Doug     February 02, 2012

Thanks for the note on the location Charles. I've corrected it on the map. Enjoy!

location     Charles from Albuquerque, NM USA     February 02, 2012

Location on google maps is incorrect.
The entrance is located on the south side of Ave Segunda between Calle 17 and Calle 19 it is the blue door with grafitti and the number 1762 above it.

What a wonderful place. If you like hot Latin men with big uncut cocks, then this is the place to find them.

Gay Beach     Gary Courtney from Canada     January 29, 2012

I go to Manuel Antonio about 3 times a year. The Playita Beach is no longer nude as nude beaches are illegal in CR, but it is still mostly gay - although there are straight tourists from the hotel behind the beach. A lot of gay people now also gather at the north end of the main beach, which is just south of Playita Beach - where there is nothing but jungle behind the beach and no issues about climbing over the rocks at high tide to reach it. Both areas are great - although not naked.

Hispalis gay sauna COSTA RICA     henry from usa     January 14, 2012

Yes trere is a bathhouse in San Jose COSTA RICA unlike the ones in the states the crowd is young mostly in their 20's .If on your visit you get tire of beaches ,volcanos water rafting ;etc and want to have a little bit of gay tlc go to this sauna , americans and europeans very welcome. You'll get a pair of slippers ,$10 admission fee ,very safe ,smoking in just one area and unlike the states no rooms to rent all cubicles are for free and all full in the afternoons , the guys having a jolly good time as for safe sex 50/50. The maze is a must ,that is where all the action is at and unlike the baths in the States it gets crowded in the afternoon between 2pm and 7pm.tHE CROWD IS MIXED LIKE IN ANY BATHHOUSE AROUND THE WORLD FROM THE VERY HANDSOME TO THE TROLLS FROM THE 20 SOMETHINGS TO THE 60 SOMETHING , THE S and M crowd(stand and model)attitude the same as everywhere else over all worth it if you feel on the hot side and like latin boys if you dont like brown skin do not fret there are plenty of white costa rican and beautiful ones .The location is around the museum and the door is painted blue.ENYOY IT

gay area     Tom from U.S.A     December 28, 2011

Hello, are there any gay bars/clubs near the allegra papagayo hotel

tips in hooking up     ccwdc from DC     November 18, 2011

Good job on the info about hooking up in Costa Rica.

Eager to please     Costa Rica Cruiser from Puerto Viejo     October 20, 2011

I tried this place out a few weeks ago and was very "satisfied". Rates $30-$40 for "full meal deal". Have fun!

Not as Gay Anymore     Colinsito from Puerto Viejo     October 19, 2011

Kurt, the previous owner has sold to a straight middle aged women. Place does not have same gay vibe it used to. Location is good for access to clubs, but I now stay at colours

Noisy Neighbor     Evelyn & David from Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica     September 17, 2011

Dear El,
Our guests have lost sleep the last 3 nights in a row. When you moved into our neighborhood you made some promises you aren't keeping. Your Noisy Neighbor flyer wasn't in the spirit of being a good neighbor either. It's 11 pm and no one is answering your phone at the bar We have to talk.

Evelyn & David

La Mansion Inn / nice place and gay friendly     Adam from chicago, usa     June 30, 2011

My partner and I stayed at La Mansion Inn in Manuel Antonio and felt completely comfortable throughout our stay. While not a "gay" hotel, it is open and welcoming to all and the staff were all incredibly friendly (a few of them were also cute. smile.)

Gaia is not gay friendly     Wayne Howington from Miami USA     February 16, 2011

Recent a friend stayed there for two nights. On the second night he invited myself and two other guest back to his room for a drink. We were turned away by someone who didn't even have the courtesy to face us. If we had been two men with two women it would not have been a problem.

rw     February 04, 2011

check it out

Incredible service by Mauricio     Ed from St. Louis, MO USA     January 07, 2011

Found Gecko Trail Adventures through a Google search for gay-friendly travel. Any reservations I had about booking every aspect of my travel in Costa Rica with a company I was not familiar with was immediately put aside. Mauricio was my agent at Gecko and did an amazing job of recommending various hotels and activities. Considering how many times I had to change my itinerary in the months before my trip, I am indebted to him for 1) keeping me organized 2) making all the hotel, transport and activity arrangements for me 3) being incredibly responsive to my questions. My transports included private driver in San Jose (airport to hotel) as well as the Interbus shuttle system (shared shuttle with ~7 other people). Be forewarned that car travel in parts of CR can be rough/bumpy, since the road system is not as well-developed as in the States. Shared shuttle is a nice, cheap way to go, plus gives you the opportunity of meeting some other adventuresome travelers (in my case, mostly students, Europeans, those wanting to save a little money).

Things that I would highly recommend that were suggested by Gecko/Mauricio: 1) splurging for a stay at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort (http://www.tabacon.com/). The incredible service at the resort and the hot springs are not to be missed. None of the other hotels in the area can boast as large a variety of hot springs (most only had 1 or 2 hot spring pools, Tabacon has easily over 15 hot spring pools to lounge in). However, it's a tough hotel to get into, so plan at least 6 months in advance. There is also a nice buffet dinner at Tabacon, which is nice to do after a couple hours in the springs. But put your reservation in for dinner early, it's a pretty place. The spa is also very nice. I slurged on a 1.5 deep tissue massage, which was conducted outside in a private cabana surrounded by the hot springs. 2) White water rafting through Desafio (http://www.desafiocostarica.com/). Highly experienced guides who were very much into our safety on a class 3-4 river. Travel and a nice, picnic-style meal to match the rugged activity afterwards. 3) Sky Tram/Sky Trek (zip line) through Sky Adventures (http://www.skyadventures.travel/index/index.html). I wish I would have known beforehand that there was a tree-top restaurant at this place, so that I would have scheduled more time afterwards to enjoy it. But the zip lines were long, fast, and unlike other companies, you don't have to do any braking, the zip guides do the braking for you. 4) Hike through Manuel Antonio National Park. Pay the fee for a professional guide, they will notice wild animals and flora that you would easily miss if you did this hike without a guide. Unfortunately, because of the recent rains in the area, did not get to see all the trails that were available.

Things that weren't as nice about my stay: The California Hotel (http://www.hotel-california.com/) was a little disappointing. It was more rustic and a bit run down, though fine for spending time just hanging out at the beach. Unfortunately, it's a little bit further out from the beach than some of the other hotels of its type in the city of Manuel Antonio. I had ordered a king sized bed. What I got was a kingsize bed frame with a queen mattress on it. In addition, there is desk clerk between 10pm and 6am, so guests are pretty much on their own (e.g., if locked out of room, etc.). Otherwise, the desk staff were helpful and breakfast buffet was included and reasonable (fresh fruit, eggs to order, toast, juice, coffee). If you're looking for higher end accommodations, it looked like the Parador (http://www.hotelparador.com/) was the nicest in this town (didn't stay there, but got to see it when my shuttle bus stopped there before the Manuel Antonio nature hike). If you do plan to stay in Manuel Antonio, I would recommend staying closer to the beach. There is one bus line that goes between MA and Quepos. Small hotels, shops and restaurants line the single main road between the two villages.

Tim and Robrt from Portland     January 07, 2011

First of all Ernesto at Gecko Trail, you are awesome!!!! Everything was wonderfully coordinated and the accommodations, activities, tour companies and guides were exceptional.

Or time at Banana Azul passed quickly. We would highly recommend BA. The place is magical. We thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations and the great staff. The grounds are amazing to say the least. The food was top notch and we loved the bar and open lobby.

The white water rafting trip is a must! Ricky, Miguel and the other guides were all professional and really fun. We would highly recommend this guide company.

We arrived at Los Lagos Resort shortly after sunset. Again, thank you Ernesto. What a great place. The natural hot springs were heavenly to say the least. The room was really nice. We could see Arenal from the front terrace. The grounds and facilities were wonderful.

In San Jose we stayed at Casa 69. Nice place. Well kept and very friendly.

We went out on the town Tuesday night a found a wild scene at the local gay bars. Another surprise for sure.

BUSY?     Les Eastman from USA     December 12, 2010

Was there last winter, are you still open? Busy? Was considering coming back

Gay Friendly Hotel Puerto Viejo     Michael and D'Angelo from La Fortuna, Costa Rica     November 20, 2010

Costa Rica Travel Agency we RECOMMEND      D'Angelo & Michael from La Fortuna, Costa Rica     July 23, 2010

Sunday at La Avispa     D'Angelo & Michael from La Fortuna, Costa Rica     April 30, 2010

La Avispa is one of the oldest GAY CLUBS in San Jose and a FAVORITE with locals and travelers alike, but 'straight' people also ENJOY La Avispa, especially on a SUNDAY night when hundreds of people find their way to La Avispa to dance and party the night AWAY. So REALLY, everyone should CHECK-OUT this video, gay and straight and see why La AVISPA is THE PLACE to party on a SUNDAY.

Banana Azul!!     Mark Rodgers from Fullerton, CA USA     February 28, 2010

After driving through the little ganga infused village of Puerto Viejo, to the end of the road, we conclude that we missed our lodging and turn around. Driving down a rain soaked, pot holed dirt road we found it. Heaven! From our second floor deck we can watch and hear the waves crashing against the beach. Looking at the clientele we are clearly the only gay guys here. Mostly young honeymooners. But it's all good. Pura Vida right?
Up on our deck we are drinking local rum and decorating the railings with twinkle lights. It's a deck shared with one other room so we're imagining a kinky dutch lesbian couple - two kids walk out and introduce themselves. That night we have dinner at the Inn and our bartender Franklin hooks my iPOD up to the bar sound system and we listen to our Banana Azul Mix. Ynez the cook makes an incredible Caribbean beef and rice. She is so sweet, she invited me into the kitchen to show me how she makes it. She's so proud to show us! I go back to the room and bring down a bottle of California wine for the kitchen and bar staff.

It's Saturday morning and we decide to buckle up and drive south to Panama. Or at least as far as the coastal road will take us. We go through Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva and the road ends at Manzanilla. It's only 30 minutes from Banana on a dirt road but the beaches get prettier and prettier. We park and pay this little gimpy old man 1000¢ to 'watch' our car. It's a very nice beach. Lava out croppings, blue blue water and the occasional cute Tico. Billy and I had lunch at a cool little place called Maxi's and of course he takes a photo of his food, and some cute boys in speedos at the bar. God love him.

Being somewhat of an experienced traveler and realizing you can't always get the things locally that you are accustomed to, I brought my own stash California wine to present as thoughtful gifts and a handle of duty free Tanquerey Gin. Our bartender Franklin is a young friendly dude and his happy to keep my gin hidden at the bar, so I end up only having to pay for mixers. So while Billy is busy uploading the days photos to his blog, I head down to the bar and write in my journal. Franklin makes me a cocktail and schools me on proper Costa Rican spanish (It's rude to say 'De Nada') and I teach him dirty words in english. We meet a young couple from North Carolina; Scott and Michelle. After we all have Ynez's fresh caught grilled ahi we relax in the spa, with Franklin pouring drinks and playing our iPOD mixes - we're getting a little drunk. The night guard makes us turn off our music, and powers off the spa. I guess some guests think that by 9:30pm you should just be in bed listening to crickets. (or whatever creatures are making all that noise) We totally respect that, besides our little cabina is separate from the main house, so we can afford to drink a little more and get a little noisier. Until Señor de la Guardia de Seguridad comes to our place to tell us to pipe down.

Ambercam is no more...     Colin from Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo     February 23, 2010

Word is out that this place bit the dust. Better want to check if they are going to re-open and if they will be gay or not.

New 5 Star Resort in Manuel Antonio     Dennis from Manhattan, New York City     January 16, 2010

There is a new super luxury 5 star resort in Manuel Antonio called Los Altos Resort and Spa. It opened the end of Oct. It is right across the street from Cafe Milagro. It consists of 24 3 bedroom condos -2400 sq ft plus outdoor space and 4 4 bd penthouse. It is on 23 acres and has its own private beach. It is designed like a luxury loft in NYC, very clean, modern lines! Great amenities, gym, infinity pool, beautiful restaurant, beach club, etc. Very hi end with modern Balenese furnishings. FOR THE GAY CUSTOMER WHO IS LOOKING FOR LUXURY AND NOT THE USUAL GAY B AND B'S-doesn't apppeal to everyone. It is definately the most luxurious resort in Manuel Antonio. You should contact the manager to see if he is OK with you listing the resort as "gay friendly" on your website. I am sure he will-I have already had a conversation with him telling him to market to the high disposal income gay clientele. An apt sleeps 6 people and the penthouse 8. His e mail address is manager@losaltoscr.com and the website is www.losaltosresort.com.

Footage from opening night at Liquid Lounge Manuel Antonio     DJ Pablo Monge from San Jose, Costa Rica     November 30, 2009

Is Tutu a gay bar?     Doug Dosdall from Vancouver, Canada     November 18, 2009

Rumors are swirling around back and forth that Tutu is no longer gay and isn't welcoming gay people anymore.

Our sources, who live in Manuel Antonio and seem to be reliable, told us this:

The lady that owns Tutu Bar was running for mayor or some local post so she turned the bar 'straight'.... which didn't do so well, she has now seen the error of her ways and has turned the bar back gay, but people were upset.....

Couldn't agree more     Doug from Vancouver, Canada     November 05, 2009

This hotel is often mentioned as a gay hotel and there are gay staff and a gay owner so it fits the bill that way. But as they say the crowd is very mixed. And also there are no real common areas where people hang out in the hotel so don't stay here expecting to meet other travelers. However, it is a place where you won't be judged for being gay and it is a great location convenient to the gay nightlife.

Michael and D'Angelo from La Fortuna, Costa Rica     November 05, 2009

Welcome to the Neighborhood     Colin from Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo     November 01, 2009

Nice to see something that is not "same old, same old" in the area. The group of us local gay guys really enjoyed our get together on Saturday Night. It is great to finally have a place where you really feel at home as gay person living or visiting in the area.

Oasis in the city.     Colin from Puerto Viejo     October 31, 2009

One of our favorite places when we want to escape from the beach and head to the big city. Staff are always very accommodating.

Best trip we ever had     Paddy and Kevin from Vancouver, Canada     October 31, 2009

We had an itinerary booked for us by Gecko trail (in April of this year). Our trip was similar to the package on this site.
The Tabacon Hot Springs are absolutely amazing.
We did the horseback ride up to the waterfall in La Fortuna, and would highly recommend it.
We opted for a TWO day rafting trip which included an overnight in a very remote site (with sleeping huts).
Our last several days were spent at Banana Azul....loved the atmosphere there. Very warm and laid back.
At first we weren't sure about not having a car for the two weeks, but the transportation worked out well (flawlessly) and a car would have been inconvenient. All our transportation showed up on time and knew exactly where we we supposed to go, taking us door to door.

This was the best and easiest trip we have ever done. It was so nice to have Gecko trails work out ALL the details so we just had to show up at the airport!

Test     Doug Dosdall from Vancouver, Canada     October 24, 2009

test

Safety Advice for Hooking up in Costa Rica     Costa Rica Cruiser from San Jose, Costa Rica     October 19, 2009

I don't want this to sound overly alarmist, but there are certain precautions that the inexperienced gay traveler should take when meeting local guys in developing countries.

Costa Ricans are very friendly people and are pretty open about gay life. However, given that it is a poorer country, there is a segment of the population that preys upon foreigners. Keep in mind that the average unskilled working stiff makes about $15-$20 day.

I have lived in Costa Rica for 5 years and over that time I have learned a few things (thankfully not the hard way).

Here are some basic tips to keep you safe.

Do not walk around downtown San Jose at night. Taxis are only a few dollars and are usually available outside the bar you are leaving from. If you are leaving from a bar or sauna and do not see a taxi, have the counter person or doorperson call one for you.

If walking around during the day, refrain from wearing jewelry such as gold chains, watches etc. Also keep displays of using such items as cell phones and ipods to an minimum. You are just sending out messages that you have "goodies".

When going out, keep the amount of cash that you have with you to the just amount you need for that night. You also can leave all ID including passport in your hotel safe. You are required to have a photo-copy of your passport with the entry stamp as well. This is legal ID all over Costa Rica except when you do face-to-face bank transactions and an original copy is required. Try and have photo copies done before you leave, but if you do not, most decent hotels will do it for you.

Keep park cruising to day light hours. If cruising around downtown parks, there are very cheap hotels that you can go to for sex. Latin culture is designed this way as very few people live alone and given that latins are very horny, casual encounters and sex outside of relationships is very common.

If you bring someone back to your hotel room, make sure that he is not expecting money. If he is, negotiate the price and what that includes ahead of time.

Most gay hotels and hotels that are used to guests bringing back local friends make person register at desk with ID. This is a good thing as it is for your protection and other guests. If your new found friend does not have ID, that should be your first sign that he might not be trustworthy. I would stick to taking him to a sex hotel or sauna.

If you do not know the person or do not have reliable references about the persons character, it is not advisable for you to have him stay the night.

Make sure all your valuables in your hotel room are locked up. It is a very good idea that until you know someone not to display signs of wealth such as expensive cash, credit cards, cell phones, computers, etc.

If having sex in venues like sex clubs or parks, be very mindful about things in your pockets such as car keys, cash or wallet.

If you are a victim of crime or threats, my advice would be to call the police. That will usually end things right there. Almost anyone involved in illegal activity does not want to deal with the police. They are counting on that you are too afraid to call.

Unlike other Latin countries I have visited, the police in Costa Rica overall are quite friendly and will try and help. The whole country on a whole is not really homophobic and even though many do not approve of homosexuality, they are not hostile about it.

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