Rio Gay Saunas Lowdown

Most gay saunas in Rio open around 3:00 pm and close around midnight with a few exceptions. They don't usually get busy, though, until around 5:30 pm, and quiet down around 10:00 pm. Many of the local clients are married guys who are stopping by after work for some fun before going home. You'll also notice there's a crowd of regulars, who use the establishment as a sort of club to meet up with friends, have a drink, play cards and socialise. The suggested amount of cash to bring is between R$200 to 300 plus credit cards.

A programa/brincadeira with a rent boy is not expensive for foreign standard; prices obviously vary - the guy in qustion might be a local star. Here it's worth noting that not all saunas have in-house rent boys. And none of them require membership. Saunas which don't have in-house hustlers are marked ' N/A' on the saunas listings page. It's also a good idea to bring a pocket-sized bottle of your favourite lube and some extra large condoms. For some odd reason they're not sold in Brazil, and the lube is still KY. For basic communication a pocket phrase book can be handy too. 

Entry to the sauna can cost between R$10 to R$25, depending on the day of the week. You pay on your way out, which will include your bar bill and rental of the private cabins. Cabin rentals cost between R$20 to R$30 depending on the establishment, the size and facilities of the cabin. The more luxurious establishments also have masseurs who work for the house, hairdressers, etc. All of these services go on your bill, except any extra hanky-panky with your masseur, for which you pay him directly.

Credit cards are usually accepted and can be used safely; these are long-established reputable establishments with a regular clientele they want to keep. As for the guys, you pay them directly, in cash, after doing the 'session'. You'll be given your locker key when you go in. In some cases you also get your towel and flip-flops at the reception, other times from an attendant in the locker room. Some establishments will also ask for your first name when you register. If you're on the large side, ask for a toalha grande as the standard Brazilian size is a bit skimpy. Don't forget to wear the sandals; Brazilians are very hygienic and will find it odd if you don't.

All of these establishments will have at least wet and dry saunas, a bar which also sells snacks, a TV lounge showing regular local TV, others showing straight and gay porn, a dark room or a dimly lit lounging area known as the 'relax', and private cabins. In others you can get your hair cut, a manicure and pedicure, a facial, amongst others! Brazilians understand the concept of being gay differently than most of us do. For most of them, being gay means being bottom/passive. So most of these gorgeous, macho guys will often do quite a lot in the privacy of a cabin, like kissing and sucking, without considering themselves gay. Try not to force the issue by trying to fuck them. Of course, there will also be some other guys around who more obviously consider themselves gay and are willing to go further. There's not much S&M or leather scene in Brazil, so you're unlikely to find fully equipped play rooms here, but that doesn't mean you may not find someone who can get into domination, or being dominated.  

After making contact and striking up an arrangement, you or your companion will ge given a key for a cabin. When you are finished, go to your locker, retrieve the agreed-upon fee, and discreetly hand it to your companion, who will be hovering nearby. You may want to invite him to join you for a drink or snack while you're chilling out. You may meet the man of your dreams at the sauna and want to see more of him. Of course, you can agree to meet again at the sauna. If you want to see him outside, don't be tempted to invite him back to your hotel until you've known him really well. Unfortunately, first impressions can sometimes be deceiving, and Brazil has a way of dazzling you and putting you off your guard. Besides, your hotel may make a fuss about your bringing in outsiders. Instead, take your new friend to a motel . 

If you're lucky enough to be able to afford such luxuries you might want to check Gay Travel Brazil - they have a whole forum on the subject and more. Have fun.

  

  July 2, 2007