Author:
scott, March 21st, 2018
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
Categories: Central America, Columnists, Gay Travel, Nicaragua, The Globetrotter Guys Tags: central america, gay travel, Nicaragua | 
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Author:
scott, January 26th, 2018
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
Categories: Central America, Columnists, Gay Travel, Nomadic Boys, Panama Tags: central america, Five Interesting Facts About Panama, gay panama, gay travel, panama, The Nomadic Boys | 1 comment
Author:
scott, January 11th, 2018
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
Categories: Central America, Columnists, Gay Travel, Nomadic Boys, Panama Tags: Bocas del Toro, central america, gay couples, gay travel, Nomadic Bous, panama, safety | No comments
Author:
scott, January 2nd, 2018
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
Categories: Central America, Columnists, Gay Bars, Gay Clubs, Gay Travel, Nightlife, Nomadic Boys, Panama Tags: central america, gay bars, gay Panama City, gay travel, Nomadic Boys, panama, panama city | No comments
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
Author:
scott, September 2nd, 2016
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.
Enjoy 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.
When 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
Categories: Beaches, Central America, Costa Rica, Gay Travel Tags: beaches, central america, costa rica, gay travel, Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel Tamarindo Costa Rica | No comments
Author:
scott, August 20th, 2016
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
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: artistic, belize, central america, clean, comfort, eco lodge, exotic, gay owned, gay travel, getaway, jungle, lodge, lodging, macal river, macaw bank jungle lodge, privacy, private, san ignacio, spacious, western belize | No comments
Author:
scott, November 9th, 2013
If you’re planning a trip to Belize, chances are you’ve already pulled up images of tucans perched in the jungle, the laid-back shores of Ambergris Caye, or maybe the view from top resorts like Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn and the luxury El Secreto, so named for its sense of deep seclusion and privacy.
But what is it about this Central American tropical retreat, equipped with 240 miles of rugged coastline, that places it one step ahead of the pack from neighboring countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras?
Authored By Alex Schechter – See the Full Story at Shermans Travel
Click here for gay travel resources in Belize.
Categories: Belize, Central America, Gay Travel Tags: belize, central america, gay travel | No comments
Author:
scott, May 23rd, 2013
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
Dutch Owned 8-room Inn – Former Canal Zone: Comfortable rooms with nice big windows and air conditioning, wireless Internet, a great covered terrace plus big garden, The Balboa Inn makes everybody feel at home. Located in Balboa 1 mile from the Panama Canal, all the attractions including Casco Viejo and Amador are only minutes away without traffic jams.
See the Balboa Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Panama
Categories: Accommodations, Panama Tags: Balboa, balboa inn, central america, gay travel, panama | No comments
Author:
scott, February 21st, 2013
Other than the beauty of the natural attractions of Nicaragua, such as the Mombacho Volcano or Lake Nicaragua, I have to say that one of my favorite this to do was to visit the town of Granada. Known to be one of the oldest cities in Central America, this petite colonial town stands out to me as a must visit destination. I might best define it as a small version of Cusco, Peru.
The city is located two hours and thirty minutes from Guacalito de la Isla, where the MUKUL Resort is located, and one hour from Managua and the International Airport. It has an estimated population of 110,326, and a rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and structure.
Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, Granada is alledgedly the first European city in the mainland Americas. Unlike other cities that claim the title, the city of Granada was not only the settlement of the conquest, but also a city registered in official records of the Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.
Authored By Carlos Melia- See the Full Story at Dot 429
Find more articles and gay wedding resources in Nicaragua.
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: central america, gay travel, grenada, Nicaragua | No comments
