Santiago, capital of Chile, inhabited by over five million people, situated at the foot of the Cordillera de Los Andes.

Santiago has the best gay and lesbian life in the country. Most is concentrated in the bohemian neighborhood Bellavista, home to a thriving restaurant and club scene. Reminiscent of a time maybe twenty years ago in America, many venues do not have names on their doors. Still, once you enter these special enclaves, you’ll find a diverse scene ranging from drag restaurants to chic clubs most of which undiscovered by north American tourists.

Santiago has a developing gay scene. As always, things change, bars close. Call before you go to make sure they still exist (or, horrors of horrors, haven’t gone straight!). Due to its Catholic, Latin influence, most gays live at home until married. Hourly hotels are used for sex, unless you can bring them to your room.