Gay rights in ecuador
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There are also a few travel agencies in Quito who directly market to the LGBTQ+ community offering tours around the city, into the Amazon and to the Galapagos Islands.
Biography
David Duran is a freelance travel writer who has contributed to various publications including Fodor’s Travel, the New York Post, Travel + Leisure, and more.
Expect to find lots of nature trails leading to gorgeous waterfalls, various tour companies offering everything from bungee jumping to zip lining across canyons to rappelling down freezing cold waterfalls to bridge walks and even climbing the sides of canyon walls. Birdwatchers will have a plethora of birds to admire as well, including Andean condors.
While the laws of Ecuador are firmly in support of gay rights, public displays of same-sex affection are very rare in the country and LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to use discretion when in public places, especially outside of major cities where people may not have adapted to the new laws as quickly.
LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Ecuador
Although the law states that everyone has the same rights in Ecuador, this doesn’t mean that homophobia is gone, especially in rural areas.
This significant milestone occurred through Case No. 111-97-TC, which overturned the first paragraph of Article 516 of the Penal Code. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1997, and gay marriage was legalized in 2019 following a ruling by Ecuador’s highest court. With its perfect cone-shaped, snow-covered top, the volcano is just screaming to be photographed.
The uphill pub crawl is not to be missed, although it might be easier to start at the top and work your way down. The dish is made with red mangrove crab that is popular in the coastal regions. By staying informed and maintaining a level of discretion and vigilance, you can have a safer and more enjoyable experience while exploring Ecuador.
Treatment by authorities
The LGBTQI+ population, especially transgender people, still faces discrimination by public and private actors.
In Quito, the “zona Rosa” is the gay-friendly part of the city. Located on the edge of the city center, the aerial lift takes guests over 2000 feet up to the top of Pichincha Volcano from where you can easily see Quito from one end to the other in addition to incredible views of the Andes Range.
BAÑOS
Thrill seekers need to look no further than the small town of Baños.
As a result, it’s essential to understand potential challenges as an LGBT tourist and take necessary precautions.
For tourists, it is advisable to exercise discretion regarding public displays of affection, as it may attract unwanted attention or judgment from locals who may not be as accepting.
Quito has held a pride each year since June 1998 while the film festival is a perfect opportunity to check out the latest in award-winning queer cinema.
Although small, the country of Ecuador has a lot to offer, from the tropical Amazonian rainforest to the snow-peaked Andes Mountains. This archipelago of about 19 islands and many smaller islets located about 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean is a double World Heritage site, which means both land and sea are protected.
Being aware of the local cultural context and choosing to be more discreet can help in avoiding potential issues.
Staying updated on the current legal and social landscape for LGBT individuals in Ecuador is paramount, as situations can change rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial to seek current advice before traveling and always remain vigilant, as there are bad actors in every country.
Be cautious about sharing personal information or discussing your sexual orientation with strangers, as there might be individuals with malicious intentions regardless of the country’s overall progressiveness.
In conclusion, LGBT travelers in Ecuador should err on the side of caution and remain aware of the evolving social and legal context.
The national park is also home to many plant and animal species, such as wild horses, deer, llamas and pumas.