Medellín

Medellín has no officially designated gay neighborhood. Instead, queer life is concentrated in El Poblado, the tourist heart of the city, where most of the bars, clubs and restaurants sit among hills and green spaces. If you prefer something quieter and less touristy, the residential neighborhood of Laureles is a relaxed, queer-friendly alternative with lots of cafés. Both areas make a good base, since that is also where most of the accommodation is. During the day it's easy to explore the city from there, for example the brightly painted Comuna 13, a symbol of the city's transformation, or the sprawling Botanical Garden.

Most of the going out happens in and around El Poblado. A community classic is the bar Donde Aquellos, a meeting point since 2000. For dancing, clubs like Industry and Chiquita draw the party crowd, which often only gets going late at night. Classic gay venues and general party spots blend into each other here. Overall, nightlife is open and mixed.

Thanks to the altitude, it feels like spring all year, so temperature isn't much of an issue. Rain matters more: the drier periods usually run from December to March and from June to August. If you want to experience the queer community, plan your trip around Pride, which usually takes place in June or July with parades, parties and community events. In the rainy months, short, heavy afternoon showers are normal, but they rarely get in the way of a trip.

Flights from New York take about five and a half hours, and from London about 13 hours. International flights land at José María Córdova Airport near Rionegro, about an hour outside the city. From the terminal, take a taxi or a shared taxi (colectivo) down into the valley to Medellín. Within the city, the metro is the backbone of public transport, complemented by the distinctive cable cars (Metrocable) that climb up the hillsides. For day trips, for example to the flower-filled town of Guatapé and the El Peñón rock, buses leave from the northern bus terminal. UK and US citizens need no visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must fill in the online Check-MIG form before your flight; check the current entry requirements before you travel.

Colombia is one of the more progressive countries in the region: same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law. Medellín itself is considered gay-friendly, and you can move around the tourist neighborhoods at ease. Still, use some street smarts: at night, stay in busy areas like El Poblado or Laureles, take taxis or ride-hailing apps instead of walking long distances, and leave expensive jewelry at the hotel. Outside the well-known neighborhoods and in deserted spots, be more careful.