In 2015, Chile legalized same-sex civil unions lifting the nation one step higher on the list of gay travel destinations.  Chile’s energetic capital city Santiago has been the epicenter for the country’s flourishing gay culture with a multitude of hotels, restaurants, bars, and adults-only places to visit.

This guide to gay Santiago has a particular focus on the Bellavista neighborhood, the heart of the city which lies between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill.  Bellavista is known as Santiago’s bohemian quarter, with new hip restaurants, boutiques, and avant-garde galleries occupying loft spaces and lordly mansions that punctuate tree-lined streets awash with colorful antique homes. Many of the city’s esteemed intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, following in the footsteps of its most famous denizen, Pablo Neruda.

In the evening, Bellavista pulses to the beat of music pouring from its many discos and bars. Gay nightlife is easy to find on the colorful Bombero Núñez street.  On weekends, there is an evening handicrafts market that runs the length of Pío Nono. The area is served by the Baquedano Metro subway station, located just across the river.  (Try our Google map of gay Santiago to help navigate the city.)

Update for the VamosGay 2020 Guide to Santiago
Last year, Chile and a number of other countries were rocked by protests and civil unrest.  In October 2019, the capital city Santiago became ground zero for the Chilean protests.  Santiago is still one of the top LGBT-friendly destinations and social life continues despite the protests near major landmarks.  But, check international news reports and be aware of the situation.