The beautiful and idyllic Costa Rican beaches are rapidly becoming the new hot spot for discerning gay travel. Boasting four-star hotels and gourmet dining, travelers can choose destinations on either the Atlantic or Pacific coasts in this South American paradise. From a bustling city atmosphere to quiet, romantic getaways, Costa Rica offers a myriad of activities, including surfing, snorkeling, hiking and fishing. Visitors can experience lush tropical vegetation and see exotic native animals, such as toucans and dolphins. The eco-minded traveler can seek out the rainforest and other areas in the mountains, even volcanoes. Diverse accommodations are available, including open-air beachfront villas and luxurious high-rise hotels, along with more basic lodging for those who only visit their room to sleep and shower.

Miles and miles of pristine beaches unfold the length of Costa Rica. It is tropical splendor and beauty unlike any other! Travelers can spend their days lounging under palm trees beside the crashing ocean waves, soaking up the sun. Daring tourists can even banish those pesky tan lines altogether and hit one of Costa Rica's public nude beaches! But travelers are forewarned to check with the locals in order to discover where it is acceptable to drop swimsuits and experience “uninhibited” sunbathing.

The larger cities cater to tourists, and are typically gay-friendly. San Jose is noted for its gay nightlife, including saunas, clubs and restaurants and is great for gay tours. For those seeking a less urban atmosphere, Quepos, on the Pacific coast, has gay-friendly businesses and a welcoming community.

Getting to Costa Rica is easy; flight can be booked into Juan Santamaria International Airport, in San Jose. There, the traveler can relax, visit galleries and attend concerts and shows. Shopping is first-rate, from jewelry to pottery and clothing, even electronics and liquor. Duty-free shopping is available.

Given its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica's weather is warm year-round. During March through May, temperatures get especially hot and humidity is high. September and October have the heaviest rainfall.

A vacation in Costa Rica won't wreck your budget. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive getaway on limited funds or luxurious hotels and decadent spas, there is a package available to fit your needs. And whether you want to take along that special someone, or make new and exotic acquaintances, gay vacations to Costa Rica will allow you to fulfill your wildest tropical fantasies!