Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple. What might seem like the Pride flag first, are actually the colors of Cusco. A symbol of Cusqueños being proud. Proud about their food, their culture, their open-mindedness. Peru is colorful and offers a diverse experience for everyone. We tell you where to find the best LGBT friendly travel destinations, hotels, restaurants and nightlife in this fabulous country.
Cusco Flag
Only a light blue stripe separates the Pride flag from Cusco’s emblem. A lot of travelers notice the flag all over the city. On houses, government buildings, memorials, even on churches, waving in the wind. Both the flag of Cusco and the symbol of the LGBTQ movement was invented in the late 1970s, and both are a symbol of proudness. It is rather unlikely that the indigenous nation had flags before the Spanish conquered the lands, but many Cusqueños believe that the seven colors were a sign of the Incas. They are proud of their amazing city, the rich food, all the diversity the city brings with it, proud of being who they are. And even if the flags are different in a way, only noticeable at second sight, the flags rise high above a lot of Peruvian places. With or without the light blue stripe. But for sure with Pride.
Book Gay Travels in Peru with an Agency
While same sexual activity has been legal for the last 100 years and discrimination against LGBTQ people is legally banned, Peru still is a catholic and conservative country. So if you are planning to go on a single gay holiday in 2020 or looking for the best vacation destinations for LGBT families, gay friendly travel sites will help you out to plan your trip.
Experienced agencies can assist you a lot in your choices and have the right tools to suggest you safe travel destinations for LGBT. Like “View Latin America” is the perfect gay travel agency, plus is a member of IGLTA in Peru. Go with them on a couple hike in the Andes, explore local festivities or look for an adventure in one of the single gay travel groups, so there is no excuse to not book you single gay travel holiday 2020. Join gay cruises, party through the nightlife with groups, learn authentic Peruvian songs, or tell them what you expect your travels to be like.
So no matter if you want to stay for a few days or longer, if you want to relax or have one adventure after another: Save a lot of time planning your trip and let an agency book your LGBT travel in Peru.
Gay-friendly Restaurants
Peru has an amazing culinary world to offer. From chocolate, to coca tea and all various sorts of Incan delights. Explore those expressly gay friendly restaurants to take your taste higher.
If you are in Cusco you have to check out following places: Fallen Angel is a gourmet restaurant located in the Nazarenas square and owned by a former gay top-model. The interior is thoughtfully decorated and resembles an art gallery. Le Soleil is a luxury french restaurant and on top of fine dining. It is owned by a gay french businessman who fell in love with the city of Cusco and decided to stay. If you are looking for the flavor of the Andean nature, you have to visit Organika. The menu includes traditional dishes from ceviche to fresh-made beetroot lemonade.
Lima also has plenty of gay friendly dining experiences, that you will remember. In the gorgeous district of Miraflores you will find Bistro 400, a place for authentic cuisine. Come here for the delicious breakfast buffet, have some Lomo Saltado, Amazonian Paella or share a Pisco sour with your new local friends. Seafood lovers simply have to visit La Mar by the awarded Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. He won’t fail to surprise you with creative tastes and unique creations in a gay-friendly ambience. Huaca Pucllana, named after the famous archeological site in Lima, serves you the best local foods, like Alpaca, Risotto with Duck, or – if you feel like something different – guinea pig. They serve amazing desserts as well.
Gay-friendly Hotels
If you are looking for especially open-minded hotels for your gay travels in Peru, you will find various places online. In Cusco those are just some of the plenty: If you are looking for a 5-star getaway with a highly recommendable restaurant, a spa and a bar, you should consider the Palacio del Inka. The hotel stands on the grounds of a former Andean temple, which you will find in the interiors decoration. In the charming district of San Blas, with it’s artesanal stores and incredible views over the city, Los Apus Hotel awaits you. Friendly and open-minded staff are there for you around the clock to grant you your wishes, and you are only a short walk from the main square. If you are looking for a cheap and cosy option, Hotel Kukuli Lodge B&B might be the right choice for you. It is in walking distance to the city centre and welcomes you with a family atmosphere.
Lima as well has plenty of gay-friendly options for your stay: The BTH Hotel lies in the neighborhood of San Borja. You will feel more than welcomed staying in this trendy boutique hotel, since it openly invites gay couples to stay with them in their promo video. Same counts for Belmond Miraflores Park, which is super close to the incredibly pretty Barranco district. If you are looking for a cheaper stay, in a party-flair, close to the gay nightlife, check out Hostal El Patio.
If you are looking for an adventure, the gay equivalent to Airbnb is called “Misterb&b”. On this platform you will be able to rent a gay-friendly apartment, or even share it with a gay local. This online service instantly connects you to gay locals and guarantees you a pleased stay. Or let an agency help you find your perfect stay on your search for LGBT friendly countries.
Nightlife
LGBT tourism in Peru has been on the rise for the last decades, which ensures a good gay nightlife scene. Mama Africa is a gay friendly bar/club right on the main square in Cusco and very popular amongst visitors. Rokas Lounge Bar is the perfect spot to get to know a local gay person, you hardly find any foreigners here. Fallen Angel, mentioned earlier in the restaurant description, turns into a fancy gay bar every night. In June to celebrate their opening anniversary, in July for the Peruvian Independence Day, October for Halloween, December for Xmas and for New Year’s, the gay owner throws crazy parties. Worth a visit!
Especially the hip Lima district of Barranco and Miraflores offer plenty of options. The gay-friendly mixed Barranco Beer Company has a big choice of craft beer, while the Picas Bar is situated under the romantic wooden Puente de los Suspiros. Its owner is an openly gay member of the Peruvian Congress. If you are closer to downtown make sure to visit La Jarrita, which becomes a gay dance club at nights and opens until 4am. The main gay club scene is in the centre of Miraflores where you will find great and night long parties at Lola Bar and Vale Todo. At Legendaris better be prepared for sexy male strippers and drag nights.