Argentina

Argentina leads Latin America’s march for gay rights. In 2010 they became the first in the region to legalize gay marriage, and are global leaders in transgender rights (you can change your identity without hormone therapy, surgery, or psychiatric diagnosis). Same-sex couples can adopt, and gay people can serve in the military. Best of all, there’s massive acceptance of homosexuality, with almost ¾ of society affirming it’s okay to be gay.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts

Buenos Aires is Latin America’s gay capital, with raucous nightlife and the biggest pride celebration on the continent. Rosario and Mendoza are two other cities with lively gay scenes. Finally in Patagonia, where we travel, you can find gay-friendly hotels and bars in many towns. Puerto Madryn is especially noted for its gay but low-key appeal.

Gay Villages

Buenos Aires: Palermo

Pride Festivals/Events

Buenos Aires Gay pride (Marcha del Orgullo LGBT). Annually in November.
The Gay-Friendly Harvest Festival (Vendimia para todos). Annually in March.

Best Gay Beaches

Mar del Plata: Playa Chica
Mar del Plata: Playa Escondida

Best Gay Bars

Buenos Aires: Pride Cafe
Buenos Aires: Glam
Buenos Aires: Sitges
Mendoza: Queen Disco
Rosario: Kika Arte Restobar
Rosario: Fiesta Puerca
Puerto Madryn: Margarita Pub
Mar del Plata: Pin Up

Best Lesbian Bars/Parties

Buenos Aires: Fiesta Jolie
Buenos Aires: Bach Bar

5. Mendoza
Take a sip of Argentina’s finest vintages in the country’s most extensive wine region. 90% of Argentina’s wines are bottled in Mendoza.

4. Ushuaia
As the most southern city in the world, Ushuaia represents the tip of the habital world and the gateway to Antarctica.

3. Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls is one of Argentina’s most striking natural landscapes. The sound and site of nearly 3km of consecutive water falls is indescribable.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier
Dumbfounding scientists everywhere, this glacial Behemoth is actually growing in mass despite climate change.

1. Buenos Aires 
Buenos Aires is not only the gay capital of Argentina, but rather South America. Its accepting nature is almost as famous as its elegant architecture and grand boulevards.

Best Time to Visit: Our trips through Patagonia happen in January, which is the middle of summer, and a great time out in the wild. If you’re heading to Buenos Aires, it’s worth visiting from September through December. This marks spring in the city, and is a chance to watch the metropolis emerge from hibernation. Finally, July is the best month for skiing.
Vaccinations: The WHO suggests immunization against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, and influenza before visiting Argentina. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Electricity: C- and I-type sockets
Visas: Consult Argentina’s Immigration Website