The Best Gay Beaches in Latin America
Looking for your next Latino husband?
Latin America’s abundant coastlines, warm weather and abundant beautiful men make it a great beach destination. There are some gay beaches to explore in the region - Ricky Martin sightings cannot be guaranteed but you may find a suitable substitute.
From Mexico's Pacific playground to Brazil's speedo-optional stretches of sand, these beaches aren't just gay-friendly – they're gay destinations in their own right. Pack your most daring swimwear and plenty of sunscreen. Be prepared to be gagged - in Rio every other person is a ten which is as thrilling as it is intimidating.
Mexico
Playa Los Muertos (Puerto Vallarta)
The undisputed queen of Latin American gay beaches! Located in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica, the south end of Los Muertos Beach (near Blue Chairs Resort - a popular gay hotel) transforms into gay beach heaven daily. Look for the blue beach chairs and rainbow flags marking your territory.
This stretch offers the perfect mix of beautiful people-watching, beach vendors selling everything from empanadas to margaritas, and crystal-clear waters. The atmosphere is buzzing, especially between December and April when the beach fills with visitors escaping northern winters. PV is especially popular with tourists from the US - this is the most tourist-friendly gay beach on our list.
Don't Miss: The Sunday afternoon beach parties that often continue well into the evening at nearby bars like Mantamar Beach Club.
Playa Delfines (Cancún)
While Cancún might be known for spring breakers, the southern section of Playa Delfines has emerged as a popular LGBTQ+ destination. Just look for the rainbow flags and clusters of gorgeous gay men. With turquoise Caribbean waters and soft white sand, it gives you the perfect beach experience in another touristy part of Mexico.
The beach is more relaxed than Puerto Vallarta's scene, making it perfect for couples or those seeking a more chilled vibe. The sprawling, all-inclusive hotels of the Zona Hotelera district are nearby. Playa Delfines makes for a great day trip from your resort.
Brazil
Farme de Amoedo Beach (Rio de Janeiro)
No gay beach list would be complete without mentioning the legendary gay section of Ipanema Beach in Rio! Located in front of Rua Farme de Amoedo street, this stretch of sand (marked by rainbow flags) has been the epicenter of Rio's gay beach scene for decades.
Speedo-clad beauties and a cross-section of local and international LGBTQ+ travelers make this one of the world's most vibrant gay beaches. The eye candy is unmatched, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Local Tip: The crowd tends to gather between posts 8 and 9 on the beach. Just look for the rainbow flags and follow the music!
Praia Mole (Florianópolis)
On the island paradise of Florianópolis (also known as "Floripa"), Praia Mole's far right corner next to the rocky outcrop has become the go-to gay beach spot. During high season (December-March), the beach fills with beautiful Brazilian men and international visitors.
What makes this spot special is the stunning natural setting – lush green hills surround the beach, creating a secluded paradise feeling despite the crowds. The gay section is known locally as "Canto do Mole" (Mole's Corner).
Praia de Abricó (Rio de Janeiro)
If you’re after a clothing-optional experience, Abricó Beach in Rio has a dedicated gay section that's more popular with locals than visitors. Located in the western Grumari area of Rio, it's more secluded than Ipanema and requires a bit more effort to reach, but that's part of the appeal.
The northeastern corner is where the LGBTQ+ crowd gathers, creating a relaxed, judgment-free zone where you can work on that all-over tan. It’s a welcoming alternative to Rio’s more crowded gay hotspots. Just remember to pack supplies, since it’s a protected area with minimal facilities.
Argentina
Playa Norte (Mar del Plata)
Argentina's most famous beach resort town has a gay section at Playa Norte, specifically between balnearios 2 and 3. During the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February), the area fills with LGBTQ+ visitors from Buenos Aires and beyond.
The scene here tends to be more subdued than Brazil's beaches but still distinctly gay. Look for the groups of men gathered with mate tea – a very Argentine beach experience!
Colombia
Playa El Castillo (Cartagena)
About a 10-minute boat ride from Cartagena's mainland lies Playa El Castillo on Tierra Bomba Island. While the entire beach isn't gay, the northern section has evolved into a popular LGBTQ+ gathering spot, especially on weekends.
Local boats make regular trips from Cartagena, making this an accessible day trip. The gay section is relatively new compared to established spots like Los Muertos, but it's growing in popularity every year among both locals and tourists.
Costa Rica
Playita Beach (Manuel Antonio)
This small cove adjacent to Manuel Antonio's main beach has become Costa Rica's premier gay beach area. You’ll find it between rainforest and crystal-clear waters, it's one of the most naturally beautiful gay beaches in Latin America.
To find it, walk to the far left end of Manuel Antonio's main beach and continue around the rocky outcrop – you'll know you've arrived when you spot the rainbow towels and predominantly male crowd. The beach is relatively small and lowkey.
Wildlife Bonus: The surrounding national park means you might spot monkeys and sloths while working on your tan!
Uruguay
Playa Chihuahua (Punta del Este)
Uruguay's most famous gay beach is also its only official nude beach. Located about 30 minutes from the glitzy resort town of Punta del Este, Chihuahua Beach has a dedicated LGBTQ+ section where the community gathers, especially during Uruguay's summer season (December-March).
The beach has a more relaxed, mature vibe than some others on this list. It’s just 400 metres from Undarius Hotel, a hotel for gay men.
Puerto Rico
Atlantic Beach (Condado, San Juan)
Right in front of the Atlantic Beach Hotel in San Juan's Condado district lies Puerto Rico's main gay beach. Look for the rainbow flags marking this stretch of gorgeous Caribbean coastline. What makes this spot special is its urban accessibility – you're just steps away from gay-friendly bars and restaurants.
The crowd is a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, and the vibe is festive year-round thanks to Puerto Rico's tropical climate.
Dominican Republic
Playa Boca Chica (Juan Dolio)
About 30 minutes east of Santo Domingo, a section of Playa Boca Chica has emerged as a gay area. The western end of this picturesque beach attracts a primarily local LGBTQ+ crowd, with tourists joining the mix during high season. The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for socializing while cooling off from the Caribbean heat.
