6 Great Gay Beaches in South America

With wintertime approaching here in the Northern Hemisphere, what's a gay beachcomber to do? Why not flip the seasonal script and head south of the equator, where summer will be here before you know it? Here are six fun options for the beach-loving queer traveler to consider checking out in the coming months.

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1. Punta del Este, Uruguay. The scenic coastline in this small South American country is a popular short trip from Buenos Aires, located a short flight or a ferry ride away. Queer travelers have been drawn to this well-to-do area of the country for years, but they also head west to the quieter Playa Chihuahua beach, located not far from the airport. This is also a nude beach, a testament to the open-minded society here (Uruguay legalized gay marriage back in 2013). And check out the male-only gay hotel located here, Undarius, if you're looking for some fabulous lodging.

2. Praia Mole, Florianopolis, Brazil. Florianopolis, located between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, is a stunning island hugging the southern Brazilian coastline. The city is legendary for its nightlife and its beaches. Praia Mole may be one of the most beautiful — and while it's not an exclusively queer beach, it's a very popular gathering spot for the local LGBTQ community.

3. Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The gayest section of this amazing stretch of sand is sometimes referred to as Farme Gay Beach. It can be most easily found by searching out the lifeguard towers 8 and 9. You'll see rainbow flags, a good-sized crowd on most days, and plenty of men in Speedos. It's worth your time to rent a beach chair and umbrella and just people watch. Keep hydrated with some coconut water — just purchase a fresh coconut from one of the many vendors and they'll chop the top off and insert a straw for you.

4. Playa Luna, Valparaiso, Chile. About a 90-minute drive west of Chile's capital and largest city, Santiago, you'll find the Pacific gem of Valparaiso and its neighbor, Viña del Mar. The area has a thriving gay scene, but it also boasts plenty of beautiful beaches. A lot of queer visitors head a bit northward to Playa Luna, one of the country's most famous — and the only officially sanctioned — nude beach. While the beach is open to all, it's quite popular among the LGBTQ community.

5. Playa Hollywood, Cartagena, Colombia. Set amidst palm trees and whitewashed high-rise apartment towers, this sun-kissed crescent is the center of gay beach life in Cartagena, perched on the Caribbean Sea near the Hotel Caribe. If you tire of the cruising and the people watching, take a short boat ride out to the coral islands poised offshore for some snorkeling and tropical fish watching. Sundays are the most popular day on this beach.

6. Boa Viagem Beach, Recife, Brazil. Recife, on the northeastern corner of the continent, is sometimes referred to as the Venice of Brazil. The city's gay nightlife is well known, but the Boa Viagem Beach is another popular queer hangout. While going in the water itself is not recommended due to the number of shark attacks (!), this beach is perfect for sunning, relaxing and socializing. It's dotted with picturesque palm trees and high rises run along the beach, giving it a dynamic and cosmopolitan feel. It's long, too — there are roughly eight miles of sandy bliss from which to choose!