Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Travelers
Peru is an extremely conservative, Catholic country. While homosexuality is legal, many
Peruvians only tolerate it on a 'don't ask; don't tell' level. Gay rights barely exist as an is-
sue. When it does arise in public, hostility is the most common response. As a result, many
gays in Peru don't publicly identify themselves as such.
» Public displays of affection among gay couples are rarely seen. Outside gay clubs, it is
advisable to keep a low profile.
» HIV/AIDS transmission, both homosexual and heterosexual, is a growing problem in
Peru, so use condoms.
» Lima is the city most accepting of gay people, but this is on a relative scale. Beyond that,
the tourist towns of Cuzco, Arequipa and Trujillo tend to be more tolerant than the norm.
» For the record: the checkered rainbow flag seen around Cuzco and in the Andes is not a
gay pride flag, it's the flag of the Quechua people.
INTERNET RESOURCES
and pop culture, plus nightlife listings.
capital.
bars to bathhouses; also runs a travel agency at
www.gayperutravel.com
.
scene and politics.
travel agency that is not exclusively gay, but that organizes gay-friendly group trips.
and gay-friendly accommodations in Peru.
