GLBT Travelers - Why I chose going to Rio this Winter

Doesn't need to say much, huh?
http://youtu.be/uV_y3v6SJRg

:D

They make it look so hunky dory but no reality of the city is shown, sad really. Poverty being masked with people having a good time. Go have fun but make sure you don't get mugged. :D

There's poverty anywhere you go, specially in Third World countries. But I doubt very much that there's only poverty in Rio. Brazil is now one of the most dynamic countries in the world, with a thriving middle class. And since I am just a regular tourist and not Mother Theresa of Calcutta, I will definitely go and have a good time instead of looking for poverty in the streets. In spite of the poverty that strikes Brazil and my own home country, which we all grew used to, I am pretty streetwise and never got mugged in downtown Baltimore, so it's very unlikely that I will be mugged in Rio. But I will definitely take care and will have a great time.

There's poverty anywhere you go, specially in Third World countries. But I doubt very much that there's only poverty in Rio. Brazil is now one of the most dynamic countries in the world, with a thriving middle class. And since I am just a regular tourist and not Mother Theresa of Calcutta, I will definitely go and have a good time instead of looking for poverty in the streets. In spite of the poverty that strikes Brazil and my own home country, which we all grew used to, I am pretty streetwise and never got mugged in downtown Baltimore, so it's very unlikely that I will be mugged in Rio. But I will definitely take care and will have a great time.

Downtown Baltimore and Rio/Sao Paulo are 2 different animals. Have fun!

Please also remember that in Rio crime occurs much more frequently in the tourist area than in a typical US city, even a city such as Baltimore (which I know about growing up in the area), Detroit, or even Newark NJ or Camden NJ.

FT is full of people that have been victim of crimes in Rio. Don't get me wrong, Rio is an amazing place with outgoing, just stunning people (particularly the men). There is a great sense of joy you find in so few places in the world.

But you need to be very aware at all times. You do not need to look for poverty. On one trip that I made last year there a guy from Europe that was sitting on the beach about ten feet from my chair. He feel asleep with his bag next to his chair. He woke up to find his bag gone. His money, his phone, credit cards, etc. Walk around only with cash and an ID such as drivers license and one credit card. I listen to music on my Iphone but keep it shoved deep into my bag on into my pants pocket. Never leave your belongings unattended and leave the expensive bling at home.

The OP seems a little naive about picking guys up and taking them back to his hotel room. OP, do yourself a big favor. Do not take anyone to your room that is not with a group of other people and/or does not seem well known. There are many suanas in Rio for that "activity". Do not leave your drink unattended at a bar.

Go and have a great time but don't get carried away and think you are in a gay Alice and Wonder place.

Poverty and crime. Do a search. A flyertalker was mugged two streets from the main strip of Ipanema / Leblon, and the passersbys did nothing.

Overall I was not impressed with Rio. The food was NYC prices (really??!?, for what?), the smell (OMG). Ever since the Brazillians found oil on their shores, prices (and hip offs) are out of control. The disparity between rich and poor could not be more obvious.

The smell (OMG). I was having breakfast with a client, who happened to be staying at the Hotel Fasano ($500 USD a night). We had breakfast at the restaurant, which the cute waiter prepared with too much brazillian huff and drama (as if he should be somewhere else).

Anyway, I could not eat. The smell of the beach + dog waste products + garbage was too much. You can smell it in the streets. I walked back to my hotel (name escapes me, but its the one with the balcony, as recommended by another flyertalker, in Ipanema beach).

Next day, I went to visit a some folks (Americans, had to stay at a big chain hotel, whatever). They were staying at the Sheraton Rio Resort, which in all its Americanos is the most obnoxious hotel I have ever seen. First of all it stands out like a sore thumb from the beach, imposing. Next to is is the favellas. You can smell it from your SPG suite.

Then there is the sex motels, the sex cinamas. If you're into that you should be entertained.

The sense that I got was that Rio is a tourist town, and not many people have jobs. People without jobs commit crimes and find other ways to survive. After 3 days, I went to Santos Dumont (the Rio City Airport : meFIRST loves city airports) and boarded a plane for Sao Paolo-Congonhas.

Sao Paolo was like NYC. Much more live lively. If I had to visit Brazil, I would go to Sao Paolo. (Granted my view may be tainted, i was staying with a friend who has a car and driver from Peru and shuttled me anywhere I wanted to go). As for beaches, my personal preference is Asia or the Mediterranean.

Overall, I am not a fan of Brazil (except for Sao Paolo), I would prefer to spend my money in Buenos Aires, over a nice glass of wine, and a tender steak, finished off with a cuban cigar. Santiago de Chile, or Uraguay.

As usual, YMMV.

I have to thank you all for taking your precious time to give you some these hints and pieces of advice.

I will be staying at Sofitel, which to my understanding is close to both Ipanema and Copacabana, which according to Gay Travel Brasil consultants are the areas to be in the city.

I was going to stay at the Marriott, but the local travel operator strongly suggested me not to stay there because there are no windows at Rio's Marriott, besides they got me a great rate at the Sofitel, which I couldn't find on the internet.

I already noticed that Rio isn't cheap at all and that there's definitely a security issue like in any Third World metropolis (Mexico city, Istanbul etc...).

As for being mugged it's not unheard of from people who visit tourist destinations (my parents got mugged in London last year), so I will follow GTB's consultants and your advice of just carrying a copy of my passport and no expensive jewelry etc...

I am also very excited about going to Paraty (the last part of my trip), which is a colonial port city in the middle of Atlantic rainforest.

And I do hope I have a better experience in Rio, than some of you did, if not I will definitely let you know my unbiased opinion.

Thanks again folks! You were great!

I have to thank you all for taking your precious time to give you some these hints and pieces of advice.

I will be staying at Sofitel, which to my understanding is close to both Ipanema and Copacabana, which according to Gay Travel Brasil consultants are the areas to be in the city.

I was going to stay at the Marriott, but the local travel operator strongly suggested me not to stay there because there are no windows at Rio's Marriott, besides they got me a great rate at the Sofitel, which I couldn't find on the internet.

I already noticed that Rio isn't cheap at all and that there's definitely a security issue like in any Third World metropolis (Mexico city, Istanbul etc...).

As for being mugged it's not unheard of from people who visit tourist destinations (my parents got mugged in London last year), so I will follow GTB's consultants and your advice of just carrying a copy of my passport and no expensive jewelry etc...

I am also very excited about going to Paraty (the last part of my trip), which is a colonial port city in the middle of Atlantic rainforest.

And I do hope I have a better experience in Rio, than some of you did, if not I will definitely let you know my unbiased opinion.

Thanks again folks! You were great!

That's the attitude, jergao! Now that you've read and digested the various and sometimes contradictory opinions, get yourself to Rio and enjoy it. The Sofitel is a lovely hotel in a great location - work your charm at the reception and ask them to give you a room on the ocean side and not the Nossa Senhora street side. You will be centrally located, and I suspect your only regret will be that you are not spending more time in Rio. Rio is a great city despite all the cautions you have been issued, so go ahead and have fun! I leave tomorrow, and can't wait to get back in 2 weeks.

Btw, try to go see the Christmas tree in Lagoa, not far from the Sofitel. The concierge will give you all the info you need for that.

I already noticed that Rio isn't cheap at all and that there's definitely a security issue like in any Third World metropolis (Mexico city, Istanbul etc...).

As for being mugged it's not unheard of from people who visit tourist destinations (my parents got mugged in London last year), so I will follow GTB's consultants and your advice of just carrying a copy of my passport and no expensive jewelry etc...

We've never been to Rio or Mexico City for that matter but have been to Istanbul several times and did not find there to be a security issue at all and we weren't "insulated" from the city at all regular taxi to / from the airport.

Of course you can find trouble in any city in the world (even in the US) if you are not careful. In all of our travels, we've only encountered trouble once (pickpocketed in Paris - in the Metro at the Louvre station).

Great video! Add me to those who absolutely love Rio. There's definitely a push to address the issue of crime against tourists, especially with the Olympics and the World Cup coming up. I spent nearly two weeks there earlier this year and found the weather, the city, the beaches and the people absolutely stunning. Best advice I got was to look like a local - flip flops, shorts, t-shirt. I've traveled to lots of places and the only place I've ever been mugged was in Washington, DC.

I was very impressed with Rio. The sights were amazing (going up the Corcovado to see the Cristo Redentor statue, taking the cable car across Sugarloaf Mountain, walking on Ipanema and Copacabana Beach, etc.). The people are very friendly and fun and the clubs are amazing (The Week, Le Boy, Club Zero Zero ...) I had a great time. meFirst, it seems like you spent most of your time in hotels. That is not a way to review a city. You have to add everything up.

Oh, I forgot to mention all of the hot Barbies on the beach and in the clubs ...

Wow! And there don't seem to be any overweight people or men with hairy chests! effin' PARADISE! :rolleyes:

The overwhelming smell of dog feces and pollution makes it overwhelming. Too much for me. 3 days maximum.

And I assure you there were fat people on Barbie beach (albeit next to the gay section). I have pics.

People who are into Sex Motels, Sex Cinemas and smelly dark rooms will enjoy GIG.
Did I mention the air smelled bad?

Also that airport is a nightmare, though I heard, in preparation for the Olympics, Gallelon got better

Doesn't need to say much, huh?
http://youtu.be/uV_y3v6SJRg

:D

This is a marketing video and I can assure you that the general attitude towards non macho and/or a little bit older gay people is far from pleasant. I would rather go to Australia or New Zealand anytime instead if looking for the southern hemisphere.

I would characterize the general attitude in this wonderful city as snobbish and rude with many fashion victims.

Of course there are unattractive men in Rio, like anywhere else. But like any warm climate people (straight and gay) tend to take better care of themselves. You see it in Miami, Sydney, San Diego, LA, etc.

In Rio the straight younger men tend to be a fussy about their looks as the gay boys. Look at some of the straight hotties playing volley ball all day. Also, the "speedo/square cut" is not a "gay" thing. Again, young men tend to live in these things on the weekend. Seeing a young hottie strolling down the streets near the beach in Ipanema is in his little swimsuit is no big deal.

If its not your thing and you are not an outdoor/beach person then I'd say Rio is not your place. But for me there is nothing to motivate me to workout and eat healthy than an impending trip to Rio or SYD or BCN.

Also there is a world of difference between Ipanema and the favelas outside of the mountain.

I would characterize the general attitude in this wonderful city as snobbish and rude with many fashion victims.

At least in Buenos Aires, the men have have natural good looks, good fashion sense and delightful spanish accents, with a hint of italian. Goes great with a nice glass of malbec.

A short hop from GIG. And there is a direct flight. Several.

That was going to be my escape plan, but GRU/CGH was closer. Aviation buffs will love landing in Congonhas. Reminds me of the old Kai Tak airport in HKG, right in the middle of the city.

At least in Buenos Aires, the men have have natural good looks, good fashion sense and delightful spanish accents, with a hint of italian. Goes great with a nice glass of malbec.

A short hop from GIG. And there is a direct flight. Several.

That was going to be my escape plan, but GRU/CGH was closer. Aviation buffs will love landing in Congonhas. Reminds me of the old Kai Tak airport in HKG, right in the middle of the city.

I have seen lots of average looking guys in Argentina, you must have had one too many Malbecs which may have skewed your vision. fashion sense?? I was the only one dressed up on my first trip to BA. lol

Hi yall,

just got back from Brazil after a fantastic time spent in both Paraty and Rio. And I must say it was the vacation of my life. Everything ran beautifully thanks to the fantastic work provided by the local travel operator (www.gaytravelbrasil.com).

I am glad I didn't get impressed by the negative comments I read about Rio and the people there.

I definitely went to a different city that MeFirst went to, I didn't experience any of the unpleasant aspects that he had found in Rio (thank G'd!).

But I do believe that part of my successful experience was due to the fact that I usually have a very positive attitude towards new and different things whereas most people are biased and don't open themselves to new cultures and ways of thought.

That's why whenever I travel I look for expert advice of local travel agencies and try to mix with the locals.

I remember that for this trip I had mentioned to the local travel operator, that I thought of staying at the Marriott, which they promptly told me not to, because according to them, the Marriott had no windows (!!!!) and it stood in front o beautiful Copacabana beach...

Instead I stayed at the Sofitel (www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1988-sofitel-rio-de-janeiro-copacabana/index.shtml) which was a much better choice, due to its prime location between Copacabana and Ipanema.

In Paraty I stayed at a lovely forest inn owned by a gay couple (one is Brazilian and other Dutch), very simple accommodation but the friendliness of the owners and the crowd I met there made the experience unforgetable). There was a natural rock pool where I met my local Brazilian boyfriend: a carioca lawyer in his mid 40's.... who will come to Balto. this coming Summer...

In Rio I did the typical tourist tours and visited the famous and infamous Brazilian saunas (the bingo boy was hilarious!). At the saunas I met a couple of American queens who did nothing but complain about the fact that in their hotel, there was no coffee machine at the room! I couldn't belive what I heard... as most Brazilian hotels I understand offer great Brazilian buffet breakfast. The Sofitel breakfast was one of the best I had in all of my trips.

The sauna scene was fun, but I wasn't overly impressed as I am not used to paying for sex, but once again the same American queens went crazy over the boys, who were in fact very well endowed, but since I am no size queen it didn't make that big impression. And the next time I go to Rio, I think I'd skip the sauna experience, albeit I had a great guide who made sure that the hustlers (boys as they are called there) didn't push me into hiring their "services".

As for crime, I really didn't see anything (and I walked with my Ipad on the beach... by the way in Copacabana and Ipanema beaches there's FREE wireles connection available to everybody) and you can also pick up a public bike for a smalll fee and ride on it throughout the city.

Now the only bad thing I noticed about travelling to Brazil is that very few people speak English and the ones who think they do are really difficult to understand, therefore I strongly suggest to practice some Portuguese (Spanish helps a lot too as a lot of people understand it), and whenever you come accross any local and mutter a few Portuguese words, they go out of the way to help you and be pleasant. It seems that Brazilians love foreigners and we Americans are very welcome there.

Pricing wasn't as bad as people had warned me about. Touristy areas are very expensive (America's prices or higher), but since I had the support of a local operator I was directed to places where Brazilians would go, and the price there was definitely lower than the ones you'd find in Baltimore. Brazil is still a bargain for what it offers and now the $ is stronger there (the American queens were bragging that they would only pay US$ 60,00 for their boys...).

Now, I don't think that Brazil is for everybody. If you are not able to be open to a culture that is very different from your own and if you are not able to appreciate human warmth and mingle with the locals, go elsewhere: Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, because Brazil won't be for you.

I am already planning to go there next year, maybe for Carnival... would anyone join me?;)

jergao: Thanks for that very positive report. I am so very glad to hear that you had such a wonderful experience in Rio & Paraty. (I must admit I was a wee bit apprehensive when I was making suggestions earlier when you told us of your planned trip to Rio.) Have your new carioca bf take you to Carnaval. It sounds to me that you will have a blast if you do make it there for Carnaval. And just a suggestion here: try to spend New Years Eve in Rio with your new carioca bf some time. I think you will really enjoy yourself then.

Yes please go to Carnaval and make sure you take your Ipad.