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Best LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in South America

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Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
The first Pride march in 1992 drew about 250 people. By 2010, when Argentina legalised same-sex marriage, about 100,000 joined. The march is now usually held on the first Saturday of November. By 2011 it had grown to about 250,000. The city is a lively place to celebrate.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Tour the grand Teatro Colón and admire its opulence
  • 🎨 Stroll through colorful Caminito Street in La Boca
  • 💃 Watch a passionate tango performance in San Telmo
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Street parties called blocos are a Rio custom at Carnival. Banda de Ipanema is known as a symbol of diversity. Farme de Amoedo Street in Ipanema has long been the heart of gay culture. LGBTQ+ performers have shaped Carnival since the 1970s. Pride draws huge crowds to Copacabana Beach.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
8.0
Avenida Paulista hosts the São Paulo Pride Parade on the Sunday after Corpus Christi, usually in June. It began in 1997. Guinness lists it as the world's largest Pride parade, with about 2.5 million people in 2006. Attendance figures are disputed. The city is Brazil's biggest.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire street art at colorful Beco do Batman
  • 🌳 Relax in vast green Ibirapuera Park with museums
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk vibrant Paulista Avenue, heart of São Paulo
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
7.2
On the Río de la Plata coast, Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay. Americas Quarterly named the country the most LGBT friendly in Latin America in 2016. Same-sex marriage took effect in 2013. Joint adoption has been allowed since 2009. Pride is held on the last Friday of September.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Visit the iconic Palacio Salvo and nearby plazas
  • 🍽️ Taste local flavors at Mercado del Puerto market
  • 🌅 Stroll along the scenic Rambla by the waterfront
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
7.4
Later than Argentina and Uruguay, Chile approved same-sex marriage in December 2021. Santiago's main gay district is Bellavista, with bars and clubs around Bombero Núñez Street. Barrio Italia and Lastarria are also welcoming. Movilh, a rights group, was founded in 1991. Bellavista is also home to Pablo Neruda's house museum, La Chascona.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the colorful alleys of Barrio Bellavista and enjoy local art
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and its stunning cathedral
  • 🚠 Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
7.4
Bright street art in Laureles, El Poblado and Comuna 13 promotes inclusion. Pride is celebrated each June. About 50,000 people joined the latest march. Bar Chiquita was nominated as one of the world's 100 best bars. The Ball de las Flores is part of the Feria de las Flores.
Highlights:
  • 🌺 Stroll through the Botanical Garden and its orchid collection
  • 🎨 Explore Comuna 13’s colorful murals and vibrant street art
  • 🚡 Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví for panoramic views
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
7.1
Chapinero is Bogotá's most LGBT friendly neighbourhood. Theatron there is described as the largest LGBT club in Latin America. The Pride march falls at the end of June or the start of July. It follows Seventh Avenue from Parque Nacional to Plaza de Bolívar. Salsa classes for same-gender couples are also on offer.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic La Candelaria neighborhood
  • 🏛️ Explore the Museo del Oro with pre-Hispanic gold
  • ⛰️ Take in panoramic city views from Mount Monserrate
Quito
Andean Charm Meets Colonial Splendor
6.9
Each June Quito Pride marks International LGBT Pride Day. The first march in 1998 came a year after Ecuador decriminalized homosexuality. It drew about 20 people. About 25,000 joined in 2022. Same-sex marriage became legal on 12 June 2019 after a Constitutional Court ruling. Recent marches have centred on La Carolina Park.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Visit the Middle of the World monument and stand on the equator line
  • 🚠 Ride the TelefériQo for stunning Andean mountain views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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