Gay and lesbian travellers

Argentina is fast becoming one of the most popular gay destinations in the world and there is enough happening in the capital to keep you busy for a few weeks. New gay hotels are opening, gay clubs are booming and there is a range of gay- orientated travel agencies to help you plan your stay. However, in the interior of the country, away from Buenos Aires, you might encounter homophobia and being openly demonstrative in public will certainly raise eyebrows everywhere apart from the hipper places in Buenos Aires. The tourist office produces a handy leaflet with a map showing gay friendly bars, pubs, saunas, health centres and wine bars, and change is gradually reaching government levels as well. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was banned in 1996, and in 2005 Argentina was the first South American country to legalize same sex marriages.

There are many gay-friendly and gay- exclusive clubs. See www.theronda.com.ar, for more details, and page for listings.