryside and coastline.
Because of Chiles unique blend of historic, natural and cultural attractions, visitors have many options for planning gay trips, including skiing or snowboarding trips to Andes resorts, Vina del Mar family beach vacations, wine tasting tours, pilgrimages to important Catholic sites and churches, exploring the wilds of Patagonia and learning of ancient island cultures, or urban adventures in Chiles capital, Santiago.
While Chile will certainly not soon be mistaken for a bastion of gay rights, the macho Chilean culture that is deeply influenced by the military and Catholicism is slowly becoming more welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The center of gay culture in Chile lies in Santiago, where folks on a Chilean gay vacation will find the most acceptance and the highest concentration of gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments. The Barrio Bellavista, a trendy neighborhood with quaint cafs, shops, eateries and clubs is home to the majority of Santiagos gay clubs, bathhouses and hangouts. While you will not see rainbow flags hanging from balconies or couples holding hands walking down the street, you will see gay magazines displayed in newsstands and couples enjoying espresso at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafs.
A night on the town in Bellavista often begins around 9 or 10pm with dinner at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, followed by drinks or dancing at one of several gay bars or gay clubs, which can easily go into the early morning hours. Gay travelers have a selection of gay clubs to choose from that range from the typical fare you would find in most urban areas to more risqu options complete with live sex shows. Santiago also has several bathhouses for those who are so inclined, including one slightly upscale option with a clientele made up primarily of professionals. Do keep in mind that playing safe is as important in Chile as it is in the United States.
Santiagos central location in this long, narrow country makes it an ideal choice as a home base for exploring all that Chile has to offer. Because it is also the most welcoming location for gay tours, Santiago is a popular choice for gay vacations. When planning a gay vacation to Chile, working with a travel agency well-versed in gay travel in this region will assist you in designing a memorable vacation that is safe, fun-filled and meets your travel needs whether you are traveling as a group of single friends, a couple or a family.
Because of Chiles unique blend of historic, natural and cultural attractions, visitors have many options for planning gay trips, including skiing or snowboarding trips to Andes resorts, Vina del Mar family beach vacations, wine tasting tours, pilgrimages to important Catholic sites and churches, exploring the wilds of Patagonia and learning of ancient island cultures, or urban adventures in Chiles capital, Santiago.
While Chile will certainly not soon be mistaken for a bastion of gay rights, the macho Chilean culture that is deeply influenced by the military and Catholicism is slowly becoming more welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The center of gay culture in Chile lies in Santiago, where folks on a Chilean gay vacation will find the most acceptance and the highest concentration of gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments. The Barrio Bellavista, a trendy neighborhood with quaint cafs, shops, eateries and clubs is home to the majority of Santiagos gay clubs, bathhouses and hangouts. While you will not see rainbow flags hanging from balconies or couples holding hands walking down the street, you will see gay magazines displayed in newsstands and couples enjoying espresso at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafs.
A night on the town in Bellavista often begins around 9 or 10pm with dinner at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, followed by drinks or dancing at one of several gay bars or gay clubs, which can easily go into the early morning hours. Gay travelers have a selection of gay clubs to choose from that range from the typical fare you would find in most urban areas to more risqu options complete with live sex shows. Santiago also has several bathhouses for those who are so inclined, including one slightly upscale option with a clientele made up primarily of professionals. Do keep in mind that playing safe is as important in Chile as it is in the United States.
Santiagos central location in this long, narrow country makes it an ideal choice as a home base for exploring all that Chile has to offer. Because it is also the most welcoming location for gay tours, Santiago is a popular choice for gay vacations. When planning a gay vacation to Chile, working with a travel agency well-versed in gay travel in this region will assist you in designing a memorable vacation that is safe, fun-filled and meets your travel needs whether you are traveling as a group of single friends, a couple or a family.
About the Author:
Howie Holben administers Spirit Journeys, a spiritually oriented gay travel group. Spirit Journeys provides gay people gay vacations. Find out more regarding spiritual gay trips at SpiritJourneys.com.
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