For some people, there’s nothing nicer than enjoying nature in its most pure form — that is, naked. And Latin America offers a surprising number of options when it comes to nude beaches and clothing-optional resorts. I’m not vouching for any of these properties, but rather aim to provide you with an overview so you can make your own decisions and research, if you’re looking for this type of vacation (if you don’t want to read about vacationers running around naked in Latin America, click somewhere else right now).
First off, don’t assume that you have to stay at some pricey, all-inclusive resort in order to have a clothing-optional vacation in Latin America. There are good, old-fashioned nude beaches that anyone can visit — including in Brazil and Panama, so I’m starting this listing with those.
••••••
LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TIPS: All Aboard! 4 Great Train Rides in South America
••••••
For package deals in a resort setting (geared mostly for straight travelers), you can also contact companies like Castaways Travel, which is a good source of information for travelers looking to book all-inclusive, clothing-optional vacations at resorts. Among the examples: Castaways is offering a Mayan Au Naturel group vow renewal, scheduled to take place August 17-21, 2016 at Hidden Beach Resort, an Au Naturel Resort by Karisma on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Nude Beaches in Brazil
Heading to Brazil? Near the southern Brazilian city of Florianopolis is Praia do Pinho, an out-of-the-way nude beach, surrounded by soaring mountains and lush forests. It’s easiest to reach by car.
Nude Beaches in Panama
Panama is a small, rather conservative nation, but it has a beautiful nude beach that’s just a 20-minute flight from bustling Panama City. Isla Contadora, a tranquil island off Panama‘s Pacific coast, has multiple beaches — and those who want to sunbathe and swim nude head to Playa Suecas, a small, picturesque nude beach that’s within walking distance of many of the small hotels on the island (I actually visited this beach while researching and writing part of the latest edition of the Fodor’s In Focus Panama travel guidebook — it was a weekday, so there wasn’t even anyone on the beach, which is nice for people looking for more privacy and a quieter ambiance.)
••••••
LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TIPS: From Jazz & Salsa to EDM & Rock: 11 Hot Music Festivals in Latin America
••••••
Clothing-Optional Resorts in Mexico
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are home to some options. Among the most well-known spots are Hidden Beach Resort, an Au Naturel Resort by Karisma on Mexico‘s Riviera Maya, the only 5 Star, adults-only nudist resort in Mexico. With 45 beachfront suites only one hour and a half south of the Cancun Airport, Hidden Beach is a gem waiting to be discovered. We’ve designed the most sumptuous Gourmet Inclusive resort. Special events include a nude canvas party, día de los muertos celebration and Jamaican reggae party.
Also in the Riviera Maya is Desire Pearl Resort & Spa, an adults-only, couples-only, all-inclusive Mexico beach resort, with upcoming events including a Naughty Mexican Fiesta (September 15-18, 2016), Halloween Weekend (October 29-31, 2016), Black Tape Project (November 18-20, 2016) and XXXmas Dinner (December 24, 2016).
••••••
LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TIPS: 9 Apps That Are Great for International Travel
••••••
Nearby is Intima Resort Tulum, a clothing-optional resort with accommodations the range from studio suites to one-bedroom and two-bedroom master villas.
In Cancun, Temptation Resort Spa Cancun is as all-inclusive resort with seven jacuzzis and three swimming pools. The pools are topless optional as is the beachfront area. Along with a wide array of outdoor sports and activities, many of them can be enjoyed while topless. The resort also features some sexy adult games that tempt those with open minds and few inhibitions.
Gay men, meanwhile, will likely feel more comfortable in Puerto Vallarta, where Villa David is a clothing-optional bed-and-breakfast inn.
••••••
LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TIPS: In Latin America, Uber Serves Drunk Drivers & Cyclists
••••••
Clothing-Optional Hotels & Nude Beaches in Costa Rica
You won’t be on a beach, but at Hotel Desire, located on the slopes of the San Jose valley in Costa Rica, there is a “nude pool party” everyday, amid a six-acre estate. If you’re looking for more of a beach experience, consider Copacabana Desire, located in Jaco, on the Pacific coast.
Clothing-Optional Hotels & Nude Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Billed as the “only clothing optional resort in the Dominican Republic,” Caliente Caribe Resort offers ocean views, direct access to a private nude beach, pools and hot tubs (it’s a sister property to a private club in Tampa, Florida).
Photo credit: `Olivier Jules` via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA