Download MY 2012 Gay Rio Guide for $10

Finally! A GAY travel guide from a tourist perspective, written by a fellow traveler who stuck around for more than a few months!


I (heart) Rio de Janeiro! It's a trip of a lifetime. Each time I go, I'm aching to have an amazing time and I'm lucky enough to have great friends who keep me busy once I get there. When I visit, I'm usually staying for a month or two, note pad in my hand, scribbling away the most detailed information to pass along to my friends back home. Great hotels and restaurants, gay bars and discos, saunas (with and without rentboys). Not everyone has the opportunity to visit Brasil as much as I do, so I'm happy to give back by spreading some good gay travel karma.

This travel guide is intended for ADULT GAY MEN. It's written directly from my perspective (an American in my 30's) and that of my local friends in Rio. We're not travel agents, nor associated with the travel industry. We're normal professionals who like to laugh, lust and have one heck of a great time when we all get together. READ: This guide is BLUNT!

THIS IS NOT A BOOK. This is a 44 page, screen-optimized, interactive ebook (PDF file) that you can download instantly for on-screen viewing. Your purchase includes a printable "wallet guide" version and iPhone-optimized version (both are PDF files) that contain the summary of info that you will appreciate having on hand: Club schedules, Restaurant suggestions, Bar/Sauna listings, prices and more!  View my FAQs...

Gay Rio Guide Corcovado Ipanema Beach Gay Rio Nightlife Sugarloaf Carnaval in Rio The Men of Rio Reveillon Transportation in Rio


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My 2012 Gay Rio Guide will help you...

  • Detailed Tios

    Detailed Tips

    First time in Rio? From arriving at the airport to after you’ve unpacked and wonder what to do next. My guide is like having a Carioca "BFF" on speed dial. Know the local scene as well as (or better than) the locals.

  • On-Scene Observations

    On-Scene Observations

    Like knowing what a place is like before you get there? My guide has you covered with bars, clubs, cover charges, discounts, drink prices, crowds... even photos & floorplans!

  • Local Perspectives

    Local Perspectives

    FriendlyGuy makes a lot of friends and asks a lot of blunt questions. Knowing where to go is one thing, but knowing what the locals think of those places is priceless!

  • Social Schedules

    Social Schedules

    Don't waste time going to the "wrong" place on the "wrong" night. Use my weekly social schedule to know where to go, every night of the week.

  • Save on Lodging

    Save on Lodging

    From $1,400/night to $15/night, my guide lists out most lodging options in Rio. Learn which neighborhoods are better than others. Use the booking sites that locals use!

  • Shopping in Rio

    Shopping in Rio

    Cariocas love to shop and malls are everywhere. Learn which local brands top everyone's "Must Have!" list and which other brands you can buy at home for the same price.

  • ATMs and Banking

    ATMs & Banking

    Learn which banks WILL take your ATM cards and which will not. Tips on avoiding scams and theft. Brazilian banking hours and much more.

  • Reduce Expenses

    Cut Expenses

    From finding the hidden ATMs at the airport to quality restaurants and getting the best taxi rate, you're covered. The more you save, the more fun you can have!

  • Gay Cruising in Rio de Janeiro

    Gay Cruising in Rio

    Find out where the locals go when they're looking to pair off and play. From popular web sites to darkrooms and the Rio sauna scene.

  • Flirting Techniques

    Flirting Techniques

    Learn what makes Carioca men tick. Translation of playful phrases so to see if you're compatible (including the magic word that turns any polite conversation into a playful one).

  • Rentboys: 101

    Rentboys: 101

    Prostitution is legal and the boys are everywhere. From fees and negotiation tips to figuring out if that hot guy is talking you up is actually on the clock, you're covered.

  • Circuit Parties

    Gay Events

    From New Years (Reveillon) to Carnaval and Gay Pride, including the monthly Circuit Parties. I list your options, translate party fliers, and provide links to get the most updated info.

  Gay Rio Guide Fodors Rick Steeves
Sightseeing Details Included Included Included
Hotel & Restaurant Listings Included Included Included
GAY Hotels & Restaurant Listings Included Not Included Not Included
Gay Clubs & Bars Included Not Included Not Included
Sauna Locations, Audience, Hours, Rates & Practical Advice Included Not Included Not Included
Rentboy fees & negotiation techniques Included Not Included Not Included
Safety Advice for Gay Travelers Included Not Included Not Included
Can be downloaded INSTANTLY for the price of a Cosmo Included Not Included Not Included

Valuable Information

  • Rio Facts
  • Gay New Years, Carnaval & Pride
  • What to Pack / What to Wear
  • Transportation Details
  • Photos & Maps
  • Neighborhood Descriptions
  • Gay Beaches & Nudist Beaches
  • Lodging, Dining & Drinking in Rio
  • The Men of Rio
  • The Rio Gay Social Scene
  • Cruising Websites (locals use)
  • The Rio Sauna Scene
  • Rentboys in Rio
  • Tourism Links
  • Gay Tour Guides
  • WALLET & MOBILE DEVICE versions
  • And MUCH MORE!

What People Say?

  • You're like a Gay Saint Christopher!K.R.
  • It's gorgeous! And perfect! Especially with the printable wallet guide and the personal anecdotes.G.M.
  • I was a lucky recipient of your guide to San Juan. It was excellent. And here you are again (for Rio)!M.N.
  • Loved "Hooker Spotting!" Saved me the embarassment of having to ask my new friend if he was a rentboy. (Awkward!)T.S.
  • A guide with the best nightlife attractions for gay audiences in 5 cities of the world, including Rio.O Dia (Newspaper), Rio

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