Rio de Janeiro Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide

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Aerial view of the coastline in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Corbis)

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Rio de Janeiro Gay and Lesbian Travel Tips

By Matt Link

Don't freak out if you don't know Portuguese. A few words can be handy, but most Rio residents understand Spanish and, to a slightly lesser extent, English.
Rio has one of the most happening lesbian scenes in South America. There's a lesbian dance club open every night of the week—check the local gay newspaper Entre Nos for up-to-date listings.
Don't expect any gay-exclusive hotels. Although Rio is super-popular with gays, it has no all-gay lodgings. But there are a plethora of mid- to high-end properties to choose from just steps away from Copacabana Beach, and to a lesser extent in Ipanema.

Gay and Lesbian Travel Overview: Rio de Janeiro

By Matt Link

The Marvelous City should be centered on the map of any gay world traveler. Bronzed muscle men (a.k.a. "Barbies") prance up and down the gorgeous beaches wearing barely anything, as the dramatic backdrop of jutting verdant mountains looms in the background. (For lesbian travelers, the women are just as luscious.) The whole place oozes a casual vibe of sensuality, with a thumping samba beat as the soundtrack. Gays are so melded into the fabric of life, hardly anyone notices them. Plus, Rio is incredibly inexpensive for American visitors. Read More

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Best time of year to travel to Rio ?
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What's the best way to get to the Golden Tulip Ipanema hotel from the airport. Also hotel to the port? What's the best way to get from GIG to the Golden Tulip Ipanema Hotel
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