No Carnival in Rio?

[12is12]

Hi guys,

 

Per the recommendations in this forum, in planning my trip I went through all the posts back to the beginning of 2008. I'm puzzled by the lack of even one reference to Rio during the carnival.

Why is that? Do gay horny Gringos shy away from the festivities, or is it that everything becomes much more expensive?

 

If there IS anyone in the forum who was there during the carnival, I'd appreciate some insights in general and specifically regarding the saunas' scene. I plan to be there for the 2011 carnival.

 

Thanks

[jimboivyo]

Hi guys,

 

Per the recommendations in this forum, in planning my trip I went through all the posts back to the beginning of 2008. I'm puzzled by the lack of even one reference to Rio during the carnival.

Why is that? Do gay horny Gringos shy away from the festivities, or is it that everything becomes much more expensive?

 

If there IS anyone in the forum who was there during the carnival, I'd appreciate some insights in general and specifically regarding the saunas' scene. I plan to be there for the 2011 carnival.

 

Thanks

 

Perhaps it's the fact that so many here just travel the world in search of cheap sex versus actually seeing what makes the world an interesting place. Carnaval is an unforgettable experience no matter what the price. Yes, it's expensive, but something you must do if it's affordable for you. Get out of the saunas for awhile, see the city, eat some amazing food and be Brazilian for a week.

[excelntsvc]

i second Jimboi's outlook ... yeah there are hot guys in nearly every city, but it amazes me how some of the posters here don't look at the other wonders when travelling!

[12is12]

Well, since I AM going there for the carnival, I don't need the encouragement (although thanks...)

 

However, I would appreciate some tips and insights, pertaining also to the influence of the carnival on the sauna scene.

[Diverdan]

I have never been to Rio during Carnival, however, I suspect that it is like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, only about 10 times more intense, at least according to friends who have been there during Carnival.

 

One of my friends hired an escort in Rio for two days during Carnival, as he did not speak Portugese and wanted someone whom he could trust to help navigate him through some of the hot spots. I don't remember exactly what he paid, but he felt it was very worthwhile from a number of perspectives. One night the two of them visited a Sauna and had a fantastic time, primarily because the escort he hired was the "negotiator" and many of the guys at the Sauna did not speak much English. Sorry I can't give you more specific information, 12is12 but I am sure you will have a great time. Do some heavy internet searching for what you want in advance of your trip and check out the Spartacus Guide as well as Gaydar.com to see what you can find.

[trilingual]

And don't forget http://www.gaytravelbrazil.com There are numerous posts about Carnival time and experiences there. Lots of guys have gone during Carnival and had great times in Brazil (where Carnival is not just limited to Rio).

[Guest LatinoRican]

You can also go to http://www.ipanema.com for more information on both Carnival and New Year's celebrations. Boa sorte!

[+ Axiom2001]

Hi guys,

 

Per the recommendations in this forum, in planning my trip I went through all the posts back to the beginning of 2008. I'm puzzled by the lack of even one reference to Rio during the carnival.

Why is that? Do gay horny Gringos shy away from the festivities, or is it that everything becomes much more expensive?

 

If there IS anyone in the forum who was there during the carnival, I'd appreciate some insights in general and specifically regarding the saunas' scene. I plan to be there for the 2011 carnival.

 

Thanks

Honey, I went to Carnaval in 2003 and wrote volumes along with another poster at the time. I took a package for a week; then after Carnaval, I was independent in terms of lodging. It was far cheaper for my friend and me to have single accommodations after Carnaval than it was during, so we shared a room which had two beds. In terms of other prices, I didn't care because I usually do not fret too much about costs of meals, etc. although I am cognizant as to what I am doing.

 

In terms of the sauna scene, the now defunct Rogers was dead on the night that my friend and I went; Point 202 was in its heyday and was delightful; Club 117 was jamming on two of the nights that I was there, and the fees for the "boys" was the same if you knew how to discuss the fees with the guys. Never tell them that this is your first time at the sauna.

 

Go and make the better of your experiences. Continue to ask questions here and at Drey's site!

[Guest dreynsol]

Well, I had to chime in, since I was there during the last Carnaval and I'd agree with the posters that really the saunas take back stage to the "Greatest Party on Earth" during that time. I wouldn't say it's a terrible time for the saunas since many of the saunas had special events going on that drew a large crowd. But on the negative, Clube 117 also doubled their admission price to cover the free food. The taxis and hotels, more like triple.

 

A lot of the guys were getting ready to head home to spend the event with their families. Some were there looking for extra cash for their trip home.

 

Unfortunately, for the ones that I wanted to spend more time with, I kept getting "I'll call you after Carnaval".

 

But being center stage and watching the amazing parade is beyond words and definitely an experience everyone should experience once in their lifetime disregarding the cost. It's a grand exhibition of Brazilian culture, unabashed sexuality, and enjoyment of simply living for the moment.

 

Picture Halloween, the 4th of July and New Year's Eve rolled into one.

 

And to be honest, there's no need for the saunas during that time. With the street parties, gay events, and packed bars, I saw gay guys of all looks and ages making out.

 

The saunas can certainly wait during Carnaval.

 

- Drey

[Guest ihpguy]

Well, I am retired and living here permanantly. What exactly would you like to know? There are so many bandas, blocos, ensaios/schools, the live music. The rent boy saunas are a whole separate world outside of the normal gay life here. Then there are the movie theaters and street cruising. Again totally separate. And on top of everything is the thing Rio de Janeiro is most fabled for apart from Carnival - the gay beach culture at Farme de Amoedo in Ipanema.

[+ Chris]

Hi Journeyman,

 

 

I went to Rio for Carnival in 2008, and am happy to say that it is everything you could expect it to be and more. It definitely offers a bit of the gay element. I did not find it to be too expensive. I tried to eat at the buffets and stay within a budget. you will find a ton of gay events and parties. I would recommend that you do a bit of research depending on what your ideal vacation in rio is . Definitely take a few moments to check out the Samba parades and I highly recommend going to one of their sports like bars to feel the energy of watching their soccer team in action. If your looking for a smaller less hyped carnival be sure to check out Florianopolis. Either way enjoy your trip !

 

 

Chris