By Andrew Collins

Verdant, mountainous, and unspeakably beautiful, Costa Rica might just be the gay-friendliest nation in Latin America. This small tropical country, which lies about 1,300 miles due south of the Florida panhandle, makes for a diverting vacation locale – it’s close enough to the United States for a long weekend visit, but has enough to see and do to keep travelers entertained for a couple of weeks. Accommodations that enthusiastically welcome gays and lesbians abound in Costa Rica’s most appealing destinations, and there are active gay scenes in the capital city of San Jose and the resort town of Quepos, which hugs the central Pacific shoreline.

As you plan a trip here, factor in how you intend to get around (renting a car, flying, or taking buses), and whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, outdoorsy adventures, gay nightclubs and resorts, or some combination. Or better yet, use the following 10-day itinerary of Costa Rica’s must-see areas.

Days 1 and 2
San Jose

Spend your first couple of nights right in San Jose, which is just a 20-minute drive from the airport, where you can rent a car. Costa Rica’s capital city has a handful of attractions, plus some excellent restaurants and lively gay nightclubs, such as La Avispa and La Metro. It’s also home to several gay-oriented accommodations, including the outstanding Colours Resort, which is in a safe, residential neighborhood on the west side of the city, convenient to the airport and beautiful Sabana Park. This handsomely furnished Spanish Colonial-style property has rooms in many sizes and configurations, from cozy standards to lavish suites complete with full kitchens and private terraces. Guests enjoy easy access to a pool, secluded garden hot tub, and inviting bar and lounge where a full breakfast is served each morning.

Other worthy, gay-friendly options in San Jose include Hotel Kekoldi (which also has an outpost in Quepos) and the Canyon House, and there’s a perfectly nice and handy Hampton Inn right by the airport.

Days 3, 4 and 5
Arenal

From San Jose, it can take anywhere from three to six hours to drive to the Arenal region. The most scenic but longest route entails a zigzagging drive through the villages of Grecia, Sarchi (known for its many stores selling hand-crafted furniture), Naranjo, Zarcero, and Ciudad Quesada. The terrain along here is alpine in places, reminiscent of Switzerland.

Anchoring the region is Mt. Arenal, a live volcano that most nights puts on an amazing show as it spits fiery rivers of glowing lava down its flanks. Countless hotels, lodges, and inns line the main road that curves beneath the volcano – the most luxurious lodging is Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort. Here you’ll find beautifully decorated rooms, most of which afford views of the volcano. And guests receive unlimited use of the hot springs, which consist of myriad natural soaking pools, a full-service spa offering heavenly treatments, a pool and swim-up bar, and a restaurant overlooking all the action. Even if you don’t stay at Tabacon, consider spending a day soaking in the hot springs.

Other good lodging options in the Arenal region include Hotel La Mansion Inn and Arenal Lodge. Be sure to spend one evening in the nearest large town, La Fortuna, which is home to some fun (straight) bars and enjoyable restaurants, including Vagabondo, an excellent pizzeria, and Restaurante Luigi, an atmospheric restaurant that serves delicious filet mignon flambeed tableside.

Arenal makes a great base for all kinds of outdoorsy activities, from guided hikes near the base of the volcano to zip-line canopy tours high above the tree tops (on these you’re strapped into a harness that “zips” along a series of lines connecting tree to tree). You can also visit the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Numerous outfitters in the area offer just about every kind of excursion and activity.

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