Costa Rica’s Best-Kept Secrets: LGBTQ+ Adventures In La Fortuna And Jacó
When Michael and I first landed in Costa Rica, we thought we knew what we were getting into: palm trees, sloths, coffee so good it ruins you for buying any second-rate beans from the supermarket forever.
But the real magic? It’s how this little Central American stretch of paradise manages to pack in heaps of adventure, wildlife and soul-soothing relaxation… and still manage to make you feel completely at home as an LGBTQ+ traveler.
Costa Rica’s got that “pura vida” spirit, and it’s not just a tourist slogan. Marriage equality’s been the law since 2020, and in most of the popular travel hubs, people are genuinely welcoming.
Sure, rural areas can be more reserved, but they still bring their own charm without being abrasive or discriminatory, it’s about reading the room and knowing when and where you can find a Pride party, and where you’ll have a hard time finding a gay scene or a Pride flag, for that matter.
Two spots I’d go back to in a heartbeat? La Fortuna and Jacó. One’s a rainforest adventure at the base of a volcano; and the other’s a lively beach town with nightlife that goes until the sun rises.
They’re different in every way… except that both have a knack for making queer travelers feel like they belong.
La Fortuna: Adventure at the Foot of a Volcano
You may just see La Fortuna before you arrive, with Arenal Volcano rising out of the horizon like an old windows screensaver coming to life. This is the place for adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and anyone who secretly wants to live like their amidst a travel magazine spread.
Where to Stay
La Fortuna isn’t overflowing with rainbow flags by any means, but that doesn’t mean it’s not LGBTQ+ friendly.
Most of the boutique eco-lodges and hot spring resorts here are openly inclusive. From providing couples’ massages under jungle canopies to serving cocktails by thermal pools, the staff makes you feel like a part of the family with an incredibly welcoming spirit.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some have better conversations with bartenders in La Fortuna than in half the “official” gay bars they’ve been to around the world.
What to Do
La Fortuna Waterfall – A 500-step hike down (and back up… brace yourself) to a pool where you can actually swim under the falls.
Hanging Bridges – Romantic in that “we’re in a rainforest together” kind of way, with views and wildlife you’ll want to remember forever.
Zip-lining – I still swear my husband, Michael’s scream echoed off the volcano–and yes, that sound will live rent-free in my mind for years to come!
Balsa River rafting – Not terrifying, just pure fun and adrenaline with a side of jungle wildlife spotting.
The Social Vibe
There’s no dedicated gay nightlife here, but the bars and lounges at the resorts double as community spots.
Chat with fellow travelers in the hot springs, trust me, by the second margarita, someone will invite you on a group outing.
Pro Tip:
La Fortuna gets plenty of solo LGBTQ+ travelers. If you’re looking for instant connections, join a SideQuest Travel group trip, we’ve done the scouting, and yes, we know where the best hot springs and happy hours are!
Jacó: Surfboards, Sunsets, and Nightlife
If La Fortuna is Costa Rica’s heartbeat of the jungle, Jacó is Costa Rica’s heartbeat by the sea. Just a couple of hours from San José, this Pacific-side beach town is known for its surfing culture, party energy, and carefree “come as you are” kind of attitude.
Where to Stay
From sleek beachfront hotels to social hostels, Jacó does inclusivity well without overthinking it.
You’ll find properties where couples of all kinds feel comfortable holding hands at the pool, and staff who’ll happily point you toward the night’s best events.
What to Do
Surf lessons – The waves here are friendly to beginners and just challenging enough in some areas for those who hold some skill and would like to show-off a little.
ATV jungle tours – A little bit of mud, but a lot of scenery and fun.
Day trip to Manuel Antonio – This jungle paradise and arguably amongst Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations, and holds one of the most well-known gay-friendly beaches in Central America; soft sand, turquoise water, and a “clothing optional” vibe at the farthest end of Espadilla Beach. There you’ll find Playitas Beach! Read more about Manuel Antonio in our full gay guide to the area.
Nightlife You’ll Remember
Jacó’s main street is scattered with bars and clubs that welcome a mixed crowd. While there’s no official gay club, the atmosphere is open, and during Pride Week or high tourist season, you’ll find theme nights that give bigger cities pride a run for their money.
Pro Tip:
If you want a Manuel Antonio day trip without the transport headache, make Jacó your home base. You can surf in the morning, beach-hop in the afternoon, and still be back in time for sunset cocktails.
Navigating Costa Rica as an LGBTQ+ Traveler
While Costa Rica is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America for LGBTQ+ rights, a little situational awareness and street knowledge can go a long way.
In tourist hubs: PDA is generally fine, especially in places like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna’s resorts.
In rural areas: Keep it more low-key. Not out of fear, just cultural respect.
On the road: Public buses are safe to ride, but getting a private shuttle or rental car will make the drive from San Jose to La Fortuna or Jacó much smoother.
Meeting people: Dating apps work well in tourist areas. For a guaranteed safe social circle, group travel is the gold standard.
Insider Planning Tips
When to Go
Dry season (Dec–April) – You’ll get the best weather, but peak crowds and higher prices.
Green season / Rainy season (May–Nov) – There’s a lot more rain, fewer tourists, but super lush landscapes. Afternoons can get wet, so plan activities for mornings as much as you can.
Combining La Fortuna & Jacó In One Trip
Here’s a simple 6-day loop:
Fly into San José.
Drive or take a private transfer to La Fortuna and spend 3 days exploring to experience adventure & hot springs.
Head to Jacó for 2 days of surfing, beach time and nightlife.
Return to San José for departure.
Handy Spanish Phrases
Hola, cómo estás? – Hi, how are you?
Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
Dónde está la playa? – Where is the beach?
Una cerveza, por favor – One beer, please.
Pro Tip:
Our newsletter is where I drop the kind of details that don’t make it into our website itineraries and guides, like which Jacó bar serves the best piña colada and where the best restaurants are in La Fortuna.
Sign up and you’ll be the first to hear about our next Costa Rica group trip, as well as other insider tips/tricks for your next adventure.
Also, if you are in the process of planning your honeymoon and want an unforgettable experience, visit this.
Why Should La Fortuna and Jacó Be On Your List??
La Fortuna and Jacó aren’t trying to compete with each other, and that’s the beauty of pairing them. One contains rainforest hikes and volcanic hot springs, while the other is all surfboards, sunsets, and nights that spill into mornings. They are completely different experiences, but balance perfectly together!
They’re different enough to keep things exciting, but both have that Costa Rican pura vida way of making LGBTQ+ travelers feel welcome without needing a neon sign to prove it.
So if you’re dreaming of a trip where you can zip-line through the jungle canopy one day, surf at sunrise on the next, and then end your evenings surrounded by good food and a chill crowd, start here. And if you’d rather not plan it all yourself? You know where to find us at SideQuest Travel.
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