Detours Gay Travel Blog

Gay Travel in Peru: From Rainbow Mountains to Rainbow Streets

• Detours
• May 13, 2025

Ah, Peru — land of ancient civilizations, luxurious wools, breathtaking rainforests, and mouthwatering ceviches… heck, did you know Peru even boasts a literal RAINBOW mountain?! It doesn’t get more queer-friendly than that! 🌈

Although the existence of the rainbow mountain (Vinicunca, or Montaña de Siete Colores, or Montaña de Colores) is a geological coincidence (or miracle, if you believe in that kind of thing), Peru’s subtle LGBTQ+ community and history is one of many reasons that this country is one of my absolute favorite destinations for Detours’ gay tours. 

Before I dive into exactly why I love Peru, I would like to emphasize that unlike some of the more openly progressive queer-friendly Latin American countries of Brazil and Argentina, Peru’s queer culture was formed within the context of a more conservative culture and government. 

So if you’re looking for a more conventional gay group travel experience with the gay beaches and expanse gay neighborhoods in Latin America, I suggest checking out our 10 Days in Argentina & Brazil tour.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten-track, read on for the various reasons why Peru is a great destination for an authentic and queer travel experience. 

Lima is a Peru's gay hub

Although our fabulous gayness may not be as accepted in many of the more rural areas of Peru, the country’s capital, Lima, has an healthy gay scene. The districts of Miraflores (literally translates to “look at the flowers” because of its floral landscape) and Barranco (for some bohemian vibes) are both considered gay-friendly areas for accommodations, restaurants, clubs, bars, and cafes. 

DownTown (formerly Downtown Vale Todo) is a classic gay disco, where you’re guaranteed to have a raucous and fabulous time in one of its six distinct rooms — including drag shows! — while the LGBTQ+-owned Open Deck Cruise Cafe has a quiet, laid-back vibe to settle in for the afternoon over delectable cocktails while you watch the passers-by on the street in front of you.

Homosexuality in ancient Peru was not likely taboo 🏳️‍🌈

As evidenced in many ancient civilizations across the world, there is a solid amount of evidence pointing to the fact that homosexuality in ancient Peru was not taboo — in fact, it seems that it was widely accepted.

Prior to Spanish colonization during the 16th century, historians have found that a wide range of sexual practices, sexualities, and sexual identities were accepted  — and sometimes even celebrated — among the Inca and other ancient civilizations.

Of course, this does not change the wide range of harms done to gay people by colonial powers over centuries, including in Peru. But I always love to go way back in history to understand there were different times… times when more identities were accepted. ❤️

Peru’s gay community is warm and welcoming

Peruvian writer and LGBTQ+ advocate Javier Ponce Gambirazio describes the need for humor to deal with the trauma of growing up gay in Peru back in a time when being gay was less accepted than it is today. Gambirazio says, “Sense of humor has always been our best survival strategy in this tragicomedy of being gay in Peru. Without laughter and parody, which allowed us to transform horror into a party, we might have jumped out the window.” 

Growing up gay or trans in a society that doesn’t accept you is an incredibly difficult and sometimes traumatic experience. But it’s clear that the societal struggles experienced by the gay community of Peru have made them an unbelievably tight-knit group — and that is obvious when you visit the country. Peru’s LGBTQ+ community is warm, funny, and welcoming. So if you seek out the right places, you’ll never feel more at home than among this country’s gay community. 

The gay photo-ops are unparalleled

Okay, so I already mentioned the geological wonder that is Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Consisting of 14 different minerals formed together over millions of years due to processes such as tectonic plate convergence, volcanic activity, and erosion, sediment varieties were layered on top of each other, including sandstone, halite, gravel, and limestone — resulting in a rainbow assortment of colors such as green, yellow, white, and burnt orange. 

On both our 8-day and 12-day tour offerings in Peru, you have the option of visiting Rainbow Mountain on ATVs. Get a picture in front of one of the pride movement’s most recognizable symbols, even if it is unofficial. 😉

Since you’re already in Cusco, it’ll be impossible not to notice the numerous pride flags that ornament the city!

Wait - didn’t I say that Peruvian governments have usually been pretty conservative? Okay, okay, so those aren’t actually pride flags that you’re seeing, for the most part. What you’re seeing is the city of Cusco’s official flag, introduced in 1973, and made official in 1978 - 16 days before the rainbow pride flag first flew in San Francisco! Due to ongoing confusion (and some controversy) surrounding the flag, the Cusco coat of arms was added to its center in 2021. 

Still, these colors are universally recognizable — do with that information what you will! Personally, I still consider it a photo-op, where appropriate. 😉🏳️‍🌈

Pride in Peru is a demonstration of strength and resilience

LGBTQ+ rights in Peru are not a given in the way they are in other countries - which makes me all the more in awe of the strong gay movement of this incredible country. In 2023, a record number of 50,000 people marched to the streets for Lima’s pride parade. The theme of the march? Pride is political.

For many of us, we can live as gay people in relative peace and freedom. But traveling to Peru always reminds me of the stark realities faced by some gay communities in other parts of the world. The Lima Pride Parade is a moving demonstration of the strength and resilience of Peru’s LGBTQ+ community, in the face of resistance, stigma, and prejudice. 

This year, the Lima Pride Parade takes place on June 28. You might even consider flying to Peru a few days before our 8 Days in Peru or 12 Days in Peru tours (starting July 2) to take part in the rollicking festivities!

See you in Peru

Whether it’s walking through the streets of the rainbow-covered Cusco, sipping a pisco sour in the flower-abundant Miraflores district of Lima, or standing at the foot of a multi-colored mountain, Peru brings together unique experiences and social opportunities set against a rich and colorful history and culture. 

Although being openly gay in Peru is not always accepted (depending on where you are in the country), at least not in the way that it is in some of Detours’ other diverse destinations (for example, Thailand or Japan), it is absolutely on my list of favorite places to travel as gay trip leader. 

We have myriad unforgettable experiences to choose from too - from Brazil and Argentina, to Spain, to Croatia, to New Zealand… believe me, I could go on! Our tours provide the structured spontaneity you’re looking for, with guaranteed departures, so make sure to check them out!

Otherwise? Catch you in Peru. 🏳️‍🌈