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, 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 vacations, 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.
As a country that has been deeply influenced by both the Catholic Church and the military, Chile would certainly not be described as a bastion of gay rights; however, as a whole, the country is slowly becoming more progressive and is beginning to become more accepting of the LGBT community.
Gay life in Chile centers largely around Santiago, which is where singles, couples and families on a gay vacation will find the most welcoming atmosphere and the highest concentration of gay-friendly and gay-owned establishments.
Santiago's gay community is primarily found in the Barrio Bellavista, which is a trendy neighborhood with charming shops, cafés and eateries and is also home to most of Santiago's bathhouses, gay bars and gay clubs.
Although it is not likely that you will see rainbow flags hanging for rooftops or same-sex couples walking through the streets hand in hand, it is quite common to find gay magazines openly displayed in newsstands and couples sipping coffee at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafés.
The gay-owned Spanish restaurant, Capricho, is a popular first stop for a night out in Bellavista, often followed by drinks a one of the local gay bars and dancing into the early hours of the morning at one of Santiago's gay clubs.
Options for clubbing range from discos much like those found in most large cities to risqué clubs with live sex shows.
It is common to begin a night out with dinner around 9 or 10pm, followed by a lively night of escapades that may not end until the sun is coming up.
There are also several bathhouses - often called saunas - in Santiago, including a more upscale option catering to professionals.
As in the U.
S.
, HIV is a concern and precautions should be taken to ensure a safe, enjoyable gay vacation in Chile.
Santiago's central location in this long, narrow country makes it an ideal choice as a home base for exploring all that Chile has to offer.
Because it is also the most welcoming location for gay travel, Santiago is a popular choice for gay vacations.
When planning a gay vacation to Chile, working with a travel agency well-versed in gay travel in this region will assist you in designing a memorable vacation that is safe, fun-filled and meets your travel needs whether you are traveling as a group of single friends, a couple or a family.