Panama still has work to do when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights for their citizens, but they do seem to be on the right path. We personally felt safe during our trip and never went out of our way to hide our relationship from locals. We can definitely recommend visiting! There is so much to discover and experience, and it is truly a unique destination. Our visit gave us some of our all time favourite travel memories.

Is anyone else in love with Panama? Is it already on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our travel guides to our favourite Panama destinations to help you plan your trip:

Panama City

Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

San Blas Islands

The post 15 Photos to Convince You to Go to Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

The San Blas Islands are such an incredible place to visit because they feel almost completely untouched. They are not overrun with tourists and there is little to no development. There is no cell service in the area and electricity is only run off generators. Accommodations are the bare basics, and the food is primarily freshly caught fish and seafood. It’s a very different travel experience from other tropical destinations, but the simplicity and seclusion is exactly what makes it so special!

Getting There

There are several different ways to get to the San Blas Islands, including by plane, bus, or sailboat. We took a day trip from Panama City, which was entirely worth it in our opinion. It makes for a very long day, as it’s quite a journey from the city, but it was worthwhile for such an incredible experience. If you have more time, you can spend a few nights on the islands, but be prepared for a more rustic experience. The islands are part of the Guna Yala district of Panama, meaning that you do pass through a border on your way to the port. You need to have your passport with you and pay a small entry fee into the indigenous territory.

The Travel Experience

We booked our day trip through Airbnb Experiences. Our tour company was excellent and we highly recommend them! We were picked up very early in the morning from our accommodations in Panama City, and were driven to the port by a professional driver. We had read that the drive through the rainforest and the mountains was quite difficult, but it was much better than we expected. Panama City is on the Pacific Coast of Panama, and the San Blas Islands are off the Caribbean Coast. It’s about a three hour drive through the country and the last hour does take you through some very windy mountain roads, but the views are beautiful! We even stopped to see a sloth sleeping in a tree, and to take photos of the gorgeous scenery. After passing through the border you arrive at the port. From there, we hopped in a boat with a local guide and began our tour of the islands! If you’ve never tried an Airbnb Experience, it’s a great way to book local tours in different destinations! Click here to sign up to Airbnb and save on your first experience.

The Islands

Our tour included a full morning and afternoon of exploring, with stops on three different islands as well as a natural pool in the middle of the sea. We also had lunch provided (and were very happy that they accommodated us with a veggie option)! The highlights of the day were definitely snorkelling at a shipwreck off the shore, swimming in the clearest blue waters we’ve ever seen, and wandering amongst the palm trees on the quiet, secluded islands. It was truly a bucket list experience for us and we’re so glad we had the opportunity to experience it. Our guides mostly left us to explore on our own, and we had plenty of time to wander around, go swimming, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful views. The day went by fast, but we definitely felt like we had plenty of time to enjoy it! When heading to San Blas for the day, we recommend that you bring a swimsuit, a towel, plenty of sunscreen, a change of clothes, drinking water, snacks, and your camera!

We highly recommend taking a day trip (at least!) to the San Blas Islands. It’s truly an incredible adventure and in our opinion, is an absolute must-do while in Panama.

If you’re interested in travelling to Panama, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Panama City!

As well, we have a full article on How Lesbian Friendly Panama Is.

If you’re looking for other day trips, read our full guide to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve.

Have you already been to San Blas? Share your experiences in the comments below!

The post A Day Trip to the San Blas Islands, Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is a beautiful property located right on the Panama Canal. They offer resort accommodations as well as tours of the reserve. You can choose to stay on the property for the full experience of a quiet rainforest sanctuary, or you can opt for a day trip to the resort from Panama City or elsewhere. Whether or not you choose to stay overnight, the resort itself is a wonderful experience. The building has a three level atrium with gorgeous views of the national park, along with an outdoor pool, a resort spa, and more than 150 rooms and suites with private balconies. All of the eco-tours and activities within the Gamboa Reserve are booked and facilitated through the resort. The staff members are very knowledgable, and there is a big focus on environmental conservation, as well as ethical and sustainable practices.

We chose to do a day trip to Gamboa during our stay in Panama City. There was plenty of time to fit everything into a single day, and we had a really enjoyable visit. Below we highlight the three tours that we experienced, all of which we highly recommend! They were all informative and entertaining, and offered us some of the most unique travel experiences we’ve ever had. Keep reading for more on each tour, as well as plenty of photos to inspire your trip!

Gatun Lake & Panama Canal Tour

We started our day with a boat tour of Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Touring the famous canal was a true bucket list experience, and completely unforgettable! After checking in with the tour desk upon arrival, we were driven in a safari vehicle down to the water. We then climbed into a small boat (just us, our tour guide, and our driver), and set off. For a full hour we explored both the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, the large artificial lake connected to the canal. Our guide explained to us the history of the canal as well as the construction of the lake, and we saw plenty of large ships passing through. Our boat also took us up to Monkey Island, a small island in the lake that is inhabited by capuchin monkeys. Our tour guide was very knowledgable in pointing out all of the wildlife and we were close enough to get some amazing photos!

Aerial Tram

Our second activity was the aerial tram, a small gondola that transports you 600 metres through the beautiful Panama Rainforest. The views were absolutely stunning, and it felt completely magical to be up in the treetops. Even for someone weary of heights, it was amazing and entirely worth it. There is the possibility to see more monkeys on this tour, as well as many species of birds, and sloths if you’re lucky! The gondola drops you deep in the forest where you can climb up to the observation deck for more incredible views. The tower is 30 metres high and offers unobstructed views of the national park, the Chagres River, the Panama Canal, and the nearby indigenous communities. There was plenty of time to enjoy the look out point and take plenty of photos before making our way back down to the tram, and taking the gondola down to our starting point. This entire tour is about 1.5 hours.

Nature Labs & Sloth Sanctuary

Our last activity was a 1.5 hour tour of the nature labs and Gamboa’s sloth sanctuary, which was eye-opening. We learned so much about the conservation initiatives run by the Pan American Conservation Association, and all of the dangers that the sloth population is currently facing in Panama. Our guide was incredibly knowledgable and offered us a lot of really useful and interesting information. We were able to see some of the rescued sloths in their habitats, eating plants and doing a lot of sleeping. We were able to get close enough to take some incredible photos without disturbing them. In the additional nature labs we saw plenty of butterflies, frogs, and tropical flora. We really enjoyed this as our last activity of the day, and we learned so much about Panama’s unique tropical vegetation.

We highly recommend spending a day (at least!) on the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. It’s easy to access from Panama City and in our opinion is an absolute must-do while in Panama.

If you’re interested in travelling to Panama, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Panama City!

As well, we have a full article on How Lesbian Friendly Panama Is.

Have you already been to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve? Share your experiences in the comments below!

The post Visiting the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve in Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore Casco Viejo

Visiting Panama City’s old town is definitely a must-do. The historic district offers many interesting sights including beautiful churches and cathedrals, the residence of the Panamanian President, as well as plazas, museums, and historical landmarks. It’s worth wandering around to admire the architecture, and discover the many wonderful cafes and restaurants in the area. We also recommend heading down to the waterfront to enjoy lovely views of downtown Panama City. Don’t miss wonderful Casco Viejo!

See the Panama Canal

When visiting Panama, seeing the Panama Canal needs to be on your list. About 15 minutes outside Panama City are the Miraflores Locks, where you can see the canal up close! There is a visitor centre with exhibits explaining the fascinating history of the canal, as well as observation decks where you can watch the ships passing through the locks. There is a $20USD admission fee, but it’s well worth it to see the famous canal in action. It’s easy to take a taxi or an Uber here from the city.

Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Located in the Soberania National Park, the Panamanian Rainforest is a tropical ecosystem of more than fifty thousand acres, and home to some incredible wildlife. It sits at the meeting of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, allowing for some truly unique experiences. There are beautiful accommodations on the reserve, or you can opt for a day trip from Panama City, with plenty of time to do tours of the rainforest, the canal, and the incredible animal sanctuaries. This was a huge highlight of our trip and we highly recommend it! Read more about the Gamboa Reserve here.

Enjoy the San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands (also known as Guna Yala), are an archipelago made up of more than 350 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama. They are home to indigenous Panamanians known as the Guna people, and the islands remain mostly untouched. They are very remote and secluded, and it is quite a journey to get to them from Panama City. However, it is doable and entirely worth it! There are several tour companies that offer day tours, or you can opt for an Airbnb Experience like we did. It’s a full day of swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the islands, and it is truly unforgettable.

Discover More Islands

While the San Blas Islands are well known for being a bucket list destination in Panama, there are other beautiful islands off the Pacific Coast that are much easier to get to. With easy ferry service from Panama City, you can explore Taboga, Contadora, Saboga, and more. Some of these islands are more developed than others, but all of them offer a wonderful break from the city!

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Panama City is definitely in historic Case Viejo! In the heart of the old town you will find plenty of accommodation options including boutique hotels and Airbnb apartments. It’s a very charming area, and is central to many of the main sights in the city. It’s a great spot to be close to the action, and can also be quite lively! Expect it to be busy with lots of locals and other travellers. There are also plenty of accommodation options in the downtown area of Panama City, such as the Obarrio and El Cangrejo neighbourhoods. Here you will find more luxury and upscale options, as well as many reputable hotel chains. This area is the financial district of the city, and it has a vibrant nightlife scene and is busy with tourists. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in these areas, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. The other option for accommodations in Panama City is Airbnb. There are listings all over the city, including some in the historic old town. We opted to stay in the heart of Case Viejo, in an Airbnb apartment right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It was walking distance to all of the sights we wanted to see in the city, and it was a convenient spot for all of the day trips we did. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Panama City has a diverse food scene offering plenty of local and international cuisines. With everything from street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options to satisfy any traveller! We found some really great cafes and restaurants in the Casco Viejo area. Our favourite was Mahalo, a casual eatery that was started by two Canadian sisters, and they just recently opened a second location. Both offer a vegan-friendly, but well-rounded menu, as well as a cozy patio. Also in Casco Viejo is Dodo, a must-visit restaurant near the waterfront. It’s also very vegan-friendly, and offers all day breakfast! If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, be sure to check out Las Clementinas, another popular spot in the old town. For traditional Panamanian food, head to El Trapiche in the San Francisco neighbourhood. If you’re looking for upscale dining, make a reservation at Donde Jose. They update their set menu every couple of months, focusing on local Panamanian ingredients. If you’re looking for seafood, add Mercado de Mariscos to your list. The fish market is a great spot for lunch and a truly unique experience. For drinks, you can’t leave Panama City without enjoying a rooftop beverage! The city is packed with trendy rooftop bars offering gorgeous views. In Casco Viejo, be sure to check out Tantalo, Casa Casco, Salvaje, or Capital Bistro. In downtown Panama City there’s the AC Hotel rooftop, The Roof at the Best Western, and Bits Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

Panama is currently in a transition period, with some big changes to LGBTQ+ rights currently pending. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but there is no recognition for same-sex partnerships at this time, and no discrimination protection for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that all Latin American countries (including Panama) must recognize same-sex marriages, and the Panamanian Government has “welcomed the decision”. The ruling should mean that same-sex marriage will become legal in Panama soon, and hopefully some anti-discrimination laws will follow. You can check out our full post on how lesbian friendly Panama is here. Panama is still considered to be a fairly conservative country, with the biggest opposition to the LGBTQ+ rights movement being the Roman Catholic Church. But there are advocacy groups helping to shift the conversation, and more recently there has been open support from the Panamanian government. While we would consider Panama to be a fairly safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, it’s best to use your personal judgement to stay safe while visiting. We held hands in public and showed affection to one another, and didn’t run into any issues. We were open about our relationship and weren’t met with any hostility from the locals, even though we were told that not everyone in Panama is ‘cool’ with it. We never felt the need to hide our relationship, but we always did our best to read each situation and keep our safety in mind. Panama City doesn’t have much of a gay scene, but it certainly does offer some incredible and unique travel experiences. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it!

How to Get Around

Walk

The downtown area and the old town of Panama City are both very walkable, and it’s easy to see these parts of the city on foot. If you’re able, it can be a great way to discover all of the main sights as well as some hidden gems!

Taxi/Rideshare

Uber is available in Panama City, and there always seemed to be plenty of cars available. We used Uber to get up to the Miraflores Locks, as well as to the Gamboa Rainforest, and to the airport. The rates were very reasonable and it was always easy to find a vehicle. There are also plenty of regular taxis in Panama City that you can hail from the street. It’s a great way to get around the city if you need a break from walking, or if you’re heading to a location outside the city centre. Taxis in Panama are not metered, and the rates are based on standard fares measured by zone. Be sure to look up the fare for where you are going, and discuss the rate with the driver before departing. If you don’t speak any Spanish and are worried about being taken advantage of as a tourist, opt for Uber instead!

Ferry

There are several islands off the Pacific Coast of Panama that are easy to access by ferry. Isla Toboga is only a 30 minute ferry ride from Amador Causeway, and the Pearl Islands are about 1.5 hours by ferry from the Flamenco Marina.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Panama City? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Panama City, Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Panama is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

Some big changes to LGBTQ+ rights in Panama are currently pending, and we will hopefully see some positive transformation in the coming years. The current LGBTQ+ laws in Panama are moderately progressive, but there is certainly room for improvement. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2008, making Panama the last Spanish speaking country to legalize it. They also declassified homosexuality as a mental illness at that time. Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in Panama, but since 2016 there has been a push to legalize it following several lawsuits. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that all Latin American countries (including Panama) must recognize same-sex marriages, and the Panamanian Government has “welcomed the decision”. The ruling should mean that same-sex marriage and hopefully adoption by same-sex couples will become legal in Panama soon! Artificial insemination and IVF is already legally available to lesbian couples. The next step in Panama will hopefully be anti-discrimination laws, as there are currently no legal protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community. An anti-discrimination bill was proposed in 2015 but has yet to advance. Panama seems to currently be in a transition period, and hopefully we will be seeing some big advancements in the near future.

Social Climate

Historically, it seems that homosexuality was accepted among the indigenous Panamanians. The Guna tribe even recognized a third gender. After Spain colonized the country, sexuality was suppressed and anti-sodomy laws were introduced, shaping the social climate for LGBTQ+ people in Panama. In recent years, LGBTQ+ issues have been discussed and debated in the country, with the biggest opposition to LGBTQ+ rights being from the Roman Catholic Church. There are several advocacy groups in Panama that are petitioning for equal rights and helping to shift the conversation. More recently there has been open support from the government, such as when the First Lady opted to participate in the Pride Parade in Panama City in 2017. Panama ranks 55th on the Gay Happiness Index, and public opinion polls still show fairly low levels of support for issues such as same-sex marriage. Hopefully changes in the laws will help to shift the country toward a more accepting and inclusive society. All of this considered, Panama can still be considered a fairly safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, but it’s always important to keep your personal safety and comfort level in mind.

Gaybourhoods

The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Panama can definitely be found in Panama City, but because the country is more conservative, the gay scene isn’t very out in the open. There is no designated gay neighbourhood or area in Panama City, and many of the LGBTQ+ establishments move and/or close down quite regularly. The places they do have are geared more toward men, and most of the spots are in the Casco Viejo area (the old town). The community definitely seems to be growing as the culture in Panama changes. There has been a Pride Parade annually since 2005, and a growing support for LGBTQ+ people and travellers. If you’re interested in connecting with the local community, there is a company that offers LGBTQ+ tours and experiences all over the country called Eco Circuitos Panama. They also have a lot of other useful information on their website! For a Central American country, overall Panama can be considered quite welcoming. Of course, be sure to consider your comfort level and stay safe while visiting this destination and enjoying everything it has to offer.

Our Experience

We visited Panama together on a trip to Central America in the Fall of 2019! Panama was our third country in Central America after travelling to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in 2017, and we were completely blown away by it’s unique beauty. We based ourselves in Panama City and took day trips up to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, as well as the beautiful San Blas Islands off the Caribbean Coast. It always feels a bit hard to arrive in a country that doesn’t legally recognize our marriage, but we knew that Panama is in a transition period and we were interested to experience it. While we certainly put our safety first, we were also open when we felt it was safe to do so. We held hands in public, showed affection to one another, and didn’t lie about our relationship. We were never met with any hostility, and found the locals in Panama to be quite kind and welcoming. We did have one conversation with a Panamanian man, who upon learning we were married, let us know that he was fine with same-sex couples, but many people in Panama do still have a problem with it. He also suggested that two women together are more easily accepted when they are more feminine like us, which is similar to what we were told in Costa Rica. We could tell that it will still take some time for same-sex couples to be normalized in Panama and for all members of the LGBTQ+ community to be accepted, but we personally never felt unsafe during our visit. We enjoyed exploring the city, and had an incredible time up in the Rainforest. The Gamboa Reserve is an absolute must-do if you visit Panama! Our visit to San Blas was also one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had on our travels. The islands are the most remote and secluded destination we’ve ever visited, and we were so grateful to be able to include a visit on this trip. Panama is a lovely country, and we’re so glad we chose to experience it. We would love to return one day and explore the entire country more extensively. We would recommend Panama as a mostly lesbian friendly travel destination for women and couples, but as always we encourage you to do your own research. It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable during your visit.

If you’re interested in travelling to Panama, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Panama City!

Have you been to Panama? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Costa Rica is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

Costa Rica has made great strides in recent years in regards to their LGBTQ+ laws. In 2018 the president actually issued an apology to the community for the past persecution and discrimination that they faced. Same sex sexual relations are legal, there is discrimination protection in place, and the country is currently working towards marriage equality. In 2018, the Costa Rican supreme court ruled in favour of lifting the ban on same sex marriage, and legislators have 18 months to legalize it. LGBTQ+ individuals can legally adopt as individuals, but not yet as couples, and there isn’t family planning available for same sex couples. Overall, Costa Rica is quite progressive and inclusive, especially in comparison to other countries in Central America. 

Social Climate

Costa Rica has made a lot of progress in the past few decades when it comes to their acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. While the laws are finally starting to include and support the community, the public opinion may be taking more time to follow suit. Costa Ricans tend to be socially conservative due to the large influence of the Catholic Church, and the feelings and traditions that are deeply rooted in their country’s culture. More recently, with politicians showing support for LGBTQ+ rights, hopefully the feelings of the general population are continuing to progress and change. All that being said, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the more LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations in Central America, and does cater toward gay and lesbian travellers.

Gaybourhoods

Costa Rica is a fairly small country, and there are LGBTQ+ friendly area scatted all over the country. Manuel Antonio is meant to be a specifically gay destination, but it is geared mostly toward gay men. Tamarindo is a lovely beach town that also caters toward LGBTQ+ travellers. There are boutique hotels scattered all over the country that advertise themselves as being LGBTQ+ friendly, and there is gay nightlife scene in the capital city of San Jose. The LGBTQ+ scene in Costa Rica is certainly growing! 

Our Experience

We spent 4 weeks in Costa Rica, and had a really wonderful experience. As always we were out and open, and showed affection in public whenever we felt safe doing so. We travelled to various parts of the country (San Jose, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo) and felt safe everywhere we went. We stayed in both Airbnb accommodations and hotels, and we were treated kindly by hotel staff when bookings rooms with single beds. We mentioned to the locals that we were a married couple, and we were met with acceptance and hospitality. One local Costa Rican explained the feelings toward LGBTQ+ people as being quite accepting of gay men and more feminine lesbian women, but suggested that most people aren’t entirely accepting of the whole community. We think that there is certainly more room for progress when it comes to the feelings of the Costa Rican people, but things are certainly headed in the right direction. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and we definitely recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination in Central America.

Have you been to to Costa Rica? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Costa Rica appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Nicaragua is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Nicaragua have been progressing, similar to other countries in Central America. Same sex sexual activity is legal and has been since 2008, and there is discrimination protection in place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. In 2011 Nicaragua signed a statement at the UN, condemning violence and discrimination against people in the LGBTQ+ community, and the Nicaraguan government has urged several Caribbean countries to end their sodomy ban. Nicaragua doesn’t yet have any legal recognition for same sex partnerships, but several organizations have filed an action of unconstitutionality against the Family Code which limits marriage to heterosexual couples. It seems safe to say that we will continue to see progress in the laws in Nicaragua in the coming years. You can read more about the current laws in Nicaragua here.

Social Climate

LGBTQ+ activists and community groups in Nicaragua have been becoming more visible in the past few decades. In 1989, community centres for LGBTQ+ people were opened for the first time, and in 1991 Managua held their first Pride celebration, which still happens annually. In the past ten years, Nicaraguan LGBTQ+ activists have continued to push for equality, though public opinion polls show that there are still low approval ratings for same sex marriage in Nicaragua. Central America still has a way to go in terms of overall acceptance and equality for LGBTQ+ people, but Nicaragua is certainly considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Gaybourhoods

The LGBTQ+ scene in Nicaragua is mostly concentrated in the capital city of Managua, with there being some gay bars and nightlife. This is also where the Pride celebration is held each year in June. The city of Granada is also considered to be an LGBTQ+ friendly city, and is home to some LGBTQ+ owned hotels and businesses. While a lot of the “gay scene” in Nicaragua seems to be underground, it certainly appears to be growing.

Our Experience

We took a short trip to Nicaragua while we were travelling in Central America, and we spent our time in a small beach town called San Juan del Sur. We educated ourselves on the laws and the feelings of the locals in Nicaragua, and we felt safe being open while we were there. We stayed at a small hotel in the town and spent a few days enjoying the laid back vibe. We didn’t see any other same sex coupes or gay travellers, but we felt comfortable being open there. We would recommend Nicaragua as a safe destination for lesbian coupes and lesbian travellers. It’s a beautiful country with a lot to offer! If we returned we would explore more of the country, including the known gay friendly cities of Managua and Granada.

Have you been to to Nicaragua? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Nicaragua appeared first on Lez See the World.