Costa Rica 2027: An LGBTQ Women's Guide to Pura Vida, Beaches & Belonging
Trade your notifications for hot springs, spa days, and a group of LGBTQ+ women who feel like home. Join Ladies Touch Travel in Costa Rica this July 2027 for a relaxing, all-inclusive escape built for connection, think karaoke nights, catamaran cruises, and pura vida at its finest.
Picture this: You're floating in an infinity pool at an adults-only resort in Guanacaste, rainforest on one side and Pacific sunset on the other, surrounded by queer women who all said yes to the same thing you did, a week of being pampered, reconnecting with yourself, and making memories with people who feel like your best friends by day two. Somewhere nearby, a catamaran is waiting. Somewhere else, karaoke night is about to get loud. This is Costa Rica, July 2027, your summer trip with the friends you haven't met yet.
Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next LGBTQ Women's Getaway
Costa Rica made history in 2020 as the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, and that milestone reflects something deeper about the country's culture: a national identity built around pura vida, "pure life", a philosophy of presence, gratitude, and ease that extends naturally to how the country treats its visitors, regardless of who they love.
This isn't a trip built around a party scene. It's built around something queer women often crave just as much: permission to exhale. Think spa mornings, poolside pampering, and slow, sun-soaked afternoons, the kind of relaxation that actually sticks with you after you're home. Costa Rica consistently ranks among the safest and most progressive destinations in Latin America, with rainforests, volcanoes, and some of the most stunning coastline in the hemisphere. It's less about proving a point and more about disappearing into hammocks, hot springs, and horizon views with women who get it.
What Makes This Trip Different for LGBTQ Women
Most travelers experience Costa Rica through a general tourism lens: surf towns, eco-lodges, solo backpacking. This trip is different because it's built exclusively for LGBTQ+ women, which means every detail, the resort, the excursions, the pacing, is designed around connection first.
Think of it like a summer trip with a big group of friends, except you get to meet those friends when you arrive. From the Welcome Garden Mixer on day one to spa time, karaoke nights, and a catamaran cruise, every activity is built to bring the group closer together and give you real, lasting memories, not just an itinerary to check off. You're simply among your people, free to be as social or as quietly recharging as you need to be.
Your Home Base: Secrets Papagayo, Guanacaste
For the Guanacaste portion of this trip, the group stays at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort tucked on a black volcanic sand beach on the Papagayo Peninsula, with the Pacific on one side and tropical mountain forest on the other.
This is where relaxation and pampering really come to life. Under the resort's Unlimited-Luxury® model, everything is included, no wristbands, no upcharges, from ocean-view pools to round-the-clock room and concierge service. A few highlights that make it the perfect setting for this kind of trip:
Secrets Spa: a full-service spa with massages, body and facial treatments, hydrotherapy, a steam room and sauna, and a salon, open daily for whenever the group needs to slow down and recharge
Two ocean view pools with all-day poolside and beach service, made for long, unhurried afternoons together
Seven dining experiences and five bars, including premium drinks and international cuisine, all included
Nightly entertainment and theme nights, including karaoke, designed to bring the group together after the sun goes down
202 rooms and suites set into the hillside, with garden or ocean views, plus upgraded Preferred Club options for those who want an extra-elevated stay
It's the kind of resort built for exactly what this trip is about: rest, connection, and time together without a single logistic to think about.
The Complete Costa Rica 2027 Itinerary
Guanacaste: Secrets Papagayo (Adults-Only, All-Inclusive)
Day 1 - July 7: Arrivals & Welcome Garden Mixer
Touch down in Guanacaste and ease into island time. Meet your Ladies Touch Travel Fam at the Welcome Garden Mixer, the first of many moments this week built purely for connection, and the perfect low-pressure way to put faces to names before the week unfolds.
Day 2 - July 8: Wellness & Recharge / Evening Game Night
A day designed to pamper you, think spa time, quiet pool hours, and slow mornings where the only agenda is feeling good. Then the evening turns social with a playful, laughter-filled Game Night, the kind of easy bonding that turns strangers into friends fast.
Day 3 - July 9: Pura Vida Poolside Vibes / Evening Karaoke Party
Soak up the resort's pools and Pacific views by day, then let loose at an evening Karaoke Party, the kind of night built for connection over anything else. Fair warning: this is where lifelong inside jokes (and a few surprisingly strong vocal performances) get born.
Day 4 - July 10: Beachside Bliss / Catamaran Cruise
A full day on and near the water, capped off with a catamaran cruise along the Guanacaste coastline, with golden hour, ocean breeze, and your favorite people on deck. This is the kind of afternoon that becomes the photo you show everyone back home.
Day 5 - July 11: Farewell Beach Party
The group's last full day together at Secrets Papagayo goes out in style with a beachfront farewell celebration.
Day 6 - July 12: Departures / or Onward to Arenal
Time to head home, or extend your Costa Rica story with the Arenal/La Fortuna add-on.
What's Included
This is a fully hosted, all-inclusive experience:
Airport transfers
All group events and activities
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner where noted)
All beverages, including adult beverages, at the all-inclusive Guanacaste resort
24/7 support from the Ladies Touch Travel team
Optional Extension: Arenal & La Fortuna (Add-on)
Day 6 - July 12: Transfer to Arenal / Hot Springs Social / Welcome Dinner
Trade beach for volcano views as the group transfers inland to La Fortuna, unwinding that evening in the region's famous hot springs before a Welcome Dinner.
Day 7 - July 13: Full Day Arenal Tour
A guided day exploring the Arenal Volcano region, rainforest, waterfalls, and the kind of scenery that ends up as everyone's new phone wallpaper.
Day 8 - July 14: Farewell Dinner One last celebratory meal together before saying (temporary) goodbyes.
Day 9 - July 15: Departures
Please note: the Arenal extension and full-day tour (available as add-ons), travel insurance, international flights, and gratuities are not included.
Safety & Practical Information for LGBTQ Women Travelers
Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Latin America for LGBTQ travelers, with legal protections that include marriage equality and anti-discrimination measures. Still, smart travel habits apply anywhere:
Fly into Liberia Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): the closest airport to Guanacaste. Check-in at the resort is 3:00 PM, so plan flight times accordingly, especially arrival day.
Extending to Arenal? Book your return flight to depart LIR after 3:00 PM on July 15, since the group travels back from Arenal to Guanacaste that day.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Costa Rica trips, like all international travel, come with the usual unpredictability, and insurance protects your investment. Cancel For Any Reason coverage must be purchased within two weeks of your first deposit to apply.
Traveling solo or want your own space? Book a Solo (Single Occupancy) room. Open to sharing? Book Shared (Double Occupancy), note that roommate matching is offered but not guaranteed.
Keep valuables secured during excursions and always stay with the group during transfers and off-resort activities.
What to Pack for Costa Rica
For the Resort & Pool Days:
Swimsuits (you'll want more than one)
Lightweight cover-ups
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sandals or slides
For Excursions:
Comfortable closed-toe shoes for the Arenal tour
A light rain jacket (rainforest weather changes fast)
A swimsuit for the hot springs
A dry bag or ziplock for the catamaran cruise
For Evenings:
Something fun for Karaoke Night
A breezy outfit for the Farewell Beach Party
A light layer for cooler Arenal evenings
Don't Forget:
Valid passport (US travelers do need one for Costa Rica, unlike Puerto Rico)
Travel insurance documentation
Any prescription medications
A portable phone charger for long excursion days
Why LGBTQ Women Choose Group Travel for Trips Like This
Most of the women who travel with Ladies Touch come solo, and that's exactly the point. Group travel removes the two biggest barriers to a trip like this: cost and courage and replaces them with something better: real connection.
Built-in community means you're never sitting alone at dinner, and every activity, like spa time, karaoke, and the catamaran cruise, becomes a shared memory instead of a solo experience
A true recharge with the logistics handled, you get to actually relax instead of managing an itinerary
Shared accommodation makes an all-inclusive, pampering resort experience more affordable
No explaining required: everyone in the group already gets it
It's the closest thing to a summer trip with your best friends, except this group of friends is waiting to meet you.
Join Us: Costa Rica 2027
Ready to trade your notifications for hot springs, spa time, and a group of women who feel like home before day one is even over? This is your invitation to relax, reconnect, and make the kind of memories that only happen on a trip like this.
Costa Rica 2027 includes:
6 days / 5 nights at Secrets Papagayo, Guanacaste (all-inclusive)
Welcome Garden Mixer, Game Night, Karaoke Party, Catamaran Cruise, and Farewell Beach Party
Airport transfers, all meals, and all beverages
24/7 support from the Ladies Touch Travel team
Add-on: Optional 3-night Arenal & La Fortuna extension with hot springs and a full-day volcano tour
Spots are limited, and solo rooms tend to go first, so don't wait to lock in your place!
🌴 Reserve your spot for Costa Rica 2027 or explore all our upcoming LGBTQ women's trips.
Questions before you book? Reach out to our team we're happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica safe for LGBTQ women? Yes. Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2020 and is broadly considered one of the safest, most progressive destinations in the region for LGBTQ travelers.
Do I need a passport for Costa Rica? Yes, unlike Puerto Rico, Costa Rica is an independent country, so a valid passport is required for US travelers.
Can I travel solo and still have a great trip? Absolutely. Most Ladies Touch travelers come solo. Book a Solo (Single Occupancy) room, or opt for Shared (Double Occupancy) with roommate matching possible (not guaranteed).
Is the resort really all-inclusive? Yes, Secrets Papagayo is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, so meals and beverages (including alcohol) are covered throughout your stay in Guanacaste.
Should I do the Arenal extension? If volcano views, hot springs, and rainforest adventure sound appealing, yes, it's the perfect complement to beach time in Guanacaste and turns the trip into a fuller Costa Rica experience.
What's the cancellation policy? Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations made between October 7, 2026 and January 6, 2027 receive credit toward a future trip only (no refunds). No refunds, credits, or transfers apply to cancellations made after January 7, 2027. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
When should I book my flights? Fly into Liberia (LIR) July 7. Resort check-in is 3:00 PM, so plan arrival accordingly. If extending to Arenal, schedule your departure flight after 3:00 PM on July 15, since the group transfers back to Guanacaste that day.
Relax, Reconnect, Remember: Your Pura Vida Moment Is Waiting
This is more than a beach vacation, it's a week of spa mornings, catamaran sunsets, karaoke nights, and a community that already feels like home. Come for the rest and pampering. Stay for the friendships and memories you'll be talking about long after you're back.
Join us in Costa Rica, July 2027, and experience pura vida the way it's meant to be lived: surrounded by women who get it, without a single thing to prove.
🌴 Reserve your spot now | Explore all upcoming trips | Contact us with questions
Ladies Touch Events & Travel has been curating unforgettable LGBTQ women’s group travel experiences since 2016. Our thoughtfully designed journeys span destinations around the world, bringing together adventure, culture, and community in safe and inclusive spaces where queer women can explore freely and celebrate authentically.
Are You an LGBTQ Woman in Chicago for WNBA All-Star Weekend? Here's What to Do Right Now
You're in Chicago, it's WNBA All-Star Weekend, and your people are everywhere. Here's the real-time guide to official league events, queer nightlife, and everything else LGBTQ women need to know to make the most of the weekend.
You made it. You're in Chicago, it's All-Star Weekend, and somewhere out there right now a group of queer women are already toasting to the best weekend in women's sports. So put the itinerary spreadsheet away for a second, here's exactly what's happening in the Windy City, and where to find your people while you're at it.
Bookmark this. You'll want it open on your phone all weekend.
Why Everyone Around You Is So Hyped
You've probably already noticed it: this is one of the biggest unofficial gatherings for queer women in sports culture, and this year it's extra special. It's the WNBA's 30th anniversary season, the All-Star Game is coached by legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, and Chicago's own LGBTQ history, Boystown and beyond, makes it the perfect city to be in for it. Basically: you picked a good weekend to be here.
What's Happening This Weekend
Here's your play-by-play so you don't miss anything.
Thursday, July 23 — Fan Fest Kicks Off
WNBA Live presented by AWS — 6-10 PM, McCormick Place This is where you want to be tonight if you haven't already picked a plan. The official All-Star fan fest runs through Sunday, with player meet-and-greets, panel discussions, exclusive merch, and basketball skills contests. Several out and widely-loved players are scheduled to appear again Friday and Saturday, so if you can't make it tonight, you've still got two more chances.
Orange Carpet — 7:30 PM Can't get there in person? Pull it up on your phone right now, it streams live on YouTube and the WNBA App, hosted this year by Ari Chambers and Jordan Robinson with rookie Flau'jae Johnson as player host. Good for a few viral moments while you're getting ready for tonight.
Friday, July 24 — Games Begin
Unrivaled Coffee Club — 12-6 PM, Drip Collective Need a low-key morning or afternoon plan? The off-season 3-on-3 league's players are taking over a local coffee shop today, serving drinks to fans on rotating hourly shifts. Easy, casual way to see players up close before the competitions kick off.
3-Point Contest + Shooting Stars — 8 PM, Wintrust Arena Tonight's the night the on-court action really starts. If you're not at Wintrust Arena, it's airing live on ESPN, Disney+, and the ESPN app, throw it on wherever you end up.
Saturday, July 25 — This Is It
Celebrity 3-Point Contest — 2 PM (WNBA Live) Start the big day at the fan fest with a celebrity shootout before everyone heads toward the main event.
WNBA All-Star Game — 8:30 PM, United Center This is the moment the whole weekend's been building to. This year's rosters include several openly queer players on both sides, and the halftime show features a headline musical performance. Get to the United Center early if you're going in person, if not, it's live on ABC.
Quick heads up: these times are listed Eastern, mentally shift an hour earlier for Chicago's Central time zone so you don't miss anything.
More Queer Events Happening Around Chicago This Weekend
Beyond the official WNBA slate, Chicago's LGBTQ nightlife scene is going all out. Here's what's on the radar:
Friday, July 24
- All-Star Friday ft. Whitney Peyton — Whiskey Girl Tavern, 7 PM-12 AM, no cover
Saturday, July 25
- AT&T WNBA All-Star Chicago Watch Party — Whiskey Girl Tavern, 6 PM-12 AM, no cover
- Love & Basketball: A 40+ Queer Singles Mixer — Nobody's Darling (1744 W Balmoral Ave), 6-10 PM, with an extra hour from 5-6:30 PM for the 50+ crowd. Kinky bingo, tarot, cookies, and conversation, hosted by Cookies & Conversations and Before Sunset, with vending by Lola's Love Cove. 15% of ticket sales are donated.
- Lesbian Social Club Beach Party — Whispers at Oak Street Beach, 4-9 PM. Capacity is limited, so grab tickets before you head over if you can.
- WNBA All-Star Weekend After Party — Chicago, 9 PM-2 AM (venue announcement pending). Hosted by Dirty Matriarch, Ladies Love Us (Dallas), Lovers and Friends Chi, and Bliss Sundays (Houston), expect sapphics from all over the country under one roof.
Sunday, July 26
- All-Star Drag Brunch: Sunday Fit Check — Whiskey Girl Tavern, with DJ Nikki V (ticket link in their IG bio)
- Life After Ball: Live Panel Podcast + Brunch Finale — Level Sporting Club (3343 N Clark St), 12-3 PM. A live recording featuring Johari Shuck, PhD, Clarissa Flores, Ashleen Bracey, and IL State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, plus bottomless mimosas and music by DJ Gemini Gilly.
Details on a few of these (venue TBA on the Saturday after party, capacity limits on the beach party) are still being finalized by the hosts, make sure to check their Instagram pages for the latest before you head out.
Keep an Eye Out for Ladies Touch This Weekend
Our WNBA Chicago All-Star Weekender sold out fast, and our group is on the ground in the city right now. If you spot us out and about, come say hi! Here's where we'll be:
Friday: Private Welcome Meet & Greet
Saturday: Private Foodie Walking Tour, a hosted private Chicago River Cruise, the WNBA All-Star Game, and the Official All-Star Game After Party
Sunday: Sunday Funday Brunch to close out the weekend
Missed this one? This is exactly the kind of weekend we build our trip calendar around. explore our upcoming 2026 and 2027 LGBTQ women's trips so you catch the next one before it sells out too.
Still Deciding Where to Post Up?
If you're booking last-minute or basing yourself out of an Airbnb, the Loop and West Loop neighborhoods put you closest to the action, walkable to McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, and easy transit to the United Center. Both areas also have a strong restaurant and nightlife scene for after the official events wrap.
Getting Around the City Right Now
- Rideshare and taxis are your most reliable option between venues, especially around game time when crowds are heaviest.
- Chicago's L train is a solid backup for getting downtown to the United Center or McCormick Place, but expect it packed pre- and post-game.
- Walk when you can — the Loop and West Loop are pedestrian-friendly, and it's often faster than waiting on a rideshare during peak times.
- Leave earlier than you think you need to. Fan fest lines, arena security, and weekend traffic add up fast.
Quick Safety Reminders Before You Head Out
Chicago is generally welcoming to LGBTQ visitors, but as with any large event, stick with your group or a buddy when moving between venues late at night.
Keep valuables secure in crowded spaces like WNBA Live and the arena concourses.
Charge your phone now: between photos, rideshares, and event check-ins, battery goes fast on a day like this.
Stay hydrated. Between outdoor events, walking around, and a full day of basketball, Chicago summer heat adds up quicker than you'd think.
Flying solo? Official events like WNBA Live and the meet-and-greets are easy, low-pressure places to strike up conversation with other queer women in town for the exact same reason you are.
However You're Spending It, Make It Count
You're in the middle of one of the biggest annual gatherings of queer women in sports, right now. Catch the games, show up for the fan fest, and look up from your phone every so often to take in just how many of your people are in this city with you this weekend.
Watching from your hotel room or from home? Catch the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars tonight on ESPN, and the All-Star Game Saturday at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
Want in on the next Ladies Touch group trip? Explore our upcoming LGBTQ women's trips or get in touch with any questions about what's next.
Ladies Touch Events & Travel has been curating unforgettable LGBTQ women’s group travel experiences since 2016. Our thoughtfully designed journeys span destinations around the world, bringing together adventure, culture, and community in safe and inclusive spaces where queer women can explore freely and celebrate authentically.
Queer Bites: Must-Try Dishes From Our Favorite Travel Destinations
Food isn’t just fuel. It’s a love language, a cultural bridge, and sometimes even a quiet act of rebellion.
For LGBTQ+ women, travel is more than visiting new places — connecting through shared moments, flavors, and memories. At Ladies Touch, we believe food is one of the most powerful ways to feel rooted, seen, and celebrated while exploring the world.
So whether you’re clinking glasses under the stars in Egypt or sharing a spicy street snack in Vietnam, these dishes tell a story that’s seasoned with joy, culture, and a little bit of queerness.
1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:
Tacos Gobernador - The Beachside Bite That Feels Like Home
This Mexican coastal town is a queer favorite for a reason. Beyond its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Vallarta serves tacos that speak to the soul. Tacos Gobernador — filled with shrimp, melted cheese, and poblano peppers — are perfect after a swim, a sunset walk, or a flirtatious dance by the ocean.
Why this matters: It’s not just food. It’s the moment you feel fully relaxed, open, and connected, with salsa on your chin and new friends at your side.
2. Egypt:
Koshari - Comfort in a Bowl After a Day of Wonder
Koshari is Egypt’s national comfort dish, and after exploring pyramids, ancient temples, or floating down the Nile, it hits the spot like nothing else. A hearty mix of lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, and crispy onions, it’s layered with flavour and surprisingly vegan-friendly.
Why this matters: Travel is tiring. Koshari is your reward. It’s warm, grounding, and reminds you that care can be simple and satisfying — like the support of queer women travelling together.
3. Bali, Indonesia:
Nasi Campur - A Little Bit of Everything, Just Like Us
Nasi Campur means “mixed rice,” and each plate is a colorful surprise — from satay and tofu to tempeh and spicy sambal. In Bali, meals are often shared, laid out like love letters from the chef to your belly. Eating here feels slow, intentional, and sacred.
Why this matters: It mirrors what group travel offers — a mix of flavors, personalities, and stories that somehow all fit together. You don’t need to choose one identity. You get to be all of it.
4. Vietnam:
Bánh Mì - Bold Flavor, Bold You
This crunchy, spicy, sweet, and savory sandwich is Vietnam’s culinary anthem. Made with a crisp baguette and filled with meats or tofu, pickled vegetables, and herbs, it’s fast, filling, and flavor-packed. Perfect for a quick bite before exploring street markets or taking a rooftop photo with your travel fam.
Why this matters: It reminds you that queer joy can be loud, layered, and unapologetically flavorful. It’s about taking up space, one bite at a time.
Final Thought: Shared Plates, Shared Stories
Every trip leaves you with memories. But food is the part you carry with you long after your flight home. These dishes aren’t just delicious — they’re part of the queer joy we create when we travel together.
You don’t need rainbow flags to feel seen. Sometimes, all it takes is the clink of forks, the warmth of shared stories, and the laughter that echoes after a good meal.
Ready to taste the world with women who get it?
Join a Ladies Touch Travel group trip and savor the flavors of queer travel — one unforgettable dish at a time.