Heading to Colombia? You can now enjoy guided queer tours of Medellín
Queer Scout is a new, LGBTQ-oriented tour service in the Colombian city of Medellín.
Mark
Not that long ago, many considered Medellín in Colombia as a risky destination for tourists. However, times have thankfully changed. It has enjoyed a boom in visitors in the last decade, with 1.2million international travelers in 2023. This puts it behind Cartagena as Colombia’s most popular city for vacationers.
Located in the Aburrá Valle of the Andes, the geography ensures a fairly stable temperature, a comfortable 72 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, throughout the year. That stable climate prompted its moniker as ‘the city of eternal spring’.
It offers a multitude of picturesque parks and local hiking trails. These are perfect for exploring why Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on the planet (after Brazil).
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There’s also a buzzing arts and LGBTQ scene, such as the vibrant Bar Chiquita.
Most visitors choose to stay in El Poblado, the “Zona Rosa” area. It’s the most lively, safest and most populated neighborhood. It’s also where most of the gay venues are located.
That said, if visiting for the first time, and if you don’t speak any Spanish, a guided tour is a good way to explore some of the experiences on offer.
A new guided tour service in Medellín aimed at LGBTQ visitors is the recently-launched Queer Scout. It’s a collaboration with the wider tour operator, Out In Colombia.
Medellín “beyond surface-level sightseeing”
In a press statement, organizers say, “Unlike standard tours, Queer Scout is built around being bold, flexible, and centered on meaningful connections. Travelers are invited to immerse themselves in Medellin’s electric LGBTQ+ scene through experiences that range from graffiti tours led by local queer artists to salsa lessons with openly gay instructors to unforgettable nights out at some of the city’s most iconic queer bars. Every itinerary is infused with opportunities to meet locals, celebrate diversity, and engage with Colombia’s thriving queer culture in a way that goes far beyond surface-level sightseeing.”
Experiences on offer include a one-day, scenic Guatapé Boat Tour. It includes an optional climb up Peñol Rock and lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
In Medellín itself, you can enjoy a queer bar crawl, or a gay picnic and graffiti experience. The latter includes a tour of the street air in the revitalized Moravia district. Afterward, enjoy al fresco eating in the Jardín Botánico.
There are also further dining out experiences and gay salsa lessons.
“Every experience is crafted to provide a welcoming environment where travelers feel safe, seen, and celebrated. From the booking process to the on-the-ground execution, Queer Scout ensures that every detail reflects its commitment to inclusivity and well-being.”
Related
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So, what was he wearing and what does he recommend?Out in Colombia – Exploring queer Cartagena & Medellín
Since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2016, Colombia has quickly become one of Latin America’s leading LGBTQ travel destinations.
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