When you think of vacation destinations in the South Pacific with beautiful beaches and a warm, clear blue ocean, Chile is probably not the first destination that comes to mind. Yet this long, narrow strip of coastal land wedged between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean —like a great snake— known as the Republic of Chile, has some of the most beautiful beaches in South America. and the capital The city of Santiago is very gay-friendly.

This narrow landmass is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, plus the Drake Passage in the far south of the country and stretches 2,700 miles along the southwest coast of South America. It is only 150 miles deep at its widest point and the majestic Andes mountain range creates a natural border separating it from neighboring Argentina and Bolivia. But Chile’s diversity, from the arid northern land of the mighty Atacama Desert to the sprawling central river valley encompassing vineyards and farmland, plus the lush Lake District and to the south, the labyrinthine archipelago of the Patagonia, makes this a truly spectacular adventure vacation land. With more than fifty active volcano peaks, primeval forests and enchanting lakes, a temperate climate year-round, Chile is fast becoming the new eco-adventure destination of choice in South America.

Most visitors to Chile arrive in Santiago, the capital city, and from here it is easy to head to the different regions to enjoy a unique vacation. Furthermore, in Santiago and nearby Viña del Mar or Valparaíso you will also find the most extensive gay and gay-friendly highlights of this diverse country.

Over the last decade, homophobia has virtually disappeared in Chile, and same-sex relationships have been legal since 1998. The age of consent is eighteen, but sexual relations must take place in private so that they are not considered immoral or indecent conduct. . Currently, the Chilean Congress is considering a law allowing civil unions between same-sex couples, and several notable media celebrities have come out and declared their support for gay rights. This has led to an increase in the number of gay businesses, especially in Santiago.

Santiago’s urban renewal is evident as magnificent new office towers rise above beautiful century-old haciendas and Spanish colonial architecture. The CTC Telecommunications Tower is literally the world’s largest cell phone and dominates the Santiago skyline contrasting the nearby Bellavista neighborhood with the narrow streets, artsy boutiques of the city’s bohemian neighborhood. This is a very clean, safe city and offers many pleasant walks in the different tourist and residential neighborhoods or in the extensive public parks.

Any visit to Santiago must begin by riding the funicular to see the Statue of the Virgin at the top of the San Cristóbal hill and observe the city below. Many of the gay clubs and bars are located in the Barrio Bellavista at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal. The closest Metro station is Baquedano in Plaza Italia from where you cross Avenida Providencia then cross the bridge over the Río Mapocho and you are in the Barrio. Local restaurants, colorful cafes, bars and nightclubs can be found here and is one of the most fun communities in Santiago for both straight and gay visitors. It is not a gay ghetto, but a truly integrated district. The other concentration of gay bars can be found in the city center a few steps from the beautiful Cerro Santa Lucía park and close to the pedestrian shopping streets. Recommended by some local residents for the neighborhood bar atmosphere are Bar Willy and Holandesa, plus Bokhara, Bunker and Fausto are worth visiting for late-night clubbing. The clubs don’t usually start until 1:30 in the morning and then the party can last until dawn.

Whether you start your day early to explore or sleep in until noon, the city of Santiago has plenty to offer for sightseeing and entertainment. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is the best museum in Santiago, with a beautifully presented collection of pre-Hispanic art gathered from across the South American continent. Highlights include elaborate Mesoamerican incense burners, Andean textiles dating back 3,000 years, and Mayan carvings, not to be missed for any reason. Or you can try a freshly-arrived seafood lunch at the majestic Mercado Central, surrounded by market stalls brimming with glistening sea bass and salmon, buckets of oysters, mussels or salt-crusted clams. La Chascona is the former home of Pablo Neruda — the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet — which is packed with strange and beautiful objects, from Victorian dolls and African carvings to music boxes and paperweights. Preserved as a museum, it is a fascinating visit. Without a doubt, the best place to go for souvenirs is the lively Los Dominicos market, where you will find a wide variety of beautiful handicrafts, as well as antiques, books, fossils, a restaurant and live music with dancing on the weekends. In addition, the many Spanish palaces, castles and historical buildings are a photographer’s dream come true.

After a few days in the capital city, it’s worth venturing to the Pacific coast to enjoy the ocean and more of a resort-style vacation. A short fifteen dollar, two and a half hour bus ride will take you to the old port city of Valparaiso. This will feel like going back in time to enjoy the old world charm of a true Chilean fishing and maritime port. The historic buildings and the open-air market where the locals gather remain unchanged for centuries. Local restaurants and bars will serve authentic local dishes to delight any discerning palate. Potato chips—fries— are a Chilean specialty, particularly in a dish called Chorillana where potatoes are combined with eggs, onions, beef, and chorizo. Just remember that the ketchup comes in a green container and the hot sauce in a red container! Here in Valparaíso you will also find the modern building of the Congress that is the seat of the government of the country. Walking around the city is a very relaxing and fascinating way to spend a day or two.

And now it’s probably time to stretch out on the beach and relax. A short fifteen minute local bus ride from Valparaíso is the resort town of Viña del Mar—Vineyard By The Sea— where luxury hotels, rental apartments, and bed and breakfasts line the Pacific Ocean promenade. Here is located one of the largest gaming palaces in Chile —the Municipal Casino— which includes a five-star hotel, nightclub and gourmet restaurant.

Also known as the Garden City with numerous parks and more than 2.5 miles of sandy beaches, Viña del Mar is a popular tourist city where visitors enjoy warm summers, beautiful fall colors, luscious spring flowers, and spectacular sunsets all year long. anus. Three beaches are frequented by tourists and local GLBT residents — Caleta Abarca, Los Marineros, and Las Salinas — the latter is popular with local marines! And if you’re wondering about the “Vina” in the name, then you’re in for a treat when you try the local vintages Chile is becoming famous for. This spa is perfect for disconnecting and living an authentic Chilean vacation.

Accommodations throughout Chile range from backpacker retreats to modern luxury hotels and everything in between, all at very reasonable prices. However, exclusively gay accommodation is hard to find. In Santiago, the gay-friendly Hotel La Foresta is perfectly located in the heart of the city, close to GLBT nightlife and on the edge of Cerro Santa Lucía park. The rooms are spacious, cheap, and the staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the gay scene. The Castle Hotel is a gay guest house built in 1920 with an interior designed like a castle and located next to the Bokhara nightclub. The rooms are cheap if you like to be right where the nighttime, and sometimes daytime, action is rife.

It is important to note that Canadian visitors to Chile must purchase an entry visa for a cost of approximately $120.00 (credit cards accepted) that is valid for the duration of your passport. However, this entry fee is more than offset by the very low cost of living and extremely cheap dining and entertainment throughout Chile.

So, in the longest and narrowest country in the world, famous for copper, salmon and fine wines, prepare for a uniquely gay South American experience and a Pacific Coast vacation filled with uniquely gay and Latino memories.