Hostal Forestal offers a choice of dorms or private rooms to book, depending on your budget. We noticed quite a few gay locals hanging out here for pre-drinks before heading out to Bellavista. Click below to get €10 / $10 off your first booking.
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Why we love it
Luciano K is a vision!
The rooftop bar is a popular hangout for both guests and non-guests. This is where the best electro house DJs will perform, which has included the likes of Renato Cecin, Isaac Escalante and the excellent Nina Flowers (from Ru Paul's Drag Race). This exciting progress includes the passing of a civil union law in 2015, granting same-sex couples some of the rights and benefits of marriage.
While the situation for local LGBT individuals continues to improve, tourists may still face some challenges and should exercise caution.
The ride up on the funicular is also a lot of fun – the back seats are the best. Yet, for those in the know, there exists a deeper layer of this South American jewel: Gay Chile. Moreover, it is crucial to remain vigilant as there may be bad actors in every country.
While the legal advancements have improved the situation for local transgender people, tourists should exercise caution, given that public attitudes towards LGBT individuals may still vary throughout the country.
The city views from the top are impressive as you get to see the Andes in the background. Fausto means “magnificent” in Spanish, and it's in fact one of the oldest gay clubs in Santiago (going strong since 1979). The shows are more local than those at Farinelli so you may struggle to understand if you don't speak much Spanish.
Note that the best/busiest nights out happen on Fridays/Saturdays, so it maybe worth coinciding your Santiago trip to fall on a weekend rather than on a weekday:
A gay night out in Bellavista on Friday and Saturday evenings will almost always end up at Ex Bunker at some stage in the night!
There are many small restaurants and small food courts in the Mercado Central that you can easily spend a few hours just immersing yourself in this foodie paradise. The centerpiece is the charming wrought-iron elevator, which is famous for being the first working in all of Chile.
There are 38 rooms to book in this classy hotel. Check their website for more details.
Bar 105 is most famous for its infamous night called “Dark Room” every Thursday from 10pm! It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
There are several LGBT advocacy groups in Chile, such as Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual (MOVILH), which actively campaign for LGBT rights, provide support for the community, and work to end discrimination.
That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Staying vigilant and being aware of your surroundings is always recommended, as conditions can change rapidly, and information may become outdated. Note for otter boys: on Friday evenings Fausto has one of the best bear parties in Santiago.
Fausto Discotheque is open Wednesday to Sunday evenings from midnight until around 4/5am.
This law allows transgender people over 14 years of age to change their name and gender in official records, providing them with legal recognition and protection.
However, it is essential to note that situations can change quickly, and information may be out-of-date. Make a habit of checking in with relevant sources or authorities for the most recent news and advice before embarking on your journey.