Panama: Ideal Destination for Discerning Travelers – EcoCircuitos

Author: scott, September 22nd, 2017

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.

Panama 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

Panama 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.

Amador 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.

The 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.

Fort 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.

The 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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Categories: Central America, Gay Travel, Panama, Tours Tags: central america, gay travel, panama, tour, tours | No comments

New Zealand Awaits – Lesbian New Zealand Tour Operator

Author: scott, September 8th, 2017

Periodically we’ll feature one of our tour operators here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

New Zealand Awaits is New Zealand’s LGBT travel specialist proudly taking care of LGBT travellers to New Zealand. As the only New Zealand company offering men’s, women’s, and LGBT small group tours, you know you’ll travel in great company. We also provide private guides for your own group (of 1+), and design itineraries for travellers who want local, expert advice for their self-drive trip.

As avid global travellers ourselves, we believe that travel can be transformative if it allows for exploration, excitement, awe, and shared connections with both nature and locals. We ensure these elements by connecting you to our trusted locals who are committed to providing authentic, “Kiwi” experiences and who are eager to welcome our LGBT clients. Most of our partners are small, local owner/operators with deep community roots and share our values of sustainability, social responsibility, and exceptional service.

New Zealand is rated one of the gay-friendliest countries by Lonely Planet. Combined with stunning scenery, world class food and wine, unique Maori culture, super-friendly people, and endless activities to choose from, it’s one of the best travel destinations in the world. Let us show you our home. Come home with us!

See the New Zealand Awaits Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in New Zealand

Categories: Gay Travel, New Zealand, Purple Roofs Site, South Pacific, Tours, Travel Agents Tags: custom designed, lesbian owned, lgbt, marlborough, new zealand, New Zealand Awaits, small groups, trips, waikato | No comments

TOURGUIDEPERU

Author: scott, April 22nd, 2017

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

The Experience is the best part of the journey.

TOURGUIDEPERU is based in Peru and founded by Aaron Paiva Leyton in 2007; he graduated from the tourism school and holding the Official Guiding License Aaron organize and shows the wonders of Peru reaching a new level of travel experience.

Offering tailored tours in Peru for all budgets, from low cost to deluxe experiences. Our principal goal is that each traveler feels it is effortless to plan each excursion. We take care of all transportation, entrance fees, hotels and domestic flights.

Our excursions cover the landmarks of Peru in the cities of Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Puerto Maldonado, Ica, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina & Flights over the Nazca Lines.

See the PROPERTY Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Categories: Gay Travel, Peru, Purple Roofs Site, South America, Tours Tags: gay travel, peru, TOURGUIDEPERU, tours | No comments

Gentle Tours – Mexico City, Mexico

Author: scott, April 3rd, 2017

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Guided tours in Mexico City and environs, taking you to beautiful places, tasting different kinds of food, immerse in daily life and enjoy fantastic works of art and architecture.

Aztec & Hispanic Heritage Tour

Discover the wonders of the Aztec Capital City in the Main Temple and the splendor of New Spain in the glitter of Mexico City Cathedral. After visiting Main Square you’ll have four routes to choose to enjoy Colonial Mansions, Artistic highlights and hidden treasures.

See the Gentle Tours Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Categories: Gay Travel, Mexico, Mexico City, Purple Roofs Site, Tours Tags: gay owned, gay travel, Gentle Tours, guided tours, mexico city area, puebla, san miguel de allende, tepoztlan, tour, tour operator, tours, vacation planning | No comments

Hang Out With Scruffy Gios for an Italian Bike Tour – Scruffy Italian Traveler

Author: scott, February 28th, 2017

I am so excited to announce that Kendall (the blond hair chap in the picture with me) and I have started up a business of gay travels to Italy, aptly named Italy Gay Travels.

This Gay Bike Tour around the heel of the boot, Puglia, is our first love child  Many more will come, I promise! If you don’t have any plans yet for the first week of June (4-11 June 2017) or September (3-10 September 2017) take a look at our holiday program. Don’t think twice: spaces are limited. Fill in this form and book your place for the Gay Bike Tour now!

As you know I am originally from a beautiful part of the world: the heel of the boot of Italy, Puglia! We have designed this All Gay Bike Tour to let you discover the southernmost tip of Puglia, known as Salento. Fast becoming the gay destination of South Italy, this area is rich in culture, food, awe inspiring landscapes, white sandy beaches and gay nightlife for good measure!

Our all gay bike tour is set at an easy level that suits any level of biking skills. Furthermore you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful countryside of Puglia, from one coast to the other.

Gay Bike Tour with Gios and Italy Gay Travels

You will spend  5 nights with us in Lecce, the great Baroque capital of Southern Italy, also known as the Florence of the South. Lecce is strategically located right in the heart of Salento, the southern area of Puglia, just a few kilometers away (or an easy gay bike ride) to many beautiful small towns and hidden gems. Every morning we will get on the bike and have unforgettable adventures. Think sunsets over beautiful towns (including Otranto), wine tasting in the countryside and swimming in beautiful sandy beaches.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

Categories: Columnists, Europe, Gay Travel, Italy, Scruffy Italian Traveler, Sports, Tours Tags: apulia, bike tour, europe, gay travel, Italy, puglia, Scruffy Gios, Scruffy Italian Traveler, Sergio Scardia | No comments

GaySail: Gay Tour Operator in Amsterdam

Author: scott, December 21st, 2016

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly tour operatorsy:

At GaySail we organize about 50 gay sailing cruises a year, all over the world, for single gay men, -couples, -friends and private gay groups. We sail in Greece, Croatia, Ibiza, Virgin Islands, St. Martin & St. Barth, Bahamas, Brazil and Thailand.

With our team of 22 fully licensed gay skippers and gay cooks/co-skippers we can offer you a wonderful one- or two week gay sailing vacation. We offer regular GaySail sailing cruises but also a lot GayNudeSail sailing cruises and GaySail Exclusive luxury sailing cruises, both monohull- and catamaran yachts. Cruises with gay skipper only, or skipper and cook for breakfast and lunch. Something for everyone!

No sailing experience needed. If you like, you can take the wheel and learn to sail and navigate, if you just want to relax, soak up in the sun on the front deck, watch out for the dolphins, it’s your holiday!

We usually sail about 6 hours a day. Most of the time we anchor for lunch and swim. At night we dock in little in local harbor and have dinner in the local restaurants of we stay overnight in a bay under the stars and have dinner on board.

See the GaySail Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Netherlands

Categories: Cruises, Gay Travel, Purple Roofs Site, Tours Tags: caribbean, croatia, cruise, cruises, gay owned, gay travel, GaySail, greece, sail, sailing, tour, tour operator, tours | No comments

Dynamite Travel, LLC – Lesbian Owned Travel Agency

Author: scott, September 30th, 2016

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

ABOUT US

Dynamite Travel, LLC was founded by Dr. Terika L. Haynes in 2008. Our goal is to assist all customers with creating unique travel experiences. Over the years Dynamite Travel’s LGBT client base has grown and with new laws being passed we are excited to work with couples not only on vacation planning but also destination wedding planning as well! Dynamite Travel is a company dedicated to creating unforgettable vacation experiences and the team at Dynamite Travel has the credentials, experience, and expertise necessary to make sure that your travel adventures are a blast! At Dynamite Travel we are committed to providing personalized service to each customer.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Dynamite Travel works with clients to plan their vacation while keeping them involved in the planning process. We provide vacation planning assistance services for vacation packages, cruises, tours, destination weddings, honeymoons, group travel, and more! We also assist customers with excursion planning, dinner reservations, and anything else that will make their vacation experience unforgettable!

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Our mission is to provide high quality travel planning assistance to each client, ensuring that they have an unforgettable vacation experience.

Our vision is to become a leading travel consultancy for clients around the world.

See the Dynamite Travel, LLC Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Categories: Gay Travel, Lesbian Travel, Purple Roofs Site, Tours, Travel Agents Tags: africa, asia, caribbean, clia, cruises, dynamite travel, europe, gay travel, group travel, iatan, lesbian owned, lesbian travel, planning, planning services, tours, travel, travel agency, travel agent, vacation, vacation packages, vacations | No comments

Mr Linh’s Adventures Travel – Gay Friendly Vietnam Tour Operator

Author: scott, May 27th, 2016

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Our company started business first in Ba Be National Park, Nam Mau, Bac Kan, Vietnam since 2008. We started in a small office on the lake shore and named it as ‘Ba Be Tourism Center’. We offered accommodation for traveler staying in our traditional stilts house. We offer a unique service of homestay accommodation – Mr Linh’s homestay. We provide excellent home cooking with English and French speaking knowledgeable local guide.

We quickly attracted a steady flow of travelers who were looking for the unspoiled, remote beauty of the mountains, lake, jungle and minority villages. Following these success, we quickly expanded its horizons with the Mr Linh’s Adventures, opening its office in Ha Noi, offering its own tours to other areas. All the itinerary are tailor made and we use our utmost experience about the region to take tourist further not only in the North, but also in the South of Vietnam.

Today Mr Linh’s Adventures serves up to 2500 travelers yearly, Our Sales and Operations offices in Ha Noi and Ba Be are run by a tight knit team, who, if not family, are loyal and long serving staff members, keen to share in Mr Linh’s vision. Sales staff act as consultants and advisors and the operations team work together to ensure that all aspects, travel, boats, hospitality and restaurant all run smoothly to ensure you have an enjoyable, stimulating and unique experience.

Once again, thank you for contacting to us. It would be our pleasure to be listed on your shortlist.

See the Mr Linh’s Adventures Travel Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Categories: Asia, Gay Travel, Purple Roofs Site, Tours, Travel Agents, Vietnam Tags: Mr Linh's Adventures Travel | No comments

Tru Bahamian Food Tours: Gay Friendly Bahamas Food Tours

Author: scott, May 25th, 2016

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Tru Bahamian Food Tours offers unique and innovative local culinary experiences to visitors of The Bahamas in a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible manner. Our mission is to connect visitors with authentic local food items, the stories and traditions behind these foods, and the Bahamian entrepreneurs that prepare and preserve them.

Travel off the beaten touristic path to explore the intoxicating flavors of Nassau, Bahamas on a guided food tasting and cultural walking tour through this charming island city. Sample 6 delicious specialties (enough for a hearty lunch) as you follow your knowledgeable and friendly local guide from one eatery to the next.
Discover colonial Nassau, traveling away from busy Bay Street in search of authentic Bahamian flavors. Youa[euro](TM)ll eat your way through locally adored Nassau establishments, family-owned restaurants, and speciality boutiques as you stroll through Downtown’s storied neighborhood with your culinary guide.

See the In addition to our regular travel articles, we’re starting a regular travel round-up, for those stories that don’t warrant a full posting on the blog, or that we didn’t have time to add. Enjoy!