Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Is Manuel Antonio LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Manuel Antonio LGBTQ+ friendly?
One of Costa Rica's best-known gay-friendly beach destinations, with gay-run hotels and bars around the hillside and beach.
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 legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
The scene in Manuel Antonio
Where to go
- Manuel Antonio hillside bars and hotels
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Costa Rica
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| San José | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Manuel Antonio | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Playas del Coco | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Sámara | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| La Fortuna | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Tamarindo | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Santa Teresa | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Monteverde | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Puerto Viejo | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nosara | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Tortuguero | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jacó | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Uvita | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Manuel Antonio safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
One of Costa Rica's best-known gay-friendly beach destinations, with gay-run hotels and bars around the hillside and beach.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Costa Rica?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio hillside bars and hotels
More about Manuel Antonio
Going to Manuel Antonio solo?
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- SINAC national parks
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.