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BOLIVIA – Capital: La Paz, Major Cities: Santa Cruz, El Alto, Cochabamba Largely conservative with deep Catholic roots this is


not the most supportive environment for the gay trav- eler. There is a burgeoning gay scene in La Paz and Santa Cruz and recent activist organizations such as Adesproc Libertad GLBT in La Paz are making headway. Geograph- ically Bolivia runs in the extremes; it is landlocked by the high Andean mountains, desert high plains abound and it holds the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca. Its hills contain some of the riches silver mines in the world, which is in stark contrast with it’s extreme poverty—the annual income is below $3200.


BRAZIL – Capital: Brasilia, Major Cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte and Recife. One of the largest countries in the world and one of the


most diverse, with geography that ranges from the lush tropics of the Amazon’s steamy climate, to the semi-arid northeast, this land of stark contrasts is one of the most progressive—with flourishing gay scenes in most major cities. São Paulo, the third largest metropolitan area in the world, sports the largest gay pride event with over 2 million visitors. Enjoy a caipirinha on the beaches of Im- panema, dive the numerous wrecks alone the coastline, lose yourself in the Amazonian backwaters (lets hope not), or in the cultural sophistication of their world-class colonial cities (lets hope so). gaytravelbrazil.com


COLUMBIA – Capital: Bogota, Major Cities: Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena. When you think of Columbia, what comes to mind?


It’s bucolic green valleys, golden beaches, snow-capped mountains or it’s historic culture represented by colonial fortresses such as Cartagena, with its quaint, cobblestone streets? Probably not—if you’re like most of us in the U.S., Columbia has a public relations problem because of its violent history, especially in relation to the coca trade so tied there. The best place to find gay culture is in the capitol city of Bogotá, with literally hundreds of gay and gay-friendly bars strewn all across the city, it is also home to the county’s first LGBT Center, located in the Chipinero neighborhood. Medellin is the second-largest city and has a decent gay scene, too (it and Bogota both have had gay pride parades for the past few years). gaytravelbrasil.com


ECUADOR– Capital: Quito, Major Cities: Guayaquil, Cuenca, Machala In the not-so-distant-past, 1997 to be exact, homo- sexuality was punishable by prison time—thankfully


in 1998 their constitution was amended. Ecuador is a condensed, diverse-tasting menu for South America’s bounty including its Andean volcanic and glacial beauty, more jungles and the Galopagos Islands, the jewel that inspired Charles Darwin. Quito has the largest gay presence, (look for the Mariscal district), with a respect- able scene in Guyaquil. Both have numerous gay or gay-friendly clubs, coffeehouses, restaurants, hotels and saunas.ecuadorgay.com


FALKLAND ISLANDS – Cities, East Island: Stanley, Goose Green – West Island: Port Howared, Weddell Just off the tip of Cape Horn, this mostly uninhabited


group of 700 islands contains two main islands called East and West Falkland. Not many gays, but if you want to see penguins, this is the place for you—it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Antartica so dress accordingly!


PARAGUAY – Capital: Asuncion - Major Cities: Ciudad de Este, San Lorenzo More natural beauty here, without much of the typical


tourist trappings, this is the place to be if you want to get back to nature in South America. It is not the place how- ever, to get caught “au natural” with your lover, another country where they still can toss you in jail for having sex with another male. Having said this, the capital city Asuncion does have a stalwart gay presence, with two dance clubs, saunas and—believe it or not—two exclu- sively gay karaoke bars (lord help me). paraboi.com


PERU– Capital: Lima - Major Cities: Arequipa, Callao, Trujillo, Cusco This is the pre-Columbian cradle for the once-vast


Incan Empire’s diverse and rich history. Hike the Inca Trail through the sacred valley, trek the mountain portion to the mythic city of Machu Picchu, with its stunning vistas. Explore the colonial cities of Cusco and Lima and take the time to book a flight over the epic Nasca lines. There are other well-known destinations like, Lake Titicaca, Areq- uipa, Colca Canyon, Paracas and the Amazon rainforest. The “gayest” presence is in the Miraflores neighborhood in the capitol city Lima, with over 10 clubs, three saunas, and even four gay hotels. The website: lima.queercity. info has the best information for your visit to the city.


SURINAME – Capital: Paramaribo – Major City: Nieuw Nickerie Not the place to walk hand in hand according to my


research but there is a community there. With waterfalls, rivers, cliffs, glades and an amazing array of flora and fauna, Suriname is a paradise for the adventurous nature


lover in you. Look for the only gay café, which is called Café XPO, where the community is centered and you will find the best information. mygayweb.com


TRINIDAD– Capital: Port-of-Spain - Major Cities: Chaguanas, San Fernando Homosexuality is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago and


gay visitors are not officially welcome—but when the heck has that ever stopped us? The scene here is cen- tered in Port of Spain and there are a few bars/nightclubs and several “mixed” places to see and be seen.


URUGUAY – Capital: Montevideo – Major Cities: Punta Del Este, Salto, Paysandu, Las Piedras. Beaches, beaches, beaches – that is the word of the day


for Uraguay! It may be tiny, but it is very progressive for gays and lesbians and the first to introduce civil unions. Montevideo is home to half of the country’s population and has the strongest gay presence. This is a historic city and though it has a run-down faded feel, it is glorious and low key, especially the Rio de la Plata portion of the old city. globalgayz.com


VENEZUELA – Capital: Caracas - Major Cities: Maracaibo , Valencia, Barquisimeto. Like many of the countries in South America, this is


another with a


“machismo” problem. Consensual sex is legal for gays but don’t expect a pat on the back for it. Oil-rich Venezuela is wealthy not only for its “black gold,” but because of its natural wonders as well—colossal tepuis (sandstone formations) of Caniama National Park, the islands of Los Roques, the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls and the ancient tribes that still wander their Amazonian forests give this land an ancient untouched feel. ourakcha. com/gay-venezuela


By and large most of your touring in South America should be easy and unharrassed— and as long as you are aware of your sur- roundings, you should be fine. It is as varied as any continent can be and traveling there is not unlike trekking across the U.S. as far as distances go. Prices there range from very inexpensive to moderate—this will be a trip south of several borders that you will never forget!


SEPTEMBER 2011 | RAGE monthly 57


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