Even though this country might probably be seen as a rather conservative and catholic one, Colombia is actually rated #23 of the Gay Travel Index (GTI) and therefore is amongst the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world! Regarding its laws to reinforce LGBTQ+ rights, Colombia was even some years head of contries like e.g. Germany: Already in 2007, a law was passed to introduce a registered partnership and in 2016, same-sex marriage was legalised. Also adoption of non biological children is possible since 2015.
Colombia is not only open to the LGBTQ+ community on paper, but especially in progressive and open-minded big cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla they are very welcome. As in most parts of the world, residents of big cities are more open-minded, as they have already had more contact with members of the LGBTQ+ community than people in more rural areas of Colombia.
The metropoles have a lot to offer for everybody: The largest gay club in Latin America is located in the middle of Chapinero, Bogotá. In "Theatron", that accommodates up to 5000 guests and comes with 17 different floors, everyone can find their preferred party music and there is a dance floor especially reserved for women and gogo dancers. If you like going out and dancing, you should definitely plan a visit to this club for a weekend in Bogotá! Close by there are a couple of hotels for gay customers only, but also many other hotels are very committed to inclusion, diversity and equality. E.g. The Hilton hotel organizes plenty of same-sex weddings.
Medellín is another great spot for LGBTQ* travelers: In El Poblado, you can find a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants, or even city tours that focus on the theme of LGBTQ+ history, such as the graffiti tour of Comuna 13 with a local guide who draws special attention to the works of LGBTQ+ artists.
The Caribbean city of Cartagena also has a lot to offer for this target group: more than 20 gorgeous sandy beaches, exciting nightlife in the center and LGBTQ+-friendly boutique hotels. For an extravagant excursion, we recommend island hopping on a private boat along the Rosario Islands, perfect for snorkeling, fishing and relaxing.
Barranquilla is just about two hours away from Cartagena and here you should not miss the traditional carnival. It looks back on 100 years of tradition and is one of the 5 largest in the world. Guacherna Gay - a nightly carnival parade of the LGBTIQ+ scene with all the glitter and glamour you can imagine: Graceful drag queens, dressed-up dancers and a whole troop of yellow and red dressed marimondas (costume as a form of protest to mock the 19th century elite that exploited the working class) - a unique experience.
In a nutshell: travelers from the LGBTQ+ community will have a great experience here in Colombia, especially exploring the offers in the major cities. The majority of the Colombian inhabitants are open and curious, and above all proud to show foreign visitors the diversity of their own country.
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