Cruising in Rio
Cruising in public places is usually not advised in your own country at best of times. So it’s not surprising that you should be extra careful when in Rio. However, the option is there and we’re listing here a few of the more popular locations.
Ipanema Beach
The cruisiest bit is across Ave. Vieira Souto at the end of Rua Farme de Amoedo. It’s also the most fashionable hangout in town.
Flamengo Park
There’s cruising all over the park throughout the day but night time is best. It’s a large park and the best hangout is between the Porcao restaurant and the pyramid-shaped monument at the end of the park towards Botafogo. A lot of guys pretend they’re working out on the parallel bars but they’re actually on the prowl.
Cinelandia
(Metro station Cinelandia) It used to be a very cruisy area years ago. It’s been renovated a few times and now it seems to be making a come back. Stroll up and down the pedestrianised streets – the rent boys usually sit with hard-ons on the benches, or on the edge of the streets’ central reservations. The area is both popular with rent boys and the local queers. The best day is Friday after work. Go for a beer at either ‘Amarelinho’ or ‘Verdinho’ bars and watch the crowds go by.
There are numerous other cruising grounds and cottages in Rio but unless you’re with a local, they’re difficult to find and you are not at all advised to venture to them.
XXX Cinemas
The porn cinemas in Rio are not usually that clean; and often smell inside actually. They’re quite popular with older gay guys but that's not to say that you won't meet some hot ones too. If you don’t mind the the filth you can have a bit of fun in these places. You’ll also notice that these places are not officially gay; the movies shown are straight porn.
Cine Orly –
Address: Rua Alcindo Guanabara, 17/21 – Cinelandia Tel: 21 533 3110
Porn cinema frequented mostly by gays and a few transvestites. The rapport between gay guys and transvestites is very good and everyone gets on well. The best day to go is Tuesday from about 2pm; as it gets very busy. Just about all sorts of guys turn up.
Cine Iris -
Address: Rua da Carioca, 49 – Centro
Tel: 21 262 17729
This porn cinema was notorious for its mostly transvestite patrons. These days, however, they’re mostly not allowed leaving the venue for gay boys mostly. The punters are a bit on the rough side. The second floor, where most of the ‘action’ used to take place has now closed. Live sex shows have been advertised to start in the near future.
You have been warned! :-)
