Latin America’s appeal with LGBTQ travelers remains strong, according to the most recent Gay Travel Awards, which were presented by GayTravel.com last month.
The Gay Travel Awards support and promote LGBTQ+ travel and tourism by recognizing destinations, hotels, events, influencers and other organizations that excel at inclusiveness and hospitality excellence.
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Latin America scored especially well in multiple categories — especially destinations in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Award announcements like these can provide inspiration if you’re looking for an LGBTQ-friendly vacation destination in Latin America. These are the the Latin American destinations and LGBTQ-friendly hotels that are award winners.
DESTINATION, BEACH: Cancun, Mexico
The wide range of hotels, the beautiful Caribbean waters, the wide beaches and of course the LGBTQ nightlife and wide variety of activities and excursions certainly must have played a big role in helping Cancun to win this category.
DESTINATION, CITY (NON-US): Mexico City
It’s no surprise that Mexico City continues to attract praise and admirers from around the world. One of Latin America’s most progressive, sophisticated and exciting cities (not to mention one of the two largest cities in the entire Western Hemisphere), Mexico City was the first Latin American metropolis to legalize same-sex marriage, more than a decade ago.
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DESTINATION, ISLAND: Cozumel, Mexico
This sun-soaked tropical island is ideal for LGBTQ travelers looking for a welcoming place to explore the region’s natural beauty.
DESTINATION, NATURE: Costa Rica
With its longstanding positioning as a hub for ecotourism, as well as its reputation as one of the most welcoming Central American countries for LGBTQ tourism (same-sex marriage has been legal in Costa Rica since 2020; it’s the first Central American country to take that step), Costa Rica is a logical winner for best destination for a nature-based LGBTQ vacation.
DESTINATION, WEDDING: Punta Mita, Mexico
Located in the state of Nayarit, Punta Mita is a popular place for laidback natural settings and indulgent luxury accommodations, both of which provide perfect backdrops for LGBTQ destination weddings. (I’ve stayed at the St. Regis Punta Mita and it’s simply gorgeous.)
HOTEL, ALL-INCLUSIVE: The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Luxurious accommodations and a beautiful setting on Costa Rica’s coast make this a winner.
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HOTEL, BEACH: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Offering sumptuous accommodations on the Caribbean’s most complete and welcoming LGBTQ-friendly island, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a dreamy place to unwind.
HOTEL, CITY (NON-US): W Mexico City
With its trademark W hipness and its array of fun activities that sometimes include drag dinners and other events, the W Mexico City can serve as a lively base for exploring Mexico’s capital.
HOTEL, HONEYMOON: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
Hey, I just mentioned my stay at this luxurious resort! I wasn’t there for an LGBTQ honeymoon, but I can certainly see why it won in this category; the guest rooms and suites provide lots of privacy.
HOTEL, LUXURY: Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mayakoba is one of the most luxurious resort complexes on the Mexican Caribbean coast, and the Rosewood excels at upping the ante with superior service.
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