Gay Guide to Mar del Plata
Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2010. Mar del Plata, the country's biggest beach resort, has long been one of its most gay-friendly cities, drawing crowds of LGBTQ+ visitors through the summer season.
The scene is built around the sand: Playa Chica, near downtown, is a lively social hub, while Calú Beach, out by the Punta Mogotes lighthouse, bills itself as Argentina's first gay beach.
After dark, the nightlife runs along Calle Alem and its bars and clubs, anchored by long-running gay discos like Éxtasis.
Welcoming year-round and busiest in the December-to-February high season, "Mardel" has a reputation as one of Argentina's queer summer capitals.