Colombia is a friendly destination for the LGBT community. Proof of this are the events held in cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena and Barranquilla, which manage to integrate the Colombian idiosyncrasy with the joy and festivity of this community.
Since last year several hotels and tour operators working in the city are being trained to become LGBT-friendly.
Bogotá
Bogota has a wide gastronomical, cultural, luxurious and lodging offer. Additionally, the city has the largest LGBT club in Latin America, which attracts thousands of tourists from across the region to enjoy a unique experience through music and dance.
LGBT Pride March
When: end of June or beginning of July
Bogota, like hundreds of cities around the world, commemorates the Stonewall demonstrations, which marked the beginning of the struggle to vindicate the human and civil rights of the LGBT population. This commemoration consists of a march that goes across Seventh Avenue from Parque Nacional to Plaza de Bolivar, mixing activism with joy, dance and freedom.
Week for Equality
When: September and October
During this week, organized by the Department of Sexual Diversity of Bogota, respect and tolerance become central values to seek the end of all the decrease of discrimination and allow the free development of people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of the activities you can enjoy during this week are concerts, academic and sports conferences and a brightly illuminated and colorful carnival.
Halloween Fest
When: end of October or beginning of November
Bogota brings out its diversity in the largest costume celebration in the country. Over the course of a week, Colombian and international electronic music artists offer a series of unforgettable parties where creativity and joy become a requirement to be part of this festival.
Other LGBT experiences in Bogota
Historical Bogota: Day tour of downtown Bogota, Monserrate and La Candelaria with LGBT guides.
Community Outing: Graffiti Tour Bogota: Graffiti tour in downtown Bogota with specialized LGBT guide.
LGBT Pub Crawl Bogota: Night tour in LGBT bars, restaurants and nightclubs, which includes presentations of drag collectives and a visit to Theatron.
Trip to Theatron: Experience at Theatron, the largest LGBT club in Latin America.
“Same Gender” Salsa Classes: Specialized salsa classes for same gender couples.
Visit to Chapinero: Guided tour of Chapinero, the most LGBT-friendly neighborhood in Bogota, with visits to some of the entities related to LGBT issues and accompanied by a specialized guide.
Barranquilla
Attend the Barranquilla Carnival in February to dance at a party filled with the color of the Colombian Caribbean and take the opportunity to experience the Gay Guacherna and partake in the joy of the LGBT community of La Arenosa.
The Gay Guacherna
When: between February and March
This event is held within the framework of the Barranquilla Carnival, which takes place 4 days before Ash Wednesday (between the end of February and the beginning of March). Enjoy a parade full of folklore and flavor that only the people of the Colombian Caribbean can offer. Free expression and rejection of discrimination are the pillars of this great party.
Cartagena
In one place, Cartagena offers the possibility to return in time through history, enjoy the highest level of gastronomy, go shopping to live an artisanal yet modern experience, enjoy the Caribbean nightlife and visit beautiful beaches to relax a few miles away from the city.
Rumours Festival
When: end of July
Enjoy a festival filled with parties, the best electronic music from local and international scene. During Rumours, Cartagena is the perfect place to mix pure fun and cultural unique experience with all the historical heritage of the city.
Cartagena Pride
When: third week of July
With a cultural, academic, sporting, musical and party programme that runs for a whole week, this event seeks to empower and give visibility to the LGBT community of La Heroica.
Medellín
The capital of Antioquia is part of the Latin American Rainbow Cities Network. These are some of the experiences that can be lived in the city.
Graffiti Tour Comuna 13 Medellín
Graffiti tour with a local guide, with special emphasis in LGBT artists.
Cooking Experiences
Paisa cuisine cooking classes and visit to Medellin Retail Plaza with on LGBT chef.
Visit to Hacienda Cafetera
Visit to a coffee farm on the outskirts of Medellin. Coffee tasting and familiarization with the grain collection process.
Pub Crawl LGBT Medellín
Night tour in bars, restaurants and LGBT clubs.