Category Archives: rio de janeiro

rio de janeiro

Gay Guide to Carnival 2022 in Rio de Janeiro

Leave a comment

As the world re-opens for post-COVID travel, hopes are high for Latin America.  Brazil continues to race towards vaccinating its population, and projections a great for the next Carnival.

In 2022, Carnival will begin on Friday, February 25 and run through a wild extended weekend to Tuesday, March 1.  The day after is Ash Wednesday when the parties are officially over (for the most part) and you will find the streets of Rio de Janeiro quietly getting back to normal. Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is considered the world’s largest, hosting approximately two million participants per day. In 2019, Rio’s carnival attracted a record 1.62 million visitors.



Getting There & Where to Stay

Purchasing a package of a flight including a hotel stay can be a great way to save money.  (Expedia has some of the cheapest package deals we have found with international flights to Brazil.)  Fortunately, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation policies to encourage post-COVID travel.  For great deals, try searching Skyscanner.com, Expedia.com, Iberia,  LAN / TAM Airlines,  and CheapFlights.com

Will you need a visa to enter Brazil?  In 2019, citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan received visa-free access to Brazil for tourism. Get the full list of nationalities and visa requirements from the consulate of Brazil.

For lodging, Booking.com remains the best, cheapest, way to find both hotels and flats (with Expedia ranking a close 2nd.)  Visit our full list of gay-friendly places to stay in Rio de Janeiro by clicking on the link below.

View all gay-friendly hotels in Rio »

Day-By-Day Schedule to Carnival 2022

Hopefully, you can arrive before Carnival week (and stay after.)  By January, Rio will be in full swing.  Visit any of the gay bars and clubs on our list and you will find a good time.

Like VamosGay on Facebook and/or join our email list below to get the 2021 schedule as soon as it’s available.

Gay Block Parties? LGBT-Friendly Blocos

From the butch, to the femme, and everyone in between, Carnival in Rio offers the perfect excuse to show off your muscles or your glitter.  Here’s our short list of the city’s most  gay-friendly block parties, but you’ll find many of Rio’s blocos are fabulously welcoming.

List of Rio’s LGBT Carnival Blocos »

Travel Tips

To keep this section short, our guide will assume you know how to navigate the dangers of big cities and foreign countries.  Download digital version of Lonely Planet: Rio de Janeiro for the best English-language guide to the city, and a good source for basic travel tips.

  • Mobile data – research the international data packages provided by your carrier.  In Brazil, SIM cards with data plans are cheap and easy to activate.  As a foreigner, you can activate and use SIM cards from TIM, Claro, and Oi.  We recommend Claro. Read our guide to SIM cards and mobile plans for foreigners visiting Brazil.
  • Bring a 2nd phone.  That iPhone 5 in your drawer is perfect for navigating the city with apps.  Phone theft is rampant in blocos and nightclubs.  A second phone can also hold your new Brazilian SIM card.
  • Google Maps – pre-plan your route (by foot, bus, or subway) and save them as “offline” maps.  Download our Google Map now.
  • Bring your drivers license to nightclubs.  Dragging around your passport is not necessary; a driver’s license / photo ID is fine.
  • Avoid mosquitoes  – The zika virus crisis has subsided, but not disappeared.  Bring your own DEET mosquito repellent .  Pharmacies in Rio sell the cheap stuff.
  • Debit/credit cards – Highly recommend one with a “chip.”  Credit card cloning is still a problem in South America.  A pre-paid Visa for small purchases and hotel guarantees is a good idea.
  • Ask your front desk – All of the hotels on our list of gay-friendly places to stay in Rio know the city and are happy to help.  Use them!
  • Watch your drink! – Criminals who drug tourists usually target women, but in Brazil gay men are often targets.
  • Be careful who you bring back to your hotel – At some hotels, you can walk directly to your elevator, some may ask for ID from your guest(s)  The safest bet for hookups is to go to one of Rio’s many gay saunas.
  • Wear shoes – Yes, your new Havaiana flip flops are cute, but don’t be one of gringoes who goes home on crutches.
  • Don’t sweat every little expense – The club that wants to charge a cover of R$50 … That’s about US$9.25 right now.
  • Be OK with the fact you won’t see it all – Don’t overload your agenda.  Make a note of what you would like to come back for in 2023.



Online Resources During Carnival 2022

Get info and ask questions by following VamosGay on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  Or, leave a comment below!

Sign-up for Gay Carnival in Rio Newsletter


We’ve got all of the inside info, but we love to share it with our friends. Like VamosGay on Facebook and/or join our email list.

This gay guide to Carnival in Rio will give you everything you need to plan your trip before you go, and all of the information you need during Carnival week.  Bookmark vamosgay.com/carnival-rio on web and mobile!

rio de janeiro

New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro

Leave a comment

⚕️ Coronavirus News Update:  On July 25, the city of Rio de Janeiro officially cancelled celebrations to celebrate the start of 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the beachfront celebrations brought together 3 million revelers. ⚕️

Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in the world to ring in the New Year (or, as Brazilians call it Réveillon.)  While the northern hemisphere is freezing, the beaches of Rio are warm … and the men are hot!  This guide for 2020 is split into three sections:  getting there, enjoying New Years Eve on Copacabana beach, and finding the best gay parties.

Getting There / Places to Stay

We recommend that you fly down in late December and spend a week discovering Rio de Janeiro.  (Rates for the high season start on flights departing after December 27.)  To book an international flight to Rio, the best websites are:

Once in Rio, you will need a place to stay.  Ipanema Beach is where the boys are.  Copacabana is amazing as well.  Check out our list of the best LGBT friendly hotels and apartments in gay Rio.

For the plane ride down, pick up a copy of Lonely Planet Rio de Janeiro, the best English language guide to the city.  (United States citizens will also need to apply for a Visa to enter Brazil.  Americans won’t be able to board their flights without it.)

Copacabana Beach

Fabulous and free!  The sands of Copacabana (and neighboring Ipanema) are the place to be this time of year.  The New Year’s Eve tradition is to wear white and pay tribute to Iemanjá, the water goddess at the center of Brazil’s Candomblé religion.  Every year, there is a massive party with live music that fills the sands of Copacabana Beach, however if you stay in Ipanema you will only be 20 to 30 minutes away by foot.  The music starts between 8 and 9PM, and the fireworks begin at the stroke of midnight.

Parties, Parties, and More Parties!

Get every last drop out of 2019 before the year ends.  Rio’s gay bars will be open and ready to party after Christmas Day.

Rio BeatsHouse 2020

You only live once, so open your wallet, book a room at the JW Marriott and reserve a ticket for Rio BeatsHouse 2020.  For the 2nd year, this all-inclusive event will be hosted at the five-star JW Marriott and will be best way to ring in the New Year.  Check the availability at the JW Marriott now and let the countdown begin.

The Week Réveillon 2020

Party boys from across the globe come together every year for Réveillon at The Week RJ.  This year, the mega party will take place at Espaco Costa Hall with a stunning view of Guanabara Bay.  Click here to get more info and to buy tickets online..

Wallpaper Prime Copacabana @ Pestana

Gay-friendly, over-the-top, party to ring in the new year.  The parties organized by the Wallpaper Brasil promoters never fail to impress and this New Year’s réveillon party should be amazing.  Click here to buy tickets online, and to check rates and availability for rooms at the Pestana Rio Atlantica, click here.

Bookmark this page for your gay Rio New Years plans, or subscribe to our newsletter below.

rio de janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride 2020

Leave a comment

The 25th LGBTI Pride of Rio de Janeiro will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2020.

Rio’s Pride Parade traditionally begins on Copacabana Beach and runs through Avenida Atlantica.

View the VamosGay Guide to Rio »

Join our VamosGay Rio mailing list and get the latest updates.

Plan your trip now with our guide to the top gay-friendly hotels and places to stay in Rio de Janeiro!  And check back for a full schedule of festivities once pride week events are confirmed.

View the VamosGay Guide to Rio »

hotels, rio de janeiro

Gay-Friendly Paraty & Villa Harmonia

Leave a comment

One of the most popular gay-friendly bed-and-breakfast in Paraty, the charming destination just outside of Rio de Janeiro.

Paraty is best described in the Lonely Planet Guide to Rio de Janeiro as …

… a nature-lover’s paradise, offering some of southeastern Brazil’s prettiest coastal and mountain scenery. Dozens of pristine beaches are easily accessible by boat or bus, while inland, the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina protects a lush remnant of mata atlântica (Atlantic rainforest).

Throughout the year, Paraty brims with Brazilian and international vacationers. The town’s cosmopolitan flavor is further enhanced by the multitude of artists, writers and chefs, both Brazilian and foreign, who have settled here.

Villa Harmonia is well located within walking distance of Paraty’s main attractions. The well-staffed bed-and-breakfast is very gay friendly, although, expect the over half of the guest to be friendly heteros. For gay couples, we highly recommend booking the “superior room with the garden view. Click below for more info, photos, and to check availability.

View hotel details/lowest rate

Paraty is full all year, but the high season starts in November and continues through March. In 2020, Carnival runs from Friday, February 21 and run through a wild extended weekend to Tuesday, February 26. But, we recommend the week before Carnival in Paraty. And Villa Harmonia is an excellent place to spend it!

bars & clubs, rio de janeiro

Pink Flamingo

Leave a comment

Fun nightlife in Copacabana

Rua Duvivier 21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Google Map »
Every night from 8pm to 4am

Finally! There’s more competition for your gay dollars with the launch of Pink Flamingo. Even though, Ipanema remains the gayest neighborhood (with Galeria Cafe reigning as its most-popular nightspot), Copacabana stands as a fierce competitor with TV Bar, La Cueva, and now Pink Flamingo.

The mostly gay male crowd is pretty diverse and most visitors will feel welcome. Pink Flamingo offers an early start on nightlife (doors open at 8pm) and is frequently becoming a warm-up for the “party boys” who head over to mega-club The Week after midnight.

Pink Flamingo is open seven days a week and each night has a little something different: DJs, stripper contests, Scruff-app nights, funk music parties, and more. Drink specials are tasty and priced accordingly to the Copacabana neighborhood.

Two tips for visitors: If you stay in Ipanema, it’s fun to take a 45 minute post-sunset walk along the beach into Copacabana for early drinks at Pink Flamingo. Or, if you plan stay in Copa, get a room a couple of blocks away from Flamingo at the Hilton Copacabana. You’ll need a good night’s sleep after a night at the Flamingo.

rio de janeiro

Gay Bars & Clubs of Rio de Janeiro

Leave a comment

First-time visitors to the Latin American paradise known as Rio de Janeiro can follow a simple formula.  Stay at a hotel in zona sul (the southern zone of the city where Ipanema and Copacabana are located.) From zona sul, you can enjoy the beach by day and party hard by night at local bars and clubs.

Rio’s other gay bar crawl can be found in the Lapa neighborhood (with a few spots technically in Centro, but less than 20 minutes away by foot.)  Lapa is not gay per se, but open to anything and everything fun.  On the way to gay parties at Buraco da Lacraia and Sinônimo, you will inevitably be swept up in the rhythms of live music or tempted to stop for a bite of some of Rio’s most mouthwatering restaurants where gays and straights come together.

Rio de Janeiro explodes with activity during Carnival, Gay Pride, and New Year’s Eve.  And don’t forget to download our Google Map of Gay Rio de Janeiro to navigate the city.


Boate 1140

Rua Capitao Menezes, 1140
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil      Google Map »
Locals love this gay party palace in Jacarepaguá.  Brazilian beats and Brazilian guys and the rock the house every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Check the Boate 1140 website for the occasional Thursday promotion and more info about the club.

Buraco da Lacraia

Rua André Cavalcânti 58
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil   Google Map »
Escape the gay tourist bubble of Copacabana and Ipanema for a truly unique Brazilian experience.  Catch their legendary cabaret show of politics/comedy/performance art.  Years ago, Buraco had a 2nd dance floor where sexy garçons wearing only an aprons and a bow ties would happily serve you drinks, but now, you may find a much reduced crowd on the first floor singing karaoke. However, they still have a dark room for the adventurous.

Fosfobox

Rua Siqueira Campos 143 (loja 23 & 24)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil      Google Map »
This long-running gay-friendly Copacabana music venue is named after a type of matchbox and tucked within a small shopping plaza, Fosfobox is a small club with a big focus on music.  On any given night you may encounter techno, house, or neo funk.  View the lineup and get more info on the Fosfobox Facebook page.  Fridays tend to be the gayest.

Galeria Cafe

Rua Teixeira de Melo 31
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil    Google Map »
Highly recommended on Friday nights!  First time visitors to Rio are often surprised by the current lack of gay nightclubs in Ipanema.  (Rest in peace, Dama de Ferro.)  However, every Friday, Galeria packs in the young hotties and a few of their straight female BFFs.  Music ranges from “flashbacks” to the 80’s and 90’s to pop divas of today like Rihanna.  Galeria is not very big and gets sweatier (and sexier) as closing time approaches.

Le Boy

Rua Raul Pompéia, 102
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil    Google Map »
⛔ Closed 4/4/2016 – No info on re-opening ⛔
The legendary Le Boy is a must-visit for any gay tourist visiting Rio.  Located on the edge of Copacabana, within walking distance of Ipanema, Le Boy attracts hordes of tourists, hot local men … and unfortunately a few criminals.  (Watch your wallet, cellphone, and drink.  “Boa Noite Cinderela” is the phenomenon of slipping drugs into stranger’s drinks and robbing them.)  Le Boy stays faithful to the gay nightlife formula of pumped-up go-go boys, fabulous drag queens, club remixes of pop favorites, and strong drinks.  At 3AM, the darkroom section becomes very active.
Read our full review of Le Boy »

La Cueva

Rua Miguel Lemos 51
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil   Google Map »
The oldest remaining gay bar in Rio de Janeiro is worth a visit if you are staying in Copacabana.  There is often no cover, or the cover includes two free beers.  La Cueva (Spanish for “the cave”) is located below street level and has a cavernous look and feel.  The bar (with a small dance floor) markets itself as a bar for ursos (bears), but it is extremely popular with maduros (older guys) as well.

Papa G

Travessa Almerinda Freitas 42
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil      Google Map »
Located an hour away from the tourist zone of Copacabana, Papa G rewards gays and lesbians who are up for the trip with big parties Wednesday through Sunday.  Musically, it’s a great place to party to Brazilian beats like pagode and funk from both DJs and live performers.  Strong drinks, and outrageous drag shows, make Papa G a club to remember.

Pink Flamingo

Rua Duvivier 21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Google Map »
Since the doors opened in 2019, Pink Flamingo has been a gay nightlife favorite. Highly recommended! Read our full review

TV Bar

Avenida Nossa Sra. de Copacabana 1417
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil    Google Map »
This relatively small bar with a dance floor is located inside a former TV network facility.  The crowd is young but with enough tourists sprinkled around to make everyone will feel welcome.
Read our full review of TV Bar »

Up Turn Bar & Lounge

Avenida das Américas 2000 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil     Google Map »
Very lively bar on Saturdays for anyone curious to visit the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood.  Get more info and view photos on the Up Turn Facebook page.

The Week

Rua Sacadura Cabral 135
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil    Google Map »
The place to be every Saturday.  You will have no complaints about the high cover charge once you see how The Week brings together the best DJs, performers, and boys in Brazil.  Highly recommended!
Read our full review of The Week »

rio de janeiro

Gay Carnival “Blocos” of Rio de Janeiro

Leave a comment

« Return to Carnival 2020 Home

The massive parades held in Rio de Janeiro’s arena known as the Sambadrome are the most recognized symbols of Brazilian Carnival around the world.  In 2020, Carnival will begin on Friday, February 21 and run through a wild extended weekend to Tuesday, February 26.

However, visitors and locals alike can tell you Rio’s smaller blocos da rua (street block parties) are much more fun … and much gayer!  Almost every bloco is infused with a small amount of playful sexuality and gender fluidity.  But, a handful of blocos are widely recognized as gay-friendly (or GLS, the Portuguese acronym for gay, lesbian, and sympathizers.)

Bring your camera as pumped up boys and extra-fabulous drag queens are plentiful.  You will also find loads of visual arts, live music, and satirical social commentary.  In 2020, expect to see many costumes satirizing issues that may go over your head as a foreigner (expect lots of parodies of current Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.)

To navigate all of these blocos (and find bars, clubs, restaurants, and gay-friendly hotels) use this link to the VamosGay Google Map of Gay Rio 🌎

Banda de Ipanema

The biggest of all of the GLS blocos, Banda de Ipanema is as colorful and gay as the neighborhood they call home.  Founded in 1964, this banda boldly marched at a time when flamboyance was truly dangerous.   Banda de Ipanema blocos are extremely popular, so be prepared to drink and be merry with thousands of other revelers.

Bloco da Preta

The daughter of Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil, and an extremely popular musician in her own right, Preta Gil is the mistress of ceremonies for one of Rio’s biggest pre-Carnival blocos. Preta’s gay following is massive, and months before Bloco da Preta there are pre-bloco parties held at nightclubs across Brazil.  The city of Rio de Janeiro estimates Bloco da Preta  attracted nearly 40,000 revelers in 2017.

Banda das Quengas

In Portugues, quenga means “whore,” although because so much of the sex is free, maybe “slut” would be a better translation.  The dress code for a bloco das quengas draws inspiration from cheap street hookers. Here’s a photo gallery to give you a better idea.  The atmosphere is liberada – free from the rules of society, free from what anyone thinks.

These quengas are fun, but not organized enough to set up a website.  So, we’ll let you know where to find them as Carnival 2020 approaches



Cordão da Bola Preta

This is the best reason to break out of the gay tourist bubble of Ipanema/Copacabana!  This well-established group has a massive presence in Centro (downtown) which is mostly straight, but gays are always welcomed.  Check the Bola Preta website (in Portuguese) for their full agenda of blocos for 2018 (and congratulate them on their 100 year anniversary!)   Outside of Carnival, Bola Preta’s feijoada parties with live musicians are a great way to start a Saturday night.

Simpatia é Quase Amor

Back in the heart of Ipanema, the group Simpatia é Quase Amor has more of a hippy vibe where gays are part of a gigantic rainbow where everyone is has a good time.   Join Simpatia é Quase Amor before Carnival, and during Carnival week. Both events take place in Ipanema’s Praça General Osório.

Bloco Toco Xona

By the girls, and for the girls … Bloco Toco Xona is famous for its female bateristas (Carnival drummers.)  Gay boys are welcome too!

Bunytos de Corpo

This  is a very camp, humorous, performance art group whose aesthetics are based on physical fitness craze of the 1980’s.  Leotards, leg warmers, headbands, athletic shorts, and more!  Get physical with Bunytos de Corpo as they run (and drink) through Praça Tiradentes.

Agytoê

Drawing inspiration from ancient Egypt for both their fashion and their decadent approach to celebrations.  Agytoê gets little press outside of Brazil, but you will recognize them (and their devotees) when you see them in downtown Rio on the final night of Carnival.  Dressed in black and gold, they express their art through music and dance, drawing in everyone who passes by. 

Bars & Clubs

Aside from the blocos in the street, there are more formal bailes (balls.)  The official baile is the Scala Rio Gay Ball.

One last cheap-and-easy option to just drop by any gay bar during Carnival.  Use our list of gay bars and clubs of Rio to find the right one for you.  And, if you haven’t booked your room for Rio yet (hurry up!) and use our list of the city’s gay-friendly hotels.

« Return to Carnival 2020 Home

View full day-to-day schedule »

rio de janeiro

Carnival in Rio 2019 – Gay Event Schedule

Leave a comment

« Return to Carnival 2020 Home

Festive block parties, chic nightclub events, and over-the-top Samba parades … Carnival in Rio de Janeiro has a multitude of fun experiences for gay travelers.  (And, you can heat things up even more with our listings of Rio de Janeiro’s gay saunas and sex clubs!) Here’s the full list of gay-friendly events from Carnival 2019.  (Check back later for the full agenda before 2020.)  Leave your feedback for VamosGay via email, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.



Sat Jan 13
3PM – 8PM
Location:
Centro
Google Map »		 Bloco Toco Xona: Pre-Carnival
One of the the most popular blocos for girls-who-like-girls, Bloco Toco Xona welcomes gay boys too!  This year, Toco Xona will celebrate their 10 year anniversary.  Learn more from our guide to LGBT blocos.
Sat Jan 20
3PM – 8PM
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Banda de Ipanema
In the heart of gay Ipanema, this banda is biggest of all of the gay-friendly blocos.  Learn more from our guide to LGBT-friendly blocos.
Sat Jan 27
3PM – 8PM
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Banda de Ipanema
One more pre-Carnival bloco which is sure to pack the streets around Ipanema beach.  After the street party winds down, catch the sunset on the beach, have a shower, and try dinner at Felice.
Date TBD
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Simpatia é Quase Amor
Get in the spirit with this pre-Carnival bloco from the free-spirited Simpatia e Quase Amor.  Learn more about them from our guide to LGBT-friendly blocos. So far, this bloco has not provided a date and time for 2018, but we hope to have an update soon.
Sun Feb 4
9:30A-1:30P
Location:
Centro
Google Map »		 Bloco Fogo e Paixão
This bloco of “fire and passion” is very queer friendly … and a great place to warm-up your party muscles before Bloco da Preta.  Event info, and video of a past Fogo e Paixao block party.
Sun Feb 4
8AM- 1PM
Location:
Centro
Google Map »		 Bloco da Preta
The biggest gay-friendly pre-Carnival bloco featuring singer Preta Gil.  Carnival organizers estimate attendance of 400,00!  The warm-up starts at 8am, but the parade will “launch” at 10am.
Fri Feb 9
11:PM
Location:
The Week RJ
Google Map »		 Carnaval at The Week
Carnival opens with a bang at Rio’s biggest and best gay nightclub.  DJs keep the sweaty dance floors moving at The Week.
Sat Feb 10
3PM – 9PM
Location:
TBD
Google Map »		 Bloco Toco Xona (unconfirmed)
By the girls, and for the girls!  This bloco is known for its skilled female Carnival drummers.  Gay guys are always welcome to join in on the fun.
Sat Feb 10
5 :30PM
Location:
Centro
Google Map »		 Banda de Ipanema
The first of three Carnival week blocos from the biggest GLS/LGBT-friendly banda in Rio.  Catch them again on Monday and Tuesday. Learn more about Banda da Ipanema from our guide to GLS blocos.
Date TBD
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Simpatia é Quase Amor
Get a second shot of peace-and-love, as this gay-friendly bloco returns to Ipanema.  The start time is 2pm, but this laid-back Sunday parade will start … whenever it starts.
Sun Feb 11
1PM – 1AM
Location:
Mansão Carioca
Google Map »		 Joy Party at Mansão Carioca
The party continues at the gorgeous mansion known as Mansao Carioca.  Enjoy the line-up of DJs by the pool and check out the eye candy. Highly recommended!
Event info & tickets
Mon Feb 12
Time TBD
Location:
Centro
Google Map »		 Bloco Bunytos de Corpo (TBD)
Jazzercize your way down to Praça Tiradentes for a bizarre (yet fun) gay-friendly bloco celebrating the fitness craze of the ’80s.  (Note: Bunytos de Corpo has not officially announced anything for 2017, but they do enjoy surprises.  We’ll update this listing ASAP.)
Mon Feb 12
4PM
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Banda de Ipanema
Return to Praça General Osório for more samba, good vibes.  This Monday edition will be kid-friendly
Date TBD
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Simpatia é Quase Amor
Free-spirited bloco brings everyone together to parade through Praça General Osório.  Check our guide to LGBT-friendly blocos for more on Simpatia é Quase Amor.
Tue Feb 13
5:30PM
Location:
Ipanema
Google Map »		 Banda da Ipanema
Carnival Tuesdays can to be slow.  Spend a relaxing day on the beach, find a gay friendly restaurant for lunch then hang out in Ipanema for one last party with the Banda.
Tue Feb 13
6PM
Location:
Lapa
Google Map »		 Banda das Quengas
What’s more fun than a slut-walk?  A block party of whores!  (That’s the literal translation of this bloco‘s name.)  Your excuse to dress like a five dollar hooker and get drunk in the streets has arrived.  (Start time not confirmed yet.  Will update this listing when it’s official.)
Tue Feb 13
11PM
Location:
Scala Rio
Google Map »		 Scala Gay Ball
The grande finale of Carnival!  Located in the Scala nightclub with three sections, DJs, live samba, food and drinks.  Doors open before midnight, but 1AM is a better time to arrive.  Learn more info on the Scala Rio Gay Ball.
Tue Feb 28
All-Night
Location:
Everywhere
Google Map »		 Hit the Bars!
Every gay bar in Rio will be running some sort of promotion.  If you choose to skip the Scala, you can still have a fun time.  (And don’t forget, the gay saunas will be open for those looking for a different kind of fun before Ash Wednesday when Carnival is officially over.)

« Return to Carnival 2020 Home

rio de janeiro, sex

Nova Manhattan 21 (Manhattan rio’s)

Leave a comment

Sauna with escorts and drag shows

Rua Buenos Aires 21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Fri 3pm to 11pm
Sundays Closed and Saturday (mostly closed)

The downtown location attracts an after work crowd looking for fun with any of the charge-by-the-hour young men. Many patrons hang around for the stripper and drag shows.

Nova Manhattan 21 (formerly known as Manhattan Rio’s) is open five days a week and always has some sort of daily promotion (karaoke, bingo, 2-for-1 drink specials, etc.) The new location is safe and clean. As for English, no one is fluent, but there’s enough of a vocabulary.