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Town in Alajuela, Costa Rica

Is La Fortuna LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet

Is La Fortuna LGBTQ+ friendly?

Tolerant in tourist areas, with no dedicated scene. Same-sex couples are generally left alone; rural attitudes are more conservative.

LGBTQ+ laws in Costa Rica

The most welcoming country in Central America; San José has a gay scene and Manuel Antonio is popular. Rural areas are more conservative.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalYes
Same-sex marriageYes
Civil unions or partnershipsYes
Legal gender changeYes
Anti-discrimination lawPartial

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Costa Rica

PlaceRating
San José4/5 · Welcoming
Manuel Antonio4/5 · Welcoming
Playas del Coco4/5 · Welcoming
Sámara4/5 · Welcoming
La Fortuna3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Tamarindo3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Santa Teresa3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Monteverde3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Puerto Viejo3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Nosara3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Tortuguero3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Jacó3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Uvita3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet

Quick answers

Is La Fortuna safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Tolerant in tourist areas, with no dedicated scene. Same-sex couples are generally left alone; rural attitudes are more conservative.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Costa Rica?

Yes.

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Sources

Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.