Cancun may not have the gay nightlife that let's say, Chicago does, but Cancun does boast a few gay clubs that have been open for many years. If you show up at any of these clubs before 12 am, you'll wonder where everyone is. Things get started late here, so take a disco nap before you go out because the party normally lasts until 5 am.

Locals and tourists mix at Karamba — Photo courtesy of Karamba Facebook Page

Karamba is Cancun's premier gay club. There is a small cover charge, but in return you'll get music, dancing, drag show, strippers, female pop artist impersonators, contests or comedians, depending on what night of the week you go. They are closed on Mondays; Friday and Saturday are the best and busiest nights.

Karamba plays a variety of popular and club music and can hold up to 450 party-goers. The club is located right on downtown's main drag, Tulum Avenue, and has been open since 1986. It's easily accessible by bus or taxi and parking is also available.

Another Cancun club also located off Tulum Avenue, Picante, has been open for over 15 years. There's no cover charge here. It's much smaller than Karamba and has more of a bar atmosphere, but is still very lively and features dancing, drag shows, karaoke and strippers. During Cancun's Carnaval, Picante crowns its own queen. Ask about their drink specials.

11:11 is Cancun's newest gay bar; it's only been open for a few years. The décor is modern, the crowd tends to be younger and you'll see more women here. 11:11 is located downtown on Tulum Avenue just a couple of blocks south of Karamba. There is a cover charge, but many nights you can enter free before 12 am. They always have lots of drink specials and fun activities and events like the “Calvin Klein Underwear Runway Show.”

You can walk between all three of these clubs which makes for a great night of bar hopping. So after your afternoon nap, have a late dinner and head to Cancun's gay bars.