⛔ June 2019 — Sometimes this hipster hot spot is open; sometimes it’s closed. Click here for the full list of Sao Paulo gay bars.
Continue reading L’amour Night Club
Category Archives: latin america
Carnival in Rio 2019 – Gay Event Schedule
« 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.) |
Nova Manhattan 21 (Manhattan rio’s)
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.
Gay Saunas, Cinemas, and Sex Shops of Santiago Chile
Following the collapse of its military dictatorship (1973 – 1990) Chile has steadily made strides towards a more progressive society. Sex between partners of the same sex became legal in 1998. And, on October 22, 2015, Chile recognized same-sex civil unions.
Lke most big cities in Latin America, Santiago has many gay bars and clubs. For those looking for something extra, here is a list of the most active gay-friendly sex shops, cinemas, and saunas in the city. Continue reading Gay Saunas, Cinemas, and Sex Shops of Santiago Chile
Hotels & Places to Stay in Gay-Friendly Santiago Chile
For the party boy who just needs a place to crash close to the nearest gay club, to cultured traveler looking for a boutique hotel, Santiago has something for everyone. The following short list of gay-friendly places to stay are mostly in Bellavista, the cultural heart of the city with easy access to both museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
The Aubrey
Luxurious boutique hotel in a converted mansion in city’s cultural center, Bellavista. Each of the rooms at the Aubrey is individually decorated with stylish bathrooms.
The Aubrey has a heated outdoor swimming pool with 3 massage jets and an integrated jacuzzi. There’s an indoor/outdoor bar with poolside service.
A complimentary Brazilian breakfast is served each morning
View hotel details/lowest rate
Hotel Luciano K
One of our Editor’s personal favorites, the Luciano K is stylish, yet comfortable, art deco, yet contemporary. Not easy to describe but hard to resist falling in love with. Check the link for a full list of amenities and photo galleries.
View hotel details / lowest rate
Dominica Hostel
Set in an elegant house with comfortable common areas, Dominica Hostel is a short walk from poet Pablo Neruda’s house. Rooms are private with shared bathrooms. Dominica Hostel is a great low-budget option to stay in Bellavista.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Hotel Boutique Tremo
Beautiful four-story colonial house in Bellavista with modern design and amenities. Plan your day over breakfast in the courtyard with the help of friendly and helpful staff. Gay friendly, too!
View hotel details/lowest rate
Hotel Patio Yungay
Reviews are almost 100% positive for this bed-and-breakfast located in Bellavista, but a few blocks away from the noisy ground zero of the city’s nightlife. Click below for a photo gallery and more info on Hotel Patio Yungay.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Mister BnB
Stay with gay locals while you explore the city. Several great apartments in Santiago are now available. Click below to start your search.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Mito Casa Hotel Boutique
In an Art-Deco style building with a rooftop terrace overlooking Providencia, Mito Casa Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with hardwood floors. All of rooms feature minibars and heating. A buffet breakfast is served daily in a charming breakfast room. Free bikes can be requested to explore the city. Guests can also unwind in the terrace, enjoying scenic views of Santiago. Bars and restaurants in trendy Bellavista are around the corner.
View hotel details/lowest rate
SCL Suites
True apartment-style living. This is a great choice if you all of the amenities of your own one bedroom apartment. There’s a full kitchen, a living area with stylishly modern furnishings, and even a small balcony. One issue is noisy neighbors on the weekends, but if you are out partying until the crack of dawn yourself, it’s not an issue. There is a front gate, but no hotel-style front desk with English speakers.
View hotel details/lowest rate
W Santiago
Stylish and sophisticated, the 5-star W Santiago offers a roof-top swimming pool and luxury guest rooms. The hotel is centrally located, with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains. The W Santiago also hosts the hip gay-friendly part Lobo.
View hotel details/lowest rate
For a complete list of hotels and apartments in Santiago, visit Booking.com for the lowest prices.
The Week RJ
Editor’s Choice 2019: Best Nightclub in Rio Continue reading The Week RJ
Bars and Clubs of Gay Santiago
Nightlife explodes on the weekends in Santiago, so make sure you are well rested. Luckily, bar crawling is quite easy if you stay in the “gayborhood” of Bellavista. (Check out our guide for gay-friendly hotels and places to stay in Santiago for the best options.) Many of the bars and clubs are on Bombero Núñez, a street which shines with colorful graffiti by day, and colorful Chilenos by night. Continue reading Bars and Clubs of Gay Santiago
Punta del Este
The guide book Lonely Planet: Argentina summarizes Punta del Este, Uruguay (a popular side trip for those visiting Buenos Aires) as follows …
With its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels and glitzy restaurants – Punta del Este is one of South America’s most glamorous resorts and easily the most expensive place in Uruguay. Extremely popular with Argentines and Brazilians, Punta suffered a period of decline during the Uruguayan and Argentine recessions, but has come back with a vengeance.
Punta del Este’s scenic coastline is divided into two regions: Brava (Spanish for “fierce”) and Mansa (Spanish for “tame”). The limit between the two marks the end of the Río de la Plata and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, and split is signaled by the Mano de Punta del Este, which the sculptor designed to warn swimmers about the danger of rough waves. Beaches on the Mansa side feature thick and golden sand, while on the Brava side the sand is white and fine. Every beach of the peninsula has public access.
For Gay Travelers
Playa Chihuahua is where the boys are … and a large section of it is “clothing optional.” Chihuahua is about 20 minutes away by car from Playas Brava and Mansa and offers a great escape from the frenetic shopping and tourist activity of Punta. A short walk from Playa Chihuahau, you will find Undarius Hotel (formerly named Casa Mario, but under the same friendly gay ownership.) Undarius is a B&B for gay men with a laid back vibe.
Looking for a gay bar or nightclub? You won’t find one. (Many out-dated gay guides to Punta del Este mention Kronos and Mercury, but both are now long gone.) Instead, you will find a few great mostly straight, but gay-friendly places. (Click here for our Google Map to Gay Punta del Este.)
Getting There
Punta del Este’s international airport (PDP) may be small, but it is serviced by a large number of regional and international carriers. Check the following websites for cheap deals.
- LAN / TAM Airlines (direct from airline website)
- Skyscanner.com
- Expedia.com
- Iberia (direct from airline website – great deals from Europe)
- CheapFlights.com
Hotels & Places to Stay
2122 Hotel Art Design
Full of indoor amenities, the 2122 is set further back from both coast – a location that removes it from touristy annoyances while remaining within walking, or a short cab ride, of most of Punta’s nightlife and shopping.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino
Featuring a casino, spa facilities, 2 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts and 4 restaurants, the Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino features plush accommodations in front of La Mansa Beach.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Serena Hotel
Luxury on the beach! The Serena is popular with gays and straights. Click below for photos and reviews.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Undarius Hotel (formerly Casa Mario)
Gay owned and operated! Undaris is gay-only and clothing optional. But, don’t let the nudity scare you off. You can wear your trunks and lounge with a drink, or go for a nude swim in the pool. There is a range of rooms from private suites, to dormitory-style lodging.
View hotel details/lowest rate
Where to Play – Bars & Beaches
OVO Nightclub & Dayclub
Over the top (and overpriced) this is where the beautiful people converge at night to party to the beats of international DJs. By day, OVO is more laid back, catering to tourists.
Moby Dick
A classic pub which, over the years, has become a meeting spot for gays and lesbians. Grab a beer and then head out to one of the many restaurants nearby where you can continue the night.
Soho
Mostly straight club where gays are welcomed. Soho also hosted a huge party for the first annual Punta Pride festival.
Looking for ways to connect in Punta? Grindr remains one of the best ways for meetup with locals and your fellow gay travelers. Also, the front desks of any of the gay-friendly hotels listed below give excellent recommendations!
Gay Saunas, Cinemas, and Sex Clubs of Rio de Janeiro
Do gay men really need a guide to getting laid in Rio de Janeiro? It is a city with several gay clubs and an open culture where a stroll along the beach can lead to a sexual conquest. Combined with mobile apps like Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder (all very popular in Brazil) sex is almost too easy in Rio. (Also, don’t forget, prostitution is legal in Brazil.)
However, in Portuguese they say o que é bom pode ser melhor (what is good can be better.) The following list of Rio de Janeiro’s saunas, cinemas, and sex clubs will definitely make a hot time even hotter! Most of the locations are tourist friendly, but use caution. And try the VamosGay Google Map to Gay Rio de Janeiro to navigate the city.
Cine Iris
Rua da Carioca 49
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Sat 10AM – 9PM
Sunday 12PM – 9PM
Creepy former cinema palace in downtown Rio. There are three floors where action takes place in the shadows while porn is projected onto the main screen. At the box office there is a schedule of live strip shows, however the performers are female. Location is also popular with transsexual prostitutes.
Cine Rex
Alvaro Alvim 33
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Fri 11AM – 8PM
Sat and Sun 2PM – 8PM
Another one of Rio’s former grand movie theaters in the Cinelândia neighborhood. Cine Rex has fallen into disrepair and become a XXX theater. By day, there are patrons from the nearby offices of Rio’s bustling business district. For the most part, the clientele is not-so-hot.
Club 117
Rua Cândido Mendes 117
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Tue – Sun 3PM -1AM
Closed on Mondays
Best little whorehouse in Rio! This sauna where muscular escorts solicit clients is also home to some of the city’s most popular drag and stripper performances.
Kabalk Sauna
Rua Santa Luíza 459
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Everyday 3PM – 11PM
Sauna offers massage and an outdoor area.
Klub Meetings
Praça Tiradentes, Rua Pedro I num 7 sala 903
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Open Sunday through Tuesday morning. Text for specific hours.
Invitation-only private club in downtown Rio with selective membership for in-shape and well-hung men. Not a sauna but more of a private grand party house. Send a WhatsApp message to get on the list +55 (21) 98367-8172
New Meio Mundo
Rua Teófilo Otoní 18
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mondays and Fridays 3PM – 12AM
Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat 3PM – 11PM
Sauna located downtown is popular with the after-work crowd. Stripper and drag shows on the weekend. Reasonably-priced guys make it popular with locals.
Nova Manhattan 21 (formerly Manhattan Rio’s)
Rua Buenos Aires 21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Fri 3pm to 11pm
Sundays Closed and Saturday (mostly closed)
New sauna with escorts and drag shows … Read full review
Praia do Abricó / Abrico Nude Beach
Near Grumari Beach
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Open ever day
How many nude beaches does Rio officially have? Only one! Yes, one of the world’s sexiest cities actually had zero clothing-optional beaches until the government approved Abrico Beach in 2014. The crowd is mixed and respectful.
Praia da Farme / Posto 9
Rua Farme de Amoedo & Avenida Viera Souto
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Open everyday
Look for the rainbow flag and the buff bronze lifeguards to find the gayest section of Ipanema Beach. Enjoy the sun and watch the natives play volleyball. No sex here, but flirt all you want.
Point 202
Rua Siqueira Campos 202
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Tue – Thur 3PM – 11PM
Wednesdays 3PM – 12AM
Sauna for escorts and clients in Copacabana has gone down over the years, but is still worth a visit for those looking spends some cash for a good time.
Rio G Spa
Rua Teixeira de Melo 16
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Everday 3PM to 12AM
Very popular destination after a day on Ipanema Beach. Few to zero hustlers. Almost always a crowd of in-shape men after 5PM.
Sauna Copacabana
Rua Dias da Rocha 83
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Everday from 12PM to 12AM
For older daddies and their fans. No escorts.
Sauna Carioca
Rua de Guaratiba 20
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Everyday from 3PM to 12AM
Sauna with a relaxed social vibe.
Seven Cruising Bar
Praça da República 141
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Sat 10AM – 11PM
Sundays 7AM – 10PM
Bar with cabins and other areas to play.
Click below for our review and event listings for Carnival 2017!
Read our full review of Seven Cruising Bar
Sex Rose
Rua Álvaro Alvim, 37
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Thur 9AM – 11PM
Saturdays 9AM – 10PM
Sundays 1PM – 10PM
Enter what appears to be a simple adult bookstore with condoms, videos, and toys … then pay the entrance fee and continue upstairs to a very hot crowd of 20, 30, and 40 year-olds. There’s even a small bar and club music! This hidden gem is highly recommended.
Termas Catete
Rua Corrêa Dutra 34
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Sun – Thur 1PM – 12AM
Fridays and Saturdays 1PM – 6AM
Escort-free sauna for the average Jose.
Termas Leblon
Rua Barrão da Torre 522
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Mon – Wed 12PM – 12AM
Thur – Sun 12PM – 6AM
Great facilities for the over 40 crowd.
Ritz
Relaxed bistro remains a top dinner destination for gay guys. Continue reading Ritz