A Queer Guide To Bogotá, Colombia

This gay travel guide is your passport to exploring Bogotá, Colombia through a queer lens, discovering its LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, events, and experiences that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Bogotá is a bustling capital city where the queer community can feel comfortable being themselves. Here you’ll see couples holding hands, stumble upon beautiful cafés, fine dining, and the best nightlife in the city. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2016 and the former mayor of the city was openly lesbian – an example of how progressive this city is. There is also a yearly pride festival, lots of gay-friendly establishments, and overall many unique experiences to have in Bogotá for the gay traveler.

We’ve created the ultimate insider guide for you to discover the best of being queer in Bogotá and unlock the secrets of this LGBT-friendly city.

Does Bogotá have a gay neighborhood?

Most of the gay culture can be found in the Chapinero neighborhood, sometimes referred to as “Chapigay”. In this neighborhood, you’ll find Bogotá’s creatives, young professionals, students, and a large LGTB community. The overall feel of the area is a bit more underground with hip eateries, coffee shops, and independent design boutiques to discover. Chapinero is a VERY BIG neighborhood with parts that are very nice to stay in and parts that are very loud and dirty so you need to choose the right part of Chapinero.

Where to stay

Chapinero has several smaller neighborhoods within the neighborhood. You want to focus on staying in Zona G, Quinta Camacho, and Chapinero Alto to be in the best parts. The following recommendations are in those areas to ensure you have the best experience in Bogotá.

HOTEL COCO

HAB HOTEL

LUCITANIA

CASA CHAPINERO

Things to do in Bogotá

There are so many unique experiences to have had in Bogotá so I have rounded up a few of my favorite must-do’s for while you’re here…

Experience Bogotá Pride

If you happen to be in Bogotá at the end of June/early July you have to experience the pride festivals. Bogotá Pride Fest is the event you can’t miss. It’s a trendy and well-organized queer music festival that takes place during pride weekend. Then on Sunday you can join the local for the annual pride parade.

Book a queer-friendly food tour

Get ready for an immersive tasting menu as you get to experience the real Bogotá – from the gritty to the most Insta-gramable, and everything in between. Joey and Giovanni will take you to the best spots in Bogotá and end with a mojito making class. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Take a photo in front of the rainbow Bogotá sign

Parque Hippies is known for being the center of the gaybourhood in Chapinero and it’s where you can take a fun photo in front of the rainbow Bogotá sign. Visit THIS LINK to see the location on Google Maps.

Spend the day at private hot springs

Embark on an enchanting journey to a hidden gem nestled near Bogotá, where a magical hot spring oasis awaits in the Andes Mountains. This exclusive experience offers more than just a mere getaway: it’s a lavish retreat into serenity and rejuvenation. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a warm welcome to a private estate, a sanctuary not open to the public. Here, time slows down as you immerse yourself in the natural wonders surrounding you. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Enjoy a couples photoshoot

The hardest part about traveling with a partner is getting good photos together! Spend the day with local photographer Nicolás as he captures you and your partner in the most iconic spots of Bogotá. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Go to a Ru Paul viewing party

Nearly every Friday you can enjoy a Ru Paul viewing party organized by Oh My Drag! The event takes place in different parts of the city and it’s extremely important to make a reservation as it fills up quickly. During the commercial breaks they put on live drag shows and competitions for a fun night. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot at the next event.

Explore La Candelaria

Juanita and Aleja are LGBT-friendly guides and passionate entrepreneurs who believe in the power of tourism to create a positive impact on the destination and its people. Explore the hidden gems of the La Candelaria neighborhood as they share with you the history, culture, current social, political situation, and their own personal anecdotes. This is the perfect introduction to Bogota! Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Visit the LGBTI Museum

The LGBTI Museum in Bogotá shows the rich history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTI community in Colombia’s capital. Nestled within the city center, it offers an immersive journey through time, showcasing the resilience, activism, and cultural contributions of LGBTI individuals. Through art installations, multimedia displays, and interactive experiences, the museum fosters dialogue and reflection on issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, and human rights.

Cruise the gay district with a local

Colombia stands out as one of the most progressive countries in Latin America regarding legal protections and equal rights for the Queer community. With around 30 places awaiting exploration, your LGBT-friendly guide Juan will provide insider tips and recommendations on where to go, what to do, or which spots to avoid. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Bogotá’s vibrant LGBTQ scene! Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Enjoy a weekend brunch

Brunch is obviously the best meal of the day and there are some incredible spots to get your brunch on in Bogotá. Some spots offer unlimited mimosas, all-you-can-eat buffets, or turn brunch into an all-out DAY PARTY. But where should you go? Visit THIS LINK to find the best brunch spots in Bogotá.

See the most unique views of Bogotá

Join your LGBT-friendly guide Jonathan on a tour of Bogotá with the most unique views. First, you’ll take a ride on the TransmiCable, an innovative cable car system that connects residents in the farther parts of the city. It is a social transformation project that recognizes neighborhoods as part of the city to end the problems of violence, bring tourism, and improve the quality of life of the inhabitants. After here, you’ll head back to the city center to have a picnic on the highest helipad in Bogotá. This will offer panoramic views and the best photo opportunities. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Shop at boutiques from local designers

Bogotá is an incredibly hip and edgy city where you’ll that the locals like to express themselves with what they are wearing. And where are they getting all of these cool clothes? Possibly from an emerging scene of their own local independent designers. In Bogotá, you can find one of a kind items to bring back home and I find that the prices are very reasonable for the quality you are getting. Check out THIS ARTICLE to see where some of the best designer stores are located. Or if you’re looking for queer-style apparel, the Lourdes Center in Chapinero has around 15 small boutiques with swimwear, tank tops, underwear, and costumes.

Hike an urban nature trail

Escape the urban hustle without ever leaving the city – Embark on a journey through a hidden nature trail nestled right within Bogotá, followed by a delightful brunch experience with queer-friendly guides, Joey & Giovanni. This adventure kicks off with an exploration of one of the city’s urban parks. While ascending the park’s stairs, you’ll take it slow to acclimate to Bogotá’s high altitude. The trail is impeccably maintained, making it accessible for all, regardless of hiking experience. As you traverse, you’ll follow a natural river meandering through the urban landscape down to the Zona G neighborhood for a well-deserved brunch. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Visit the flea market in Usaquen

On Saturday and Sunday you have to spend the day in the Usaquén neighborhood. This is an artistic neighborhood with historical Spanish colonial architecture filled with trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. Every Saturday and Sunday, artisans from around the city set up booths for the weekly flea market and it’s entertaining to walk around viewing handcrafts and trying delicious homemade foods.

Make an emerald ring

Emeralds are the most important precious stones from Colombia and one of the most unique things you can bring back home is a ring that you designed. During the Emerald Ring Workshop, you’ll decide the shape, the stone, and the design of your silver ring, learning the several steps in the production of a ring at your guide’s advisory. Visit THIS LINK for complete details.

Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains

Embark on a day of adventure with horseback riding in the Andes Mountains with your guide Daniel Santiago. You’ll be welcomed to his family farm for a scenic horseback ride through the Andes. Enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine, including wood stove-cooked dishes and a game of Tejo. Then, return to Bogotá, refreshed and connected to nature. Click THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

Going out in Bogotá

Bogotá has the best gay-friendly nightlife in Colombia with plenty of establishments and events to know about. I’ve linked to the instagram accounts of each place so you can see what’s going on for the days you’re visiting.

Gay-Friendly Clubs