Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Is Tortuguero LGBTQ+ friendly?
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet
Is Tortuguero LGBTQ+ friendly?
Legal and unremarkable for visitors, but the village is small and conservative; most couples are discreet outside lodges.
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 Tortuguero safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Legal and unremarkable for visitors, but the village is small and conservative; most couples are discreet outside lodges.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Costa Rica?
Yes.
More about Tortuguero
Going to Tortuguero solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tortuguero meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- SINAC (national parks)
- CCSS (public health)
- Two Weeks in Costa Rica: getting to Tortuguero (boat and shuttle fares)
- Frommer's: Tortuguero planning (ATM, clinic)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.