Low-key luxury: 10 queer-friendly resorts in South America

If you're looking for a vacation to reignite your spirit, these luxurious, queer-friendly resorts in South America are sure to inspire.

Mark

Aug 11, 2023 - 20:01

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Low-key luxury: 10 queer-friendly resorts in South America

LGBTQ+-friendly luxury resorts and hotels in South America

The adage “Money talks, wealth whispers” may be true for the renaissance of quiet luxury. However, five-star queer travelers expect fabulosity as unique as their identities.

South America offers terrain spanning some of the world’s most dramatic vistas and impressive experiences — sans White Lotus pretense. If you’re looking for a vacation to rekindle your spirits, GayCities offers 10 of the best queer-friendly resorts in South America.

The Vines Resort & Spa, Argentina

The Vines Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in Argentina — The Vines Resort & Spa recreates the “asado” experience for its visitors. (Photo: The Vines Resort & Spa)

Finding yourself at the base of the Andes in Mendoza’s prestigious Uco Valley, you’ll savor why Argentina is the largest producer of wine in Latin America; their celebrated culture of asados (barbecue) is synonymous with steak, Merlot, and community.

The Vines Resort & Spa immerses travelers in the region’s wine-making tradition (you can even blend your own Malbec) while offering the motherland — and the spa — as your field to roam free. Who knew luxury could be so green?

Horseback riding at the Vines Resort and Spa. — There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to live your best Latin life. (Photo: The Vines Resort & Spa)

Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp, Argentina

Star-gazing at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp, one of South America's luxury resorts located in Argentina. — We dare you to find better stargazing than at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp. (Photo: Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)

Queerness is all about stepping away from norms, and at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp, you’ll find this in all directions. Located on the salt flats at Salinas Grandes de Jujuy, fully stocked luxury domes stand 11,000 feet above sea level.

This is one of the world’s most luxurious glamping experiences with a sustainable agenda, which includes a collaborative business model with the indigenous community, environmental sustainability, and local economic impact.

Gobernador Horacio Guzman Airport is 2 hours and 30 mins by car from the meeting point, Tres Morros, where the hotel will schedule transportation to the camp. The astonishing stargazing is worth the journey.

Glamping at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp. — The rainbow will never lead queer travelers astray. (Photo: Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp)

Luxe by The Charlee, Colombia

Luxury resorts in South America include Luxe by The Charlee, where you can enjoy a private hot tub. — Relax, and sip champagne! Luxe by The Charlee’s opulent cabins will make nature feel like home. (Photo: Luxe by The Chalee)

An hour and 40-minute road trip from Medellin, Luxe by The Charlee is the ultimate getaway when you want a rendezvous with your thoughts or access to Guatape, the boating capital of South America.

Upon entrance to the expansive estate, which includes a range of villas, travelers are escorted around by tuk-tuk with a mystical view of El Peñón de Guatapé, a climbable 650-foot-tall rock made of quartz, feldspar, and granite. Take a dip in your private hot tub, enjoy an aquatic adventure in the nearby reservoir, and breath the fresh air.

Swimming at Luxe by The Charlee. — In front of the hotel’s outdoor restaurant is a lake where you can jump in and swim. (Photo: Luxe by The Chalee)

Cannúa Lodge, Colombia

A view from above at Cannua Lodge, one of South America's luxury resorts. — How is an endless forest for a view? (Photo: Cannúa Lodge)

One way to elevate your lust for nature is a stay at Cannúa Lodge. Aside from greenery farther than your eyes can see, the 18-room property offers complimentary guided hikes to experience what makes Colombia sacred to indigenous populations and a secluded atmosphere that makes it a coveted resort in South America.

Fun fact: you’ll see staff working in the gardens, which provide locally sourced ingredients for all your meals.

Hiking at Cannua Lodge. — A hike even the most indoorsy traveler can enjoy. (Photo: Cannúa Lodge)

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Chile

A freshly grilled meal at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa in Chile, an LGBTQ+-friendly resort in South America. — Food is a sign of love in most Latin cultures. (Photo: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa)

If you’re thirsty for an adventurous backdrop, let the dry mesas and canyons of the Atacama Desert in Chile satiate your wanderlust. Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is in the driest nonpolar location on Earth and offers curated experiences to take advantage of the arid, dramatic landscape.

Daily 2-hour flights depart from Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC), and the hotel will coordinate transportation directly from the airport. Greet the morning with outdoor yoga, admire the sunset hiking a volcano, or indulge more sedentary senses by discovering Chile’s distinct food culture.

Yoga at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa. — What’s your favorite position? (Photo: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa)

Copacabana Palace, Brazil

A man sits on the balcony at Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. — A stroll across the street will put you at the center of the beachy gay action. (Photo: Copacabana Palace)

What’s a vacation in Rio de Janeiro without the beach? At Copacabana Palace, you’ll never find out. Known as the “Palace of the Sand,” the resort conveniently sits across from the gay beach.

Metropolitan socialites will find their throne away home, whether you desire to lunch for three hours or sip cocktails at 4 am. The Belmond property is one of the most luxurious resorts in South America. Attentive staff can arrange private beach and architecture tours and other bespoke experiences.

Women enjoy cocktails at Copacabana Palace. — There’s never a wrong time to enjoy a fiery cocktail with the bestie. (Photo: Copacabana Palace)

Fasano Hotel, Brazil

The infinity pool at Sao Paulo's Fasano Hotel, a luxury resort in South America. — Will you be having a mountain with the ocean? Don’t forget to order a refreshing caipirinha! (Photo: Fasano Hotel)

For city folks, a rooftop isn’t a view — it’s a way of life. At the Fasano Hotel in São Paulo, you’ll discover it also includes an infinity pool. Take in the oceanside mountain views, and enjoy dinner at one of São Paolo’s best seafood restaurants without leaving the hotel.

Dinner at Hotel Fasano. — Every bite at Restaurante Fasano is a heavenly taste of seafood euphoria. (Photo: Hotel Fasano)

Tambo del Inka, Peru

Morning coffee al fresco at Tambo del Inka — At Tambo del Inka, waking up and smelling the roses is only half a metaphor. (Photo: Tambo del Inka)

Down the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valle, waking up on the premises of Tambo del Inka in Peru is as if the ground became clouds. Your gaze will be split between the Andes Mountains and the Vilcanota River and merely steps from the captivating ancient Incan culture and on-site rail service to Machu Picchu.

Tambo del Inka maximizes connection with self, surroundings, and historical experiences.

Tambo del Inka, a luxury resort in Peru. — You’re quite literally conquering the world. (Photo: Tambo del Inka)

Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Mashpi Lodge will immerse you in the ‘Cloud Forest,’ which makes Tarzan look like he played in a garden. The hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (or until you return) for anyone intrigued by wildlife, including the chance to channel your spirit animal swimming in waterfalls and walking through the jungle.

To get here, fly to Quito and depart from one of the local hotels (yes, you must stay overnight due to the narrow schedule). The ride is an adventure, but every visitor will tell you it’s one of the most unique resorts in South America. Bird watchers, beware; you might believe you’ve arrived in heaven.

Luxury resorts in South America, like Mashpi Lodge in Peru, are known for their local cuisine. — Mashpi Lodge’s culinary program draws inspiration from local ingredients and culture. (Photo: Mashpi Lodge)

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia, Colombia

Let’s face it: The 8th World Wonder for luxury travelers is… well, luxurious city living. Bogota is arguably one of the gayest cities in Latin America, most comfortably made your playground from the not-so-humble walls of Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.

Oh, and did we mention the largest club in the country, THEATRON, is an Uber ride away? Giddy up! Relaxation manifests in many forms.