It is estimated that a total of 30 percent of foreign gay tourists visit Argentina every year and Bariloche, nicknamed the “Queen of Patagonia”, is rapidly being recognised as a top gay-friendly destination in Argentina, for this scenic Patagonian city is home to numerous gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars, and attractions.

[caption id="attachment_1564" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Gay-friendly Bariloche Bariloche: the most popular gay-friendly destination in Argentina after Buenos Aires / source[/caption]

Below are a number of other ways in which Bariloche has embraced its gay community and rendered itself an attractive and appealing gay-friendly destination in Argentina.

Nightlife/Parties

Bariloche is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, which is arguably the best in the country after Buenos Aires. The big nightclubs, such as Rocket, Cerebro, Pacha and Grisu are all gay-friendly, but the venues most aimed towards the gay community are Wilkenny, an Irish pub with traditional features but a more ‘modern mentality’ and Flamingo hotel, which has previously hosted the ‘Fiesta Flow’ parties, exotic themed parties veered towards a gay crowd.

[caption id="attachment_1555" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Fiesta Flow Fiesta Flow in Bariloche / source[/caption]  

Skiing

As Bariloche is predominantly a skiing destination, one of the most popular activities is a gay ski weekend which consists of three nights in a gay-friendly hotel, ski lessons and an optional night out in a gay-friendly bar. As well as this, gay tourists are provided with ski equipment, the BRC Friendly Map and a gift box of chocolates.

[caption id="attachment_7058" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Skiing is one of the most popular tourist activites in Bariloche Skiing is one of the most popular tourist activites in Bariloche / source[/caption]

Fiesta de la Nieve Gay - Gay Snow Festival Bariloche

For an extended period of gay-friendly skiing activities, be sure not to miss out on the six-day Gay Snow Festival, which is being held between the 26th and 31st of August this year. The Gay Snow Festival, undoubtedly one of Patagonia’s most anticipated gay events, aims to create a global awareness of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community and show people the importance of Bariloche as a welcoming and gay-friendly destination in Argentina. Another of its goals is to promote acceptance and respect of sexual diversity by giving gay men and lesbians the chance to relax and enjoy the mountains and lakes of Bariloche, learn about its culture and meet likeminded people from all over Argentina and the world.

The Gay Snow Festival’s program of events includes lectures and seminars, talks and debates on the topic of gay tourism, human rights and diversity, and a series of courses and conferences. On top of this, a variety of daily activities will take place both in the city and in the mountains, and a different event will be held each night. The climax of the festival sees the crowning of the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the Snow in a beauty pageant which focuses on communication skills, a good work ethic and the ability to represent Bariloche in terms of equality. After the beauty pageant, there will be a photo shoot at Cerro Catedral, which is located in the beautiful Nahuel Huapí National Park.

See the Gay Snow Festival full schedule

Gay Snow Festival Bariloche Argentina

Gay travel expert, Cristian Signorelli, has helped boost gay tourism in Bariloche with his ‘BRC Friendly Map’, a map of Bariloche and the Lake District with information on all the gay and gay-friendly spots in the region. The BRC Friendly Map is free and can be picked up at a number of tourist points in Bariloche or online. Another useful source of information for gay tourists is Gay Bariloche, which was set up as a ‘meeting place’ for the gay community. The purpose of the site is not only to provide information related to the gay scene in Bariloche, but also to provide a tool for gay people to meet and chat. With its beautiful lakes, mountains and peaceful natural surroundings, it’s no surprise that Bariloche has become such a popular gay-friendly destination in Argentina. For more tours and activities in Bariloche, visit our website. By: Milly Day - Content Manager For: Argentina4u