Planning a trip to Rio in May 2008 and need recommendation for a guide

[sizzlingrice]

I have decided, since it is my first trip to rio, that I am going to get a guide for a few days. Do you have any recommendation that charges by the day? Any information would be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[Traveler North]

Contact Danilo who I have used several times. Lives in Sao Paulo but will come up to Rio for stint over three days. Charges `roughly $100 a day. E-mail address is dv.hortenci@uol.com.br

Knows Rio very well. Review of him can be found on Maleescort Review web site. Is strcitly a guide, not an escort. But know all the saunas etc. Good luck.

[Guest flamengo]

There is a boy named MARCELO who somteimes advertises on craiglist. STAY AWAY from this boy. He is a total waste of time and money. Don't be fooled by the photos shown on craiglist. For the full story, access gtb and go to the travel thread.

[BARR1965]

>Contact Danilo who I have used several times. Lives in Sao

>Paulo but will come up to Rio for stint over three days.

>Charges `roughly $100 a day. E-mail address is

>dv.hortenci@uol.com.br

>Knows Rio very well. Review of him can be found on Maleescort

>Review web site. Is strcitly a guide, not an escort. But

>know all the saunas etc. Good luck.

>

 

When I first went to Rio in 2005 I contacted Danilo. Though lives in Sao Paolo, he went to Rio to supposedly spend 3 days with me but ending up 5 days. He is a good guy and fun to be with. He will take care all of your needs (except sexual). He speaks good English and gregarious person. I do highly recommend him.

 

And as far as using GTB (Gaytravelbrazil.com) I always used them to booked my rooms and other accommodations in different parts of Brazil.

 

Have a good time in Brazil and do enjoy your trip. Just go with the flow of the people and you will have a good time ... especially in the saunas. But do read about the ins and outs in regards of the boyz in the sauna. They can tell if you are a newbie. In the saunas, look around, scope the areas and check out the boyz first. A friend of mine told me when I first went to Brazil ... USE YOUR BIG HEAD NOT THE SMALL HEAD TO MAKE THE DECISION ... tchau tchau ... tudo bom

[+ Axiom2001]

To add to what Flamengo wrote-- remember that this Marcelo is in Brazil (Rio). The stellar guide who just happens to have the same name is in Argentina (Buenos Aires) also advertises on Craigslist and has been written about here as well as at http://www.gaytravelbrazil.com.

 

 

 

I made this mistake in mid summer of 2007; Flamengo related the "ins" and the "outs" to me about the Rio Marcelo before I hired him.

After getting the information (of which I was and still am) most appreciative-- I saved myself from a lot of unnecessary duress! I emailed him and cancelled the prior arrangements; he apparently took this in stride per his reply back to me.

 

On the other hand, I also hired Danilo when I was in Sao Paulo in either 2005 or 2006; I found him to be a charming and reliable and professional guy. He was 18 at the time, so I guess it must have been in '05; he should be in his early twenties now. (From time to time I send him a brief email; he has normally responded amiably.)

 

My suggestion when you hire him is to be specific about the hours and have him write and agree to them. I had no problemos, but my memory serves me correctly, a few other guys did.

 

When Danilo was my guide, we had dinner once or twice at restaurants of my choosing; at other times, he took me all over the city to allow me to enjoy the cultural activities and the varied barrios.

 

I can do the sauna scene alone or with a traveling partner, and that I/we did. I/We went to the three major "gay" saunas which are in the 3rd largest city of our world and tremendously enjoyed the uniqueness and offering of each

 

I would recommend your hiring Danilo! As a previous writer noted, he knows Rio de janeiro as well as I think his own city! :-)

[+ Axiom2001]

First time visitor, I would suggest that you read everything that's here as well as in the archives regarding Rio and your impending visit. I did this each time that I have gone, except for the last two times, and the information helped me immensely. It enhanced my falling in love with Rio and Bahia and with "Mother Brasil" in general.

 

I also read from a few internet sites (gay related). That, too, helped!

For escorts go to http://www.netgay.com.br. You'll get an eye full!

[Traveler North]

If you are interested in Sao Paulo as well as Rio, Danilo knows his hometown very well. If you really need a guide to survive in a trip, it is in Sao Paulo which is a very busy place with constant heavy traffic. Spent three days with him there before going to Iguazu Falls and Rio. Went to all usual sites as well as fabulous sauna where I met a guy who should be in movies. What a hunk! :9 :9 :9 :9

[sizzlingrice]

I am now including Iguazu falls into my trip to brazil as the airfare is cheaper if you leave in the middle of the week. That would give me more days in Brazil with an airfare that's almost $400 cheaper compared to flying out of LAX on either thursday or friday.

 

I am planning on going to Iguazu falls for a few days then to rio of the rest of my trip.

 

Is it better to fly LAX-Iguazu Falls-Rio, or go to Rio first, then take a trip to Iguazu from Rio and back to Rio.

 

Your advice would be appreciated. Also which city would I be flying into if going to Iguazu Falls?

 

Thanks!

 

I have signed up as a member in gaytravelbrazil.

[sizzlingrice]

Did you also have Danilo go with you to Iguazu Falls? Can you navigate Iguazu Falls on your own? I am now thinking of doing what you did: Sao Paulo-Iguazu Falls -Rio.

 

Thanks for any input.

[BARR1965]

>Did you also have Danilo go with you to Iguazu Falls? Can

>you navigate Iguazu Falls on your own? I am now thinking of

>doing what you did: Sao Paulo-Iguazu Falls -Rio.

>

>Thanks for any input.

 

What I did when I went to IGF, I flew into Rio then Curitiba then to IGF and to SP then back to LA. From what I remember there is no direct flight from LAX to IGF or Curitiba. So you may have to stop either in RIO or SP. I don't know if Danilo is familiar with IGF but I had a tour guide,a woman and very gay friendly. IGF is very quiet compare to the other cities in Brazil and it is a romantic place.

[vabballfan]

>Did you also have Danilo go with you to Iguazu Falls? Can

>you navigate Iguazu Falls on your own? I am now thinking of

>doing what you did: Sao Paulo-Iguazu Falls -Rio.

>

>Thanks for any input.

 

I went to Rio in November 2006 (second time) and decided to go to Iguazu Falls one morning, stayed the night and then came back the next afternoon.

 

If you go round trip from Rio, you would be flying from Rio to Foz de Iguazu. They have a small airport there I had non-stop flights on TAM from Rio to Foz de Iguazu and back.

 

I ended up hiring a guide in the airport at the travel office and she drove me from the airport to the Brazilian side of the falls for the day, then took me to the hotel, picked me up at 8:00 am the next morning and took me to the Argentine side of the falls (complete with navigating through immigration from Brazil to Argentina and back - 15 minutes each time) and then took me from the Argentine side back to the airport for my trip home. I can't remember the exact price, but I thought it was reasonable for 6 hours on one day and 8 hours the next. And it was a car that had air conditioning that was in tip top shape.

 

I'm so glad I did Iguazu - the scenery is amazing - not much to do in the evening but I had such a good time at the falls that I didn't mind at all.

[sizzlingrice]

So there are tour packages going to Iguazu Falls from Rio and you can just buy the tour package when you get to Rio, right?

 

If so, that is great!

 

Thank you all for your input.

[Guest flamengo]

I can't imagine visiting Foz do Iguacu alone! I don't mean without a guide I mean without a romantic partner. Foz has to be one of the most romantic spots on earth. A few years ago I took my bf of six years (three years at that time) to Foz for a four day vacation. Travel arrangements were made by a gay travel agent in Rio. Michel and I stayed at the Hotel Tropical das Cataratas, which is located within the park. We could see some of the falls from our room and at night we would leave the window open and fall asleep listening to the music made by the water. The travel agent had filled our days with tours of the falls and the park. The first night we attended latin dinner show that was simply fantastic. (Seating is the key to enjoyment of this show.) All arrangements made by our travel agent were perfect. Ah, what fond memories!!!

 

This particular travel agent is no longer associated with gtb. However, I am sure Drey will be able to assist you with arrangements

[sizzlingrice]

I was hoping gaytravelbrazil (my contact is Gary and I did join) will be able to give a quote quicker, but it's been 3 days I am still waiting. They asked for my full name and I gave it to them last Monday. I also had other questions, but still, no response. Maybe because my trip is still in May that's why they haven't responded. I get a quicker response from Ananab's owners with regards to my questions.

[Traveler North]

Had Danilo with me at Iguazu Falls. You could navigate it on your own and hire a local guide. But we stayed at the 5 Star hotel and had a lot of fun together. Make sure you go to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the Falls. Each side has it own charm.

[+ Axiom2001]

>I was hoping gaytravelbrazil (my contact is Gary and I did

>join) will be able to give a quote quicker, but it's been 3

>days I am still waiting. They asked for my full name and I

>gave it to them last Monday. I also had other questions, but

>still, no response. Maybe because my trip is still in May

>that's why they haven't responded. I get a quicker response

>from Ananab's owners with regards to my questions.

 

 

 

Honey, I am glad that you joined http://www.gaytravelbrazil.com, but one has to be patient when seeking information; it takes time to research, etc. Also, since your trip is NOT until May 2008, prices change after Carnaval; thus I think Drey (Gary) would prefer to respond then.

 

Although I have not used his services directly-- others have and have been rather pleased. Hold on: he'll respond!

[sizzlingrice]

Coming from you, an esteemed member of this board, I will be patient.

 

You're right, I should just wait to get my quotes after Carnaval. I plan on finalizing all the travel arrangements in March so that I could get my visa.

[+ Axiom2001]

In scrolling back up and down again, (My that sounds sexy!)-- I read that you plan to travel to Foz do Iguacu. Great! I truly loved and cherished this experience and opportunity.

 

When I traveled there (solo), I stayed at the Hotel Tropical das Cataratas, too. I would highly recommend it. Ask your agent to request a room on the side of the falls. I did not do this but had this anyway.

This hotel is on the Brasilian side, but do go to visit the falls from the Argentine vantage point. There is a difference, but both sides of the falls were stellar as well as spectacular.

 

By my traveling alone, when I arrived at the airport, I immediately went to the tourist bureau there and booked about four tours along with the dinner/show. My tours were excellent; I just fit in with the other travelers and enjoyed immensely.

 

When I went to the falls on the Argentine side, there were three travelers + our Brasilian guide. This was quite fine, as we supported each other and bonded during the time together.

 

If you do the M...Safari, bring old, old shoes to wear for this. You get very wet. My bringing and wearing them did not hinder my packing/luggage situation or anything; I still have the shoes in my closet.

 

-----------

I applaud those individuals who are able to have a companion/s with them; this is one of the places where it is more enjoyable if one is able to be with another/ others, but if you cannot and will not have a partner-- DO THE TRIP ANYWAY and stay 2 days instead of 3.

 

As a lone traveler to the "falls--" I had an acceptable time but would have had a great or greater one if I had had a traveling companion or a lover/partner.

 

Go, man, and make the best of these travels.

[Guest flamengo]

"If you do the M...Safari, bring old, old shoes to wear for this. You get very wet. My bringing and wearing them did not hinder my packing/luggage situation or anything; I still have the shoes in my closet."

 

This is a MUST see/do!!!! You will get a true feel of the power of of the falls. The boat will go so very close to the falls that you will think the boat is going under the them. Michel and I had front seats on the boat and we ended up soaked. Ponchos are available but that takes the "fun" out of the ride!! A digital camera is a must! Another must is to stay at the Tropical .... Damn, just thinking about our tour gets my "juices" flowing. Foz is the 2nd best tour I've taken (the Amazon is #1).

[BARR1965]

>I was hoping gaytravelbrazil (my contact is Gary and I did

>join) will be able to give a quote quicker, but it's been 3

>days I am still waiting. They asked for my full name and I

>gave it to them last Monday. I also had other questions, but

>still, no response. Maybe because my trip is still in May

>that's why they haven't responded. I get a quicker response

>from Ananab's owners with regards to my questions.

 

 

Like what other posters in this group said, have patience and GTB will contact you. This is the busiest season for them and you still have 3 months before your trip. I have worked with them everytime I go to Brazil and they did the arrangements for me at the falls.

 

I was alone when I went there but had a good time when I went to the falls, the men were "gay" friendly and they were very accomodating. I lucked out the day I took the boat ride because I was the only passenger and all the attention were on me :-). Now if you meet someone that you fancy in RIO or SP you may even want to take him with you

 

Also if you have sometime take a couple of days and go to BUZIO and ask GTB if they can book you at CASA BRANCAS. Very lovely place and also very romantic. I went there last Nov 2007 and thoroughly(sp) enjoyed the place. There is this one waiter that I like and he was dead gorgeous }( ... Dark black hair with gorgeous blue eyes :9 Now, that is good enough reason for me to go back to BUZIO again next time I go to BRAZIL.