Updated December 2015
In follow-up to our blogs, “Costa Rica Culture” and “A Friendly Resort For Costa Rica Gay Family Travel” the legal barriers to a gay friendly lifestyle in Costa Rica continue to come down. The Country’s stance on LGBT rights is leaning increasingly towards that of total acceptance.
On May 16, 2014 Costa Rica’s Government hoisted the ‘rainbow flag’ over the Presidential palace of Luis Guillermo Solís, marking the International Day Against Homo/ Transphobia. In May 2015, President Luis Guillermo Solís, appointed Wilhelm von Breymann, an openly gay businessman, as Minister of Tourism.
In the following inaugural ‘procession of Ministers’, von Breymann marched publicly with his gay partner of 19 years. Costa Rica’s legislature has long recognized gay marriages and bonds in the diplomatic spheres and has no problems with those issues. It is reasonable to expect that gay marriages will be legally performed in Costa Rica in the near future.
Recent changes in Social Security Laws have removed more barriers to Costa Rican LGBT relationships. In 2014, the board of directors of Costa Rica’s, Social Security System voted to extend health care benefits to ‘registered partners’ living here.
This now allows hospitals and clinics here to offer medical care, inclusive of ambulance, and admission, treatments by specialists, and the general medical care as provided by the health provider’s documentation. The ‘registered partner’ of a patient can now make critical medical decisions on behalf of their partners.
This change for couples also permits unwed heterosexual couples, children, stepchildren, siblings, and other significant persons living with another party, to enjoy benefits that were previously disallowed.
Here are recent articles we have come across:
April 1, 2016 – Where is Costa Rica on gay marriage? international community asks
Initially Costa Rica Gay tourism began over 18 years ago in San Jose and now, across the country, Costa Rica has enjoyed a beautiful relationship with gay visitors. In fact, many tourist facilities are both managed and owned by gay operators.
As compared to other vacation destinations, there has been little opposition to the LGBT community in Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s total population is 4.75 million people is predominantly Catholic. Catholicism is also the state religion. Although Costa Rica Law does not permit the creation of a Gay Union, the populous has welcomed gay visitors and gay tourism with open arms. The people here (Ticos) are warm, friendly, and hospitable.
Blue River Resort and Hot Springs is not only among the finest vacation destinations for everyone, it is considered one of Central America’s best Gay Friendly Hotels. To be in an atmosphere of awe-inspiring nature lends itself to a casual and accepting environment.
Try to imagine yourself soaking in a natural mineral “green” hot springs pool, under a grand waterfall looking into lush rainforest flora and overlooking the majestic volcano, Rincon de la Vieja. Then, walking along trails inside the botanical gardens with over 700 varietals, a hummingbird sanctuary, turtle and fish ponds and more.
Come upon the world of colorful butterflies in the Butterfly Gardens. Then relaxing above a hot springs river for a sauna; followed by applying mud; and finally, rinsing off in a fresh water creek. A massage at the Blue River Spa is a perfect complement and for some, a work-out at the gym.
All this sweat deserves a delicious refreshment and local and international dishes which are served at the Tiki Bar & Restaurant. Many have the urge to explore and venture out for adventure into the rainforest on tours, like the Zip Lining & Tarzan Swing, Water Tubing, Horseback Riding to the Blue River & Grand Waterfalls, Hiking, White Water Rafting and many more.
Finally, the comforts of home are found inside your spacious 540 sqare foot cabana, with a hammock on the balcony, air-conditioning and all the special touches. For the LGBT tourists of Costa Rica, we invite you for an authentic Costa Rica experience, only found on the north side of Rincon de la Vieja, at Blue River Resort Hot Springs; discover a, “Paradise on Earth…”.
For tourists visiting the Guanacaste beaches or arriving at Liberia’s international airport (LIR) the drive to the north side of Rincon de la Vieja is only 90 minutes. Many come to spend time on the hot, sunny, golden beaches.
However, a lush jungle rainforest with blue rivers, natural hot springs, the majestic volcano and the many Eco-adventures, offers an unforgettable authentic Costa Rica experience.
The gay friendly staff and management of Blue River Resort and Hot Springs accepts LGBT vacationers, and looks forward to supporting Costa Rica gay travel experiences.
Pura Vida