Queer Scout Launches LGBTQ+-Focused Tours in Medellín, Colombia

Medellín, Colombia, has emerged as a dynamic destination for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences combined with vibrant nightlife, and a newly-launched tour service is working to make the city more accessible to queer visitors from around the world. Queer Scout, which began operations in 2024, offers a range of specialized tours and experiences designed specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers exploring Colombia's second-largest city .

The tour company provides multiple experience options, from nightlife-focused bar crawls to cultural explorations of the city's street art scene and day trips to nearby towns. According to their offerings, Queer Scout has positioned itself as a comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ visitors who want to experience Medellín's queer culture with the guidance of knowledgeable local hosts .

Queer Scout's most popular offering is the NightOUT Medellín Bar Crawl, a four-hour experience priced at $175 per person that takes participants through three of the city's most popular LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs. The experience includes VIP access to venues, eliminating wait times, and features welcome shots or cocktails at each location. Private transportation is provided when necessary, along with bottled water and bilingual tour guides .

Beyond nightlife, the company offers cultural experiences such as the Gay Picnic & Graffiti Experience, which takes visitors to Medellín's Moravia neighborhood. This four-hour tour, priced at $150 per person, explores the area's transformation from a former landfill site into a thriving hub of street art and community culture. The tour focuses on murals that tell stories of resilience, identity, and community spirit, with bilingual guides providing historical and cultural context .

Additional offerings include a Gay Guatapé Boat Tour to the nearby colorful town of Guatapé, a Medellín Rooftop Bar Crawl, a Gay Salsa Dance Experience, and a DiningOUT Experience featuring exclusive dining tailored to private groups. The company also offers a Drink & Dance Experience that allows visitors to explore Medellín's nightlife at their own pace .

Reviews from early participants highlight the welcoming atmosphere created by Queer Scout's team. One visitor who participated in both the Guatapé tour and a gay dinner experience in February 2025 described the events as "delightful and eye opening," noting that the experiences provided an intimate look at gay Medellín and Guatapé. The reviewer praised the team's dedication, stating, "The teams really throw themselves into making sure we enjoyed ourselves. The dinner in a private home was delicious and filled with great discussions about the gay world of Medellin" .

Another participant, who experienced the NightOUT Bar Crawl in October 2024, emphasized the inclusive nature of the tours: "This agency does a fantastic job of creating a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community while also embracing everyone, regardless of their preferences." The reviewer noted that Medellín's nightlife "truly comes alive" after sunset, with venues offering drag shows, inclusive dance parties, and opportunities to connect with locals and fellow travelers .

Queer Scout joined Tripadvisor in August 2024 and has quickly earned recognition, ranking #31 out of 119 classes and workshops in Medellín with a 5.0 rating based on customer reviews . The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for full refunds on all experiences, providing flexibility for travelers .

Tours accommodate ages 18-100 and typically last four hours, with suggested start times of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm for daytime experiences, though the company indicates flexibility in scheduling to accommodate different preferences . All tours include bilingual guides fluent in English and Spanish, private transportation when needed, and all applicable fees and taxes. However, medical insurance, tips and gratuities for drivers and guides, and food or drinks not specifically mentioned in itineraries are not included in the base price .

The launch of Queer Scout reflects Medellín's broader evolution as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Latin America. The city has developed a reputation for its vibrant queer nightlife scene and increasingly visible LGBTQ+ community, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences combined with inclusive social spaces.

Colombia has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, including legal recognition of same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections, though challenges remain in implementation and social acceptance. Tourism initiatives like Queer Scout play a role in both showcasing the city's queer culture to international visitors and supporting local LGBTQ+ communities through economic engagement.

The company's focus on providing safe, curated experiences addresses a common concern among LGBTQ+ travelers: navigating unfamiliar destinations while finding authentic queer spaces. By offering guided access to established venues and cultural sites, along with knowledgeable local hosts who can provide context and connections, Queer Scout aims to reduce barriers to exploration while enhancing the overall travel experience.

The Moravia neighborhood graffiti tour exemplifies how Queer Scout integrates LGBTQ+ perspectives with broader community narratives. Moravia's transformation from a landfill site to a cultural hub represents a powerful story of urban renewal and community resilience. By highlighting street art that addresses themes of identity and social justice within this context, the tour connects LGBTQ+ visitors to wider conversations about marginalization, transformation, and creative expression in Colombian society .

Similarly, the DiningOUT Experience, which features meals in private homes with discussions about gay life in Medellín, creates opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange beyond typical tourist experiences. These intimate settings allow for deeper conversations about the realities of LGBTQ+ life in Colombia, fostering understanding and connection between visitors and local community members .

As Medellín continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and brand itself as a welcoming destination for diverse travelers, services like Queer Scout represent an important niche in the market. By specifically catering to LGBTQ+ travelers while remaining inclusive of all participants, the company addresses both the desire for community-specific experiences and the broader appeal of well-organized, knowledgeable tours.

The company's early success, as indicated by its high ratings and positive reviews, suggests demand for specialized LGBTQ+ tourism services in Medellín. As word-of-mouth grows and the company expands its offerings, Queer Scout has the potential to become a model for LGBTQ+-focused tourism in other Latin American cities.

For LGBTQ+ travelers considering Medellín as a destination, Queer Scout offers a structured entry point into the city's queer culture, providing both safety and authenticity through local expertise and community connections. Whether seeking nightlife adventures, cultural exploration, or opportunities for meaningful dialogue about LGBTQ+ life in Colombia, the service positions itself as a comprehensive resource for queer travelers wanting to experience Medellín beyond typical tourist itineraries.