Gay life in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans (or Ticos as they call themselves) are a warm and open people. Gay life here is exuberant, lively, passionate and fun.

Most gay bars and nightclubs in San Jose are mixed gay/lesbian/straight and you will not find fetish/leather bars. Nonetheless, the more rauchy clubs may have dark rooms and the Saunas, are men only

The beach resort of Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast is a picturesque village and popular gay resort with several gay & friendly hotels, an unofficial gay beach, a bar or two and several friendly dining options.

Bars & Nightclubs:

• Club Oh!: a vast, ultra-hip nightclub with a more intimate bar (VIP Lodge) - teeming with fashionable young ticos on a saturday night
• Bochinche: a the sleek and sophisticated video bar, where saturday night finds men in Armani dance the night away.
• Puchos: a raunchy late-night bar and disco with strippers, go-go boys and an "anything goes" atmosphere.
• L'Avispa: the first and for many the best of San Jose's nightclubs. Fun, charming and traditional with a mixed crowd dancing salsa, samba and merengue as well as chart hits. Recently renovated, a "must see " !
• CeroEsTres Bar: near the International Airport in Alajuela from the Fiesta Casino continue the old road into town, a local neighborhood bar for gay men and women.
• Marguiss: In the suburbs of Alajuela, a traditional bar for gay locals and their friends.

Restaurants

• Cafe Mundo : a beautiful setting in lush gardens where gay men adn lesbians and their friends can enjoy delicious traditional food.
• Olio: this sophisticated Italian eatery offers fine food in an elegant gay atmosphere.
• La Esquina de Buenos Aires: Its name is eloquent: at one of the corners of our capital city we have a spot that transports us to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, its music, culture and delicious gastronomy.
• Tin Jo: This place has a many different settings as its menu: dishes from Thailand, China, India, Japan and Indonesia. Curry, Sushi, pad krapao and an endless list of exotic creations are part of this culinary journey through the Orient.

• Hispalis: The oldest gay sauna in Costa Rica - best in the late afternoon as Businessmen seek to relax after a hard day.
• Paris: Located in downtown San Jose, an intimate, decadent experience.

"Click for Detailed Maps"