Chile

Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015, but still cannot marry. They can also apply to adopt, but only one partner becomes a legal parent. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Civil Unions
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal

The gay scene and most of the country’s LGBT nightlife is thriving in the capital of Santiago, especially in Barrio Bellavista. To make the most of it, bear in mind things don’t get rolling until late in the night (the Latin way).

Gay Villages

Santiago: Barrio Bellavista

Pride Festivals

Santiago Pride (Marcha del Orgullo). Annually on the last Saturday in June.
Open Mind Fest (A gay electronic street party). Annually in November.

Best Gay Bars

Santiago: Station Bar
Santiago: Bar 105
Santiago: Il Divino
Santiago: Club Soda

Best Lesbian Bars

Santiago: Máscara Pub
Santiago: Realidad Paralela

5. Easter Island
Few of the ancient world’s remains are as famous as Easter Island’s Moai statues.

4. Atacama Desert
As the driest place on Earth, Atacama Desert boasts the world’s best stargazing. During the day bike or hike the desert’s other-worldly terraine, visit the salt lagoons or discover an half-buried hand statue.

3. Santiago
Top-notch museums, cultural sights, incredible gay nightlife and indulgent restaurants await travellers in Santiago. Oh, and the mountain view isn’t so bad either.

2. Colchagua Valley
Oenophiles have long proclaimed Chile as a dominant presence among the New World wineries. Taste why on a biking tour of Colchagua Valley.

1. Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonia is so famous, the world’s best outdoor clothing company is named after it. Endless stretches of countryside are broken up by soaring mountains only the bravest travellers would dare surmount. Endemic flora and fauna thrive in the remote, relatively untouched terraine.

Best Time to Visit: The weather is best during the shoulder seasons: October to November & March to May.

Electricity: C- and L-type sockets

Time Zone: UTC-03:00, Santiago

Vaccinations: No vaccinations required for entry

Visas: US, Canadian and Australian citizens don’t require a tourist visa. Contact a Chilean embassy for more info.