Some more information about Playita, the gay
nudist beach at Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's
Pacific coast.
Here's a link to a gay travel article:
http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn216/travel_costarica.html
Here's a gay guide to Costa Rica:
http://www.gaycostarica.com/lugares/hoteles.php?idioma=en
If you're on a budget, stay in Quepos town and
take the bus to the beach - or you could stay
with the backpackers in basic accommodation
right beside the main beach at Manuel Antonio.
You don't have to take the tiny plane, there's
a regular bus service from San Jose.
If you've got a little more money to spend,
there's quite a few gay and gay-friendly hotels
dotted along the road between Quepos and the
main beach. They tend to go up and down in
their standards, depending on who's looking
after them during your stay. I've stayed at
Casa Blanca a couple of times. I wouldn't
rave about it but the four apartments have
a great view and overlook a pool which is
(or at least was) clothing optional:
http://casablanca.server1.de/en/
As for Playita beach, see the pics attached.
You'll share the jungle behind you with
monkeys, iguanas, sloths and the odd harmless
boa constrictor. It's almost a mile north of
the main beach. Here's a travel review:
"If you're standing on Manuel Antonio beach looking at the water,
and turn to your right, you will see where the beach ends at some
black volcanic rocks far in the distance.
The beach doesn't actually end there, it just LOOKS like it does.
By clambering over some jagged rocks and a short drop off a 3-foot
ledge, you find another pocket of light sand and blue water backed
by thick rainforest.
Perfect spot for gay men to claim as their own, eh?
This section of Playa Manuel Antonio has been used by gay men for
many years. Often times high noon on weekends will find 20-50 men,
half of them naked, frolicking in the water or sunbathing.
Doubtless a few more will be back in the trees engaging in
unspeakable acts! *wink*
Public nudity is forbidden everywhere in Costa Rica. So you sunbathe
nude at your own risk. Officially you can be arrested for it, but I
haven't heard of ANY foreign visitor being arrested for it. The worst
I've heard is that tickets have been issued. More frequently you're
asked politely to put your clothes back on. But FAR MORE OFTEN you
don't even have to deal with it.
This beach is used as frequently by Tico gays as by foreigners. It's
extremely cruisy, especially up in the forest behind the beach. Just
be sure you know what a Manzanillo tree looks like before you let
someone bend you over a branch, because you don't want giant blisters
all over your body, now do you?
Enjoy, and take a flashlight if you plan on returning after sunset.
It gets dark REALLY fast, and climbing those rocks at night is NO fun!"
The area behind the beach was being threated by
development. It might be worth checking before
you book, just in case this slice of paradise
is no longer what it was.
Have fun
atitlan
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