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Situated on the equator (hence its name), Ecuador and the Galapagos have incomparable opportunity to evolve divine ecosystems (though they were ironically celebrated by the Father of Evolution, Charles Darwin). This is a traveller’s paradise, home to an archipelago that’s thousands of miles from everyday life, and one of the most biodiverse places on earth.
It’s an exciting time to be gay in Ecuador. Though it’s a conservative, Catholic-majority nation, the millennial attitude has evolved. Most notably, in June 2019, same-sex marriage became legal. Ecuador was one of the first nations to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and they’ve even outlawed conversion therapy. Interestingly, same-sex couples can’t adopt children but single gay people can…though straight singles get preferential treatment. There’s progress to be made but Ecuador is definitely a leading light in South America.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Only legal for singles
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Though you’re legally protected from discrimination, you’re not immune from old-fashioned machismo and religious intolerance. While things are progressing quickly remember that our big gay welcome is new and unevenly distributed here. Be aware when you’re out, especially if by yourself: beware of drinks from strangers, and consider hailing a ride with Uber or Lyft after dark. That said, the nightlife is epic and Ecuador is a great place to discover.
Gay Villages
Solid communities have developed in both the capital of Quito, and Guayaquil – the gateway city to the Galapagos Islands. The LGBT community may keep a low profile during the day but they know how to blow their hair back once the sun goes down. With the gay scene being so young, many skip the bars and head straight for the clubs, late into the night. Consider a disco nap if you’re up for the challenge. Just don’t refer to the crowd as whippersnappers.
Pride Festivals/Events
Quito Pride: Annually in June
Quito Gay Film Festival: Annually in November
Guayaquil Pride: Annually in June
Best Gay Bars
Quito: Om Buda Lounge (Gay-Welcoming Lounge)
Quito: Pravda (Karaoke Bar & Disco)
Quito: Tercer Milenio (Nightclub)
Quito: Dionisios (Drag, Cabaret and Comedy)
Best Lesbian Bars
Quito: Radar is a gay club that hosts ladies-only nights, but you’ll also feel welcome in most other gay establishments.
5. The Quilotoa Loop
If you’re a fan of hiking, this multi-day trail takes you through the Andes Mountains, beginning and ending at a stunning crater lake.
4. Guayaquil
The second largest city in Ecuador is coming into its own. It even boasts a small gay scene and pride festival.
3. Quito & La Floresta
Off the tourist path in Quito lies this up-and-coming neighbourhood that gives you an authentic taste of life in Ecuador’s capital city.
2. Isla de la Plata – Silver Island
If time or budget is limited and you can’t make it to the Galapagos, this island is just as spectacular, but without the crowds and extravagant prices.
1. The Galapagos Islands
We’ve planned an entire cruise around this archipelago. The islands’ isolation has allowed biodiversity to flourish here in a totally magnificent way.
Best Time to Visit: There’s never a bad time to visit Ecuador. The temperature rarely dips below 20C/70F, but the best time to snorkel the ocean is between November and June.
Electricity: Type A & Type B sockets
Time Zone: Quito Time (UTC -5), Galapagos Time (UTC-6)
Vaccinations: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid, before visiting Ecuador. To determine if you should take preventative measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Ecuador has an incredibly lenient visa policy. Most visitors staying less than 90 days just need a passport that’s valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.
LGBT Rights in Ecuador
It’s an exciting time to be gay in Ecuador. Though it’s a conservative, Catholic-majority nation, the millennial attitude has evolved. Most notably, in June 2019, same-sex marriage became legal. Ecuador was one of the first nations to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and they’ve even outlawed conversion therapy. Interestingly, same-sex couples can’t adopt children but single gay people can…though straight singles get preferential treatment. There’s progress to be made but Ecuador is definitely a leading light in South America.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Only legal for singles
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Gay Ecuador Travel
Though you’re legally protected from discrimination, you’re not immune from old-fashioned machismo and religious intolerance. While things are progressing quickly remember that our big gay welcome is new and unevenly distributed here. Be aware when you’re out, especially if by yourself: beware of drinks from strangers, and consider hailing a ride with Uber or Lyft after dark. That said, the nightlife is epic and Ecuador is a great place to discover.
Gay Villages
Solid communities have developed in both the capital of Quito, and Guayaquil – the gateway city to the Galapagos Islands. The LGBT community may keep a low profile during the day but they know how to blow their hair back once the sun goes down. With the gay scene being so young, many skip the bars and head straight for the clubs, late into the night. Consider a disco nap if you’re up for the challenge. Just don’t refer to the crowd as whippersnappers.
Pride Festivals/Events
Quito Pride: Annually in June
Quito Gay Film Festival: Annually in November
Guayaquil Pride: Annually in June
Best Gay Bars
Quito: Om Buda Lounge (Gay-Welcoming Lounge)
Quito: Pravda (Karaoke Bar & Disco)
Quito: Tercer Milenio (Nightclub)
Quito: Dionisios (Drag, Cabaret and Comedy)
Best Lesbian Bars
Quito: Radar is a gay club that hosts ladies-only nights, but you’ll also feel welcome in most other gay establishments.
Best Places to Visit in Ecuador
5. The Quilotoa Loop
If you’re a fan of hiking, this multi-day trail takes you through the Andes Mountains, beginning and ending at a stunning crater lake.
4. Guayaquil
The second largest city in Ecuador is coming into its own. It even boasts a small gay scene and pride festival.
3. Quito & La Floresta
Off the tourist path in Quito lies this up-and-coming neighbourhood that gives you an authentic taste of life in Ecuador’s capital city.
2. Isla de la Plata – Silver Island
If time or budget is limited and you can’t make it to the Galapagos, this island is just as spectacular, but without the crowds and extravagant prices.
1. The Galapagos Islands
We’ve planned an entire cruise around this archipelago. The islands’ isolation has allowed biodiversity to flourish here in a totally magnificent way.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: There’s never a bad time to visit Ecuador. The temperature rarely dips below 20C/70F, but the best time to snorkel the ocean is between November and June.
Electricity: Type A & Type B sockets
Time Zone: Quito Time (UTC -5), Galapagos Time (UTC-6)
Vaccinations: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid, before visiting Ecuador. To determine if you should take preventative measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Ecuador has an incredibly lenient visa policy. Most visitors staying less than 90 days just need a passport that’s valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.
Lonesome George was the penultimate symbol of the Galapagos Archipelago, and he passed away in 2012. Today we pay tribute.
Read MoreAfter five years away, Out Adventures makes another run through the most biodiverse archipelago on Earth on our Galápagos Gay Cruise in the fall of 2020. Here’s ten reasons you might want to set a course for adventure with us.
Read MoreSkim these slick and sublime photos showing off the superluxe yacht we’ll be boarding for our upcoming Galapagos Gay Cruise.
Read MoreOut Adventures’ gay Galápagos cruise exceeded all of my expectations. Every day is full of activities and the size of the group ensures you fully experience all that the islands have to offer. Where else can you be snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, rays and sharks then hiking along to see iguanas, boobies, and giant tortoises on the same day? I highly recommend this experience to everyone!
After 6 years, Galápagos Gay Cruise is still the top of the list of the dozen out adventures trips I’ve taken. The diversity of the animals is amazing, but snorkeling with Galapagos and hammerhead sharks that were 30 feet below will always remain a thrilling memory.
