Discover Chile’s amazing sites and unforgettable experiences for LGBT+ Travelers
Chile is one of the most stable and developed countries in Latina America, as well as a great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
December 7, 2021 marked a milestone as same sex marriage was finally approved. Chile is also considered one of the safest destinations for the community. Wine lovers know that Chile produces some of the finest wines worldwide. Northern and Southern regions are home to some of the best wine valleys with an array of varieties that can be enjoyed. One of the most famous places to visit for tantalizing wine experiences is The Casablanca Wine Valley, famous for its amazing vineyards that produce an array of award-winning whites and light reds. A number of these wineries also have some of the best restaurants in Latin America, with pairing menus that will undoubtedly melt your palate.
The gay seen is concentrated mostly in Santiago, being the largest city in the country with approximately 30% of its national population. Nonetheless, there are other cities where you’ll find gay bars, restaurants, along with gay friendly spots.The southern city of Pucón, an incredible destination in the Lake Region, has Chile’s first gay hotel which is a must-stay when visiting.
WHY VISIT AND WHEN TO COME?
Chile is known as the long skinny country and is considered to be one of the longest in the world from north to south. It offers a unique variety of landscapes that range from the driest deserts located in Atacama, to the Chilean Patagonia and Antarctic, where visitors experience some of the most extreme weather known to man. During the winter Chile offers world-class skiing located in different points of the Andes Mountains, with first rate ski centers. Chile is visited mostly during the summer, December, January & February, and in winter June, July & August.
Check Out The Best tours & Itineraries in Chile!
HOTTEST DESTINATIONS IN CHILE FOR LGBT+ TRAVELERS
Santiago
Santiago has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene for visitors to experience, especially the Bohemian Bellavista, Bellas Artes and Lastarria neighborhoods. There, people will be able to wet their whistles with delicious local drinks, world-class Chilean wines, and immerse their palates with tantalizing cuisine. For those looking to live it up at night, Bellavista offers a great variety of bars, discos and unforgettable drag shows. Wine lovers can experience some of the best wines by visiting beautiful vineyards in nearby wine valleys. Cajón del Maipo is a valley that takes you deep into the Andes where people can be mesmerized by its flora and fauna, as well as the amazing views of these young mountains. Along the way you might even see some glaciers on the mountain tops.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, World Heritage Site, is a quaint port city surrounded by hills landscaped with colorful architecture, unique street art and a lively vibe. The best way to get to know this city is by putting on some comfortable shoes and strolling around the hills and by taking 100+ year old hillside elevators. While there, people can take advantage of enjoying fresh and tasty Chilean fish and seafood.
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a small town located high on the plateau of the Andes Mountains and home to the driest desert in the world. It is surrounded by truly magnificent landscapes that include salt flats, moon valley, rainbow valley and geysers. The Atacama Desert is also known for some of the best star gazing in the world and visitors have different ways to experience it, be it by looking up at the night skies or by visiting some of the observatories located in high remote places.
Patagonia - Torres del Paine
The Chilean Patagonia is known worldwide for its natural beauty and unique geography, that makes it an ideal place to connect with nature, while enjoying the tranquility of its pampas and mountains. Torres del Paine, with its three majestic peaks, offers a unique opportunity for adventure travelers to experience incredible trekking and hiking in one or all of its challenging circuits. The Chilean Patagonia is also famous for its lush lakes and vast glaciers, easily appreciated while navigating turquoise-colored waters. Puerto Natales is the Gateway to The Torres del Paine National Park. It is a small city that has developed an interesting variety of cuisines, along with a host of local products to choose from, as well as entertaining places to visit.
Easter Island
To spend a few days in Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, is a dream for many. In this paradisaical place visitors will be able to enjoy incredible beaches, discover marvelous landscapes, and get to know the local culture first hand. Along with tradicional artistry and cuisine, people will be able to see the exotic and mysteryous Moais. These amazing volcanic rock statues were created by the ancient Rapa Nui people, between the 13th and 15th centuries. All of the activities and experiences are accompanied by landscapes that are transformed into true postcard images that will be engrained in the imaginations of all who visit.
LOCAL CUISINE
For those that enjoy surf and not turf, Chilean fish and seafood is second to none with a variety of delicacies that only come from Chilean waters. Most restaurants offer many of the local fish, with a selection from different regions. Chilean cuisine also has a tasty variety of dishes based on corn, legumes and certainly beef. A highly recommended iconic dish that people need try is “Curanto”, a combination of fish, shellfish and meats cooked in a large pot, in a hole dug from the earth and covered. Chilean wines that range from classic whites to sophisticated blends of reds can be enjoyed with most dishes. And with all of the wine valleys that span throughout the country, it’s no wonder why they are considered world class.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LGBTQ+ VISITORS TO CHILE
Even though Chilean society is mostly Catholic, Chile is considered an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, especially with the government’s open recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. With same sex marriage, Chile continues to take strides that allows the LGBTQ+ community to move forward, more openly. Most hotels are also LGBTQ+ friendly, especially the more-known international chains. As in many countries, there is a certain level of homophobia in Chile, more so in traditional regions. For this reason, it is recommended that travelers be aware of this and remain cautious, with acts such as public affection.
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