Gay Pride 2008 holiday in the heart of Brazil

If you truly want a tropical getaway, what better way than going on a vacation to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Rio is among the first places to have been arrived at by Portuguese voyagers. They reached the place at Guanabara Bay more than five hundred years back. The city was then founded at Pão-de-Açúcar. Rio is a perfect example of a carnival atmosphere all round the year. The laid back look has its charm. The moment you set your watch to the local time, you are ready to roll on to the floor. It is a favourite with most South American gay travellers.



There is no better way to start than a trip to the beaches out here. The temperature is warm and the place is lined up with beautiful people all day long. Ipanema is the place where all the gay activity is concentrated. The gay hotspot that Ipanema Beach is; its set a bit towards the Eastern hand of Rua Farme de Amoedo. It is a good place to come to know of the locals. The place is away from the crowd and is a perfect get away from the bars and clubs; this makes it a great place to meet new people. It would not take you long to figure out that Barbie land here does not mean the usual doll but the local slang used to address the muscled gay men belonging to South Side. Farme is so traditional with the gay community, that even beach vendors display the rainbow flag. Every gay traveller knows of Farme, as it is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly nature.



If you don't particularly like the day culture, Rio shall make you as happy in the night. You can start by having dinner at one of the many gay restaurants lined up round the night spots. Then, its time to explore the gay hotspots -Gay and lounges in Ipanema or Copacabana. Come midnight and you can hit one of the gay pubs or dance clubs in the vicinity. In addition to the mandatory go-go boys, you will enjoy live shows, drag performances, and other specials. They say the party never stops in Rio.



Besides all the attractions of this wonderful city, one should definitely come during the annual Gay parade which has seen the biggest crowds in the world for 3 years in a row. More than Three million people flock the streets where the annual ceremony happens. With the legendary Samba Parade, gay balls, and festivities on the streets involving gang of drag queens ruling the streets, inviting you to have a good time too, the parade is an assortment of the colours of life.



It is important to book rooms well in advance when you come to Rio; else there is a good chance that you may have to ponder living on the beach. Although it is not all that bad an idea, you still will not like to forego the comforts of the room. There are a lot of Gay in and around Copacabana and Ipanema which provide good accommodation at decent prices.