Gay Guatemala – The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Guatemala - The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Guatemala? We had not been able to find much about ‘gay Guatemala’ at all on Google. However, when we were in Flores, Guatemala, we received an Instagram message from a gay couple living in Guatemala City, Maikel and Jorge. They invited us to take a guided tour of the city and then offered to drive us to Antigua. At first, we were slightly wary as your parents tell you not to meet strangers off the Internet! However, we are very glad we did, and as a result we gained two new friends!

Maikel and Jorge were a lovely couple and we had a great day with them. We learnt a lot about Guatemala City and had a fun tour of the bars with them once we arrived in Antigua. We are very glad that they messaged us! During our day out we asked Maikel and Jorge if we could interview them to learn about being LGBT in Guatemala, here is what they had to say:

Firstly, would you like to introduce yourselves?

We are Jorge and Maikel. We are a gay couple and got married 10 months ago in México City. The marriage ceremony was great and we had all our friends and family there. We have been together for 2.5 years and it has been great so far!

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Guatemala Gay Travel Resources

Gay El Salvador – The Globetrotter Guys

Gay El Salvador - The Globetrotter Guys

Gay El Salvador. We had never heard anything about being LGBT in this part of the world. What we found out was very surprising, in a very positive way! We recently took a 9 day organised tour called ‘Guatemala and Beyond’ which we booked through ST FLY. This took us from Antigua in Guatemala, through Honduras, El Salvador and finished in Nicaragua.

We spent 4 nights in El Salvador and were lucky enough to meet a local gay couple called Pascal and Joaquin who run a successful (and beautiful) hotel called Los Almendros De San Lorenzo in Suchitoto. Pascal and Joaquin have been together for 35 years and have been running Los Almendros for 13. They got married 3 years ago in France as same sex marriage is not legal in El Salvador.

Pascal is originally from France and Joaquin from El Salvador. Joaquin was also the Ambassador for El Salvador in Europe. We found Joaquin and Pascal by typing ‘gay El Salvador’ into google and then ‘gay Suchitoto’. The results showed their hotel being listed on Spartacus and when we looked on the map it was 30 seconds walk from our hotel! We went across to the hotel and found Joaquin who made us feel very welcome. He invited us back later that evening to learn more about gay El Salvador.

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

El Salvador Gay Travel Resources

Gay Friendly Hotels Nicaragua : Casa Lucia Boutique Suites – The Globetrotter Guys

Casa Lucia Boutique Suites - The Globetrotter Guys

After an action-packed 9-day tour full of 5am starts and late nights we were ready to escape from it all once we reached Granada, Nicaragua. Stepping through the door of Casa Lucia, we were immediately confident that we would be able to do just that.

We had stumbled across Casa Lucia after a Google search for “gay friendly hotels Nicaragua”. Not knowing anything about the gay culture and lifestyle in Nicaragua, or even if gay friendly hotels existed, we were keen to find out just how gay friendly the hotel could be.

The Background of Casa Lucia
Casa Lucia is owned by Eloisa, and her sister Arantxa, both from the Caribbean island of Bermuda. The hotel is actively run by Eloisa who is always present onsite as the “manager”, where she is joined by her husband Danilo, locally from Granada.

Back in 2012 whilst visiting Granada as a tourist, Eloisa and Arantxa joined a colonial house tour. This was where they first laid eyes on the property, and it was love at first sight. After spending 2 nights here ourselves, it is pretty easy to see why.

After a year of extensive renovations, Casa Lucia was ready to open its doors to guests as a traditional boutique hotel, with a focus on wellness and yoga, located right in the heart of the colonial city of Granada.

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Nicaragua Gay Travel Resources

Five Interesting Facts About Panama – The Nomadic Boys

Stefan - Balboa Beer - Five Interesting Facts About Panama - Nomadic Boys

We visited Panama as part of our big trip around Latin America, celebrating Stefan’s birthday at the gorgeous Bocas del Toro.

Panama is the most southern of the Central Latin American group of countries, sitting just above Colombia. Interestingly, it is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. Also, the famous canal generates one-third of the country’s entire economy (as does the massive US expat population living there!) We’ve put together our 5 favourite interesting facts about Panama you need to know to give you a flavour for this fascinating tropical Central American country.

The Panama canal
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel. It was initially built by the French in the late 1800s and then completed by the Americans until formally opened on 15 August 1914.

The Canal is a 50 miles (80km) waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Vessels take around 8-10 hours to cross it. It has 3 locks, each with 2 lanes. The easiest to visit is the Mira Flores lock in Panama City, which has also been turned into a visitor center.

At the Mira Flores visitor center you can see the canal live in action: ship comes in, pays the toll, waits, water drains out to lower ship to sea level, canal doors open and ship continues on its way.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Panama Gay Travel Resources

 

Bocas del Toro: Safe for Gay Couples? – The Nomadic Boys

Bocas del Toro - Nomadic Boys

Two gay boys hanging out on Bluff beach with no one around, except a few friendly Golden Retrievers, the palm trees and the gorgeous backdrop of the Caribbean.

We celebrated Stefan’s birthday in Bocas del Toro in Panama, an area with a wide mix of people who do not care about your sexuality. We found it to be very relaxed, with an incredibly tolerant and friendly vibe. Many LGBTQ expats have even chosen Bocas as a place to live or set up a new business, so there’s a handful of gay owned places here to check out.

We absolutely loved our holiday at Bluff Beach and definitely recommend it to other LGBTQ travellers looking for a private and very romantic slice of Caribbean paradise.

Where is Bocas del Toro?

Bocas del Toro province is in northeast Panama on the Caribbean coast and next to the border with Costa Rica. It includes a chain of 9 islands, each with its own unique charm and character. Temperatures here rarely drop below 20 degrees (68 Fahrenheit), and when it rains, it’s just a quick tropical burst of showers before it quickly clears.

Bocas is the main town and transport hub into the region, located on Colon Island. You can reach it via daily flights to/from Panama City (45 mins) or overland by bus from Panama City to Almirante (around 11 hrs), followed by a boat from Almirante (30 mins).

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Panama Gay Travel Resources

Gay Panama City – The Nomadic Boys

gay Panama City - Nomadic Boys

Panama City is often nicknamed The Dubai of Latin America because of its immense economic growth in recent years and impressive dense skyline. But unlike Dubai, this mighty Latin American metropolis has a far more welcoming gay life, in a country where although culturally conservative, is pushing towards civil union equality for gay couples.

Most will associate Panama City with the famous canal, which is a reason alone to visit. The city is also the gateway to some gorgeous tropical beaches within Panama, like San Blas and further afield – Bocas del Toro.

We stayed in Panama City for a week and found it to be a lot of fun, full of things to do, plenty of trendy bars, but most importantly, we left with a thirst to return. This is our gay guide to Panama City following our experience here during our big Latin America trip.

Gay Panama City

Panama a very conservative Catholic country, with a strong influence from Opus Dei. As such, the gay scene in the country is pretty underground in quite dodgy neighbourhoods, with places frequently closing down/changing. When we visited, there were no gay bars and only one official gay club (see below) in Panama City.

Warning: when going out to a gay club in Panama City, doormen are very strict and will only admit you if you have your original ID, preferably your passport. Most LGBTQ locals we met preferred to have private parties, or attend one of the the monthly gay rooftop parties hosted at venues like the Hard Rock Hotel.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Gay Panama City Travel Resources

Panama: Ideal Destination for Discerning Travelers – EcoCircuitos

Panama

Located at the heart of the Americas, Panama City is the most cosmopolitan of the Central American capitals; overflowing with trendy new clubs, cool boutique hotels and gay friendly neighborhoods and attractions. As a long established hub for international business, trade and transportation the City has developed into a modern, busy metropolis attracting visitors from around the world.

LGBT travelers may find Panama City more gay friendly than other Central American countries; many of the main destinations throughout the country are friendly to all visitors and will make LGBT families and travelers feel at home.

PanamaPanama is a safe, stable and friendly country of almost four million inhabitants and 75.517 square kilometers. It is among the most biologically diverse countries on the planet and features a variety of unique ecosystems. With a total of over 2,500 km of coastline on two oceans, 15 national Parks and seven distinct indigenous cultures there is much to explore. Five UNESCO World Heritage sites wait to be discovered.

This short guide will direct you to the best spots in town but keep in mind that nightlife in Panama does not really start after midnight. Have Fun!!

WHAT TO DO IN PANAMA CITY

PanamaPanama City is a cosmopolitan city, a delightful combination of the historic and modern. It is also one of the safest cities in Latin America. There are three Cities: the historical ruins of the 16th Century city named Panama Viejo, the 17th Century Spanish Colonial Casco Antiguo area of the city and the modern skyscraper city with the business district.

Day tour of Panama City – Visit the three cities in one day: the ruins of the 16th century original city, walk the Casco Antiguo colonial city and admire the modern city. Walk the Casco Viejo – Old Quarters at night for bar hoping and amazing gastronomy. There are several roof top bars that will offer an amazing view of the City. Our suggestion: Tantalo, Barlovento, Casa Casco and Casa Jaguar.

The Panama Canal – City tour includes a trip to the Panama Canal. A must-do is a visit to the Visitors Center at Miraflores Locks. And if you want an unforgetable experience, go dining to Atlantic and Pacific Co. Overlooking the Miraflores locks.

The Panama Canal Transits – Only on special schedule, this is a great option for those that interested in the complete history of the Panama Canal and experience crossing the locks in a mini cruise. This is a great adventure with friends.

PanamaAmador Causeway and Biodiversity Museum – A visit to the Amador Causeway is also a good option to admire the spectacular views of the Panama City’s skyline and the Panama Canal. You can bike or walk the area or just enjoy a Panama bear at the restaurants in the Marina. A must to see is the Biodiversity Museum, an architectonic jewel design by Frank Gerhy.

Panama Canal Railway trans-isthmus – Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway, the original transcontinental railway inaugurated in 1855. In special observation cars, the trip takes you across the scenic Isthmus from Panama City on the Pacific, to Colon on the Atlantic Side.

PanamaThe Rainforst Discovery Center in Soberania National Park – The Discovery Center in the Panama Canal Rainforest is open every day from 6.00AM to 4.00PM Climb this 100-foot Observation Tower for a breathtaking view above the forest canopy and hike the trails around the center. You will learn about sustainable practices in this fantastic place. Ideal for couples and families. Our guides are naturalist that will amaze you with great interpretation of the neotropical forest.

Portobello: A picturesque bayside town of with the ruins of Spanish forts and a restored Spanish Colonial treasure house. In Spanish colonial times the Portobello Treasure House was the center for trans-shipment of all the Peruvian gold and treasure taken from Latin America to Spain. Spanish galleons came and went constantly and many fairs were held. That easy heyday ended with the arrival of English pirates like Sir Francis Drake who repeatedly looted Portobellos treasures and brought about its eventual demise. The Portobelo Ruins are a pillar of Spanish colonial times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PanamaFort San Lorenzo: A well preserved fort ruin perched high on a stunning promontory above the Chagres River as it meets the sea. Sir Henry Morgan attacked the fort and made away with booty in 1666. It is essential to go with a tour operator since to date this unusual site has no signs or tourist info of any kind.

Embera Cultural Encounters, Chagres National Park – An unforgettable encounter with a living Indian culture in Panama’s rain forest. Panama is the only place in the world where you can have this experience in a day trip from a major metropolitan city.

PanamaThe tour begins less than 2 hours from Panama City, where you’ll take a motorized canoe up a scenic rainforest river, the only means of transport in the jungle, to an authentic Embera Indian village on river bank deep inside the rainforest. The village consists mostly of the rough wood and palm homes on stilts typical of the jungle Indians. Embera indians will perform a tribal dance offer authentic body paintings, exquisite handicrafts, share a typical meal and explain their way of life, traditions and beliefs.

Handicrafts and shopping – Beautiful boutiques and amazing brands in Casco Antiguo. Try el Valle Sunday Market, the Artisan’s Market and don´t miss the city’s shopping malls, ideals for those looking for brands. Check Multiplaza a high end shopping mall.

Optional day tours from Panama City: kayaking, biking tours, arts tours, sailing tours in San Blas, Beach Escapes to Bocas del Toro and the Gulf of Chiriqui, Azuero and the highlands. For more information click on our website: www.ecocircuitos.com

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Unspoiled Playa Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo - Bay Originally a quiet surf beach and fishing village, Tamarindo has evolved to be the areas most developed and popular tourist destination. Playa Tamarindo or Tamarind Beach is home to many nationalities from around the world living in harmony while continuing to shape the town into a perfect blend of boutique businesses and services designed to provide something for everyone who visits. Our unspoiled beaches are second to none in Central America featuring long wide stretches of sand, coconut trees, tamarind trees, calm and inviting shallow tide pools and world class surf. Playa Tamarindo - SunsetEnjoy evening dinners beach side with your feet in the sand while a world class Chef prepares your meals. After dinner enjoy music and drinks at any of our many small lounges or bars located along the beach and center of town. Despite the town’s recent and ongoing development, it retains the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region. Playa Tamarindo is an excellent destination for individuals, groups and couples seeking to experience the very best Costa Rica has to offer on the Pacific Coast. Providing the driest & sunniest climate in all the country, the warmest months are from December thru April (high season) & things cool down with occasional afternoon or morning showers the rest of the year (green season). Make your next getaway and unforgettable one to Paradise in Central America. Playa Tamarindo - Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel Tamarindo Costa RicaWhen visiting Playa Tamarindo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica make sure you reserve a premium room or suite at the 18+ Adults Only Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel. This brand new, contemporary, eco-friendly designed 10 room hotel combines modern materials & finishes with tropical organic design & architecture. The property offers a private, romantic, discreet and secure setting, just minutes away from the beach, dining, shopping and all local attractions. Offering private concierge service & front desk assistance, daily housekeeping service and complimentary Chef prepared international vegetarian breakfast. During their stay all guest can enjoy the complimentary use of personal beach chairs, coolers, choice of banana style beach cruisers or mountain style bicycles, assorted size and shape surfboards & boogie boards, snorkel gear and personal shopping baskets to use in the local organic food market held on Saturday mornings by the beach.

By Joseph C. Garcia – Visit the Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel Website

Costa Rica Gay Travel Resources

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Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge – Gay San Ignacio, Belize Accommodations

Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge is a gay friendly, green conscious, authentic rainforest ecolodge destination centrally located in the heartland of the Maya and between San Ignacio Town and the Mountain Pine Ridge. Being an authentic naturalist Belize Jungle Lodge our facilities are designed with your comfort in mind with a commitment to having a low impact on the environment. Also, as a sustainable lodge we produce our own electricity and water. Our accommodations in the Cayo District consists of six nicely appointed rustic style cabanas with private baths,soaps, shampoos, linens, hot and cold shower, queen size bed,and some with twin single beds, a private screened deck with seatings, fans, electricity and daily housekeeping. Our Maya Restaurant features farm fresh to table using mostly locally produced organic ingredients. we offer a fusion of Belizean, Italian, American, Asian and Mexican dishes. The Tribal Bar serving an assortment of imported and locally produced liquors, wines, beers and cocktails. Our tropical cocktails are made with fresh and natural organic fruits juices. The property also consists of five miles well groomed nature trails , Macal River front property with easy access to sandy beach with seatings, board games, lending library, darts, volleyball, palapas with hammocks, offsite tours to ancient Maya sites, waterfalls, caving,canoeing, horseback riding along with night walks, bird tours and pristine Macal River tubing available on site on our 50 acre Nature Reserve. In addition, our guests have access to free Wi-Fi during daylight hours which could be affected by weather conditions, as we are served by satellite. We offer an exotic adventure destination where you will immerse yourself in an authentic natural jungle setting. Ideal for couples, families, retreats, naturalists, ornithologists, spelunkers, yoga retreats, family reunions, friends getaway. Belize, land of enchantment where you will find an amazing amount of ecological and cultural bio-diversity. In Belize you will find mountains, abundance in flora and fauna, ancient mayan archaoelogical sites, extensive cave systems, rivers, waterfalls, savanahs, mangroves, coral reefs, islands, seashore, and much much more. You will be surprised on the amount of bio-diversity in the many ecosystems of Belize. There is also a rainbow of cultural diversity in Belize for you will find Creole, Maya, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Amish and Mennonites.

See the Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Belize

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