Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Is Santa Teresa LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Santa Teresa LGBTQ+ friendly?
Visitors and expats are generally open, but the scene is small. Same-sex marriage is legal nationally; rural attitudes outside the beaches 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 legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
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 Santa Teresa safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Visitors and expats are generally open, but the scene is small. Same-sex marriage is legal nationally; rural attitudes outside the beaches are more conservative.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Costa Rica?
Yes.
More about Santa Teresa
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- 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 Spotted something out of date?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.