Gay Private Tours
Gay and Lesbian Tours to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a very gay friendly city. There are several travel agencies that specialize in gay and lesbian travel and offer private tours of Rio de Janeiro.
Booking Your Hotel
It is handy to book a hotel near the gay areas of Ipanema and Copacabana for easy access to the beaches. For a 5-star stay Caesar Park Ipanema on Av. Vieira Souto is quite luxurious. The hotel has a gym with an expansive view of the ocean as well as a spa and outdoor pool. One of the best hotels near Copacabana beach is the Copacabana Rio with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain from the gym as well as the sauna and outdoor pool.
Touring the City
There are several areas of Rio that are gay friendly. Rua Farme de Amoedo near Ipanema beach is considered the center of gaydom. Gays also congregate in the Copacabana neighborhood. Two emerging gay neighborhoods are Lapa, once home to the notorious cross-dressing gangster Madame Sata, and Santa Teresa fast becoming the Soho of Rio. For some great shopping expect your private guide to take you to Rua Garcia D’Avila in Ipanema. One of the best places to shop, H. Stern, is at the top of the browsing list with a marvelous selection of rainbow gems that can be used in commitment rings.
Go Where the Gays Go
The largest gay beaches are Ipanema for bears and transgenders and Copacabana for young body beautifuls. Gay baths located in these areas are perfect to relax after a hot day at the beach. Try Nova Leblon or RioG in the Ipanema neighborhood. The best gay bath in the Copacabana area is Le Boy Fitness. If you find yourself in the Botafogo neighborhood try Projeto SB and white in Downtown stop in at Club Gayligula.
Nightlife
Most of the bars, restaurants and clubs popular with local gays are located near the main beaches. Rua Teixeira de Melo and Ipanema beach has one of the largest gay scenes at night. Or visit Bofetada on Rua Farme de Amoedo a very popular gay club. Some of the restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Ipanema most frequented by gays and lesbians include Dama de Ferro, Galeria Cafe and Expressio Carioca. Copacabana also has venues popular with the gay crowd but they are more scatted about the neighborhood and not as localized as Ipanema. Try Le Boy Bar or Maxims for a night of dancing and drinking. The Rainbow Kiosk is another great place to find a lot of gay locals and gay visitors.
Rio is a spectacular city for gays and lesbians. There is so much to do and so much to see and gays are free to remain out while about in the city. There are no closets in Rio.
