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The unique geography of Chile allows visitors to explore volcanoes, ski or snowboard in the Andes, lounge on picturesque beaches and enjoy a night out in the gay district of Santiago all in one day. Rich in varied landscapes and important landmarks, travel visitors to Chile can experience the statues of Easter Island, arid deserts, exceptional architecture and churches, the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia and the Elqui Valley in La Serena, which teems with legends of extraterrestrial activities, all in one trip.
Because of Chile’s unique blend of historic, natural and cultural attractions, visitors have many options for planning gay travel, including skiing or snowboarding trips to Andes resorts, Vina del Mar family beach vacations, wine tasting tours, pilgrimages to important Catholic sites and churches, exploring the wilds of Patagonia and learning of ancient island cultures, or urban adventures in Chile’s capital, Santiago.
Chile has a long history of influence from both the military and the Catholic Church, which means that changes in attitude and acceptance of the LGBT community are progressing slowly. The center of Chile’s gay culture lies in Santiago and this city is where gay vacationers will find the greatest acceptance, as well as the highest concentration of establishments that are gay-owned or gay-friendly. Barrio Bellavista is the seat of Santiago’s gay community and is a trendy, clean neighborhood with quaint eateries, shops and cafés, as well as the vast majority of Santiago’s gay bars, clubs and bathhouses. While you will not find any rainbow flags flowing from balconies or couples strolling hand in hand down the street, you will find gay and lesbian magazines prominently displayed at newsstands and happy couples taking tea at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes.
A night on the town in Bellavista – or anywhere in Santiago – generally begins with dinner around 9 or 10pm, as is customary in many Latin countries. In Bellavista, a night often begins at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, a well-known Spanish eatery, followed by dancing or drinks in local gay clubs and bars. Bellavista’s gay clubs range from the usual fare expected in most larger cities, to bawdier options with live sex shows, and partying often goes until the sun comes up. Santiago also has several saunas (bathhouses), including one trendier, slightly more expensive option with mostly professional clientele. Folks considering visiting Santiago’s saunas should keep in mind that Chile, like the U.S., is struggling with HIV and should always remember to play safely to ensure safe gay vacations.
Santiago is conveniently situated in central Chile, making it an exceptional choice as a home base for gay tours, allowing you to more fully explore all that Chile offers. Add to this the more welcoming atmosphere found in this city and it is easy to see why Santiago is a common choice for gay vacations. Working with a travel agency that regularly organizes gay travel to Chile is the best way to ensure that you and your partner, your family or your friends have fun-filled, safe gay holidays in Chile.
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