How Much do you Spend for a week in Gay Rio?

[TotallyOz]

I have a friend going to Brazil in February. He is looking to conserve money and not spend a shit load. What is the normal cost that most will spend for all their expenses in Rio?

Hotel

Food

Boys

Fun

Etc

Please include anything I have left out.

He has never been there before and also wants to do some sightseeing. What are the places he must see and about how much for that?

Thanks!

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

All expenses can be very subjective.. Here is an idea of what I spend with some descriptions:

Hotel--I have booked and prepaid for my hotel a couple of months or more in advance thru gaytravelbrazil. The atlantico is currently about $115 per nite for a standard room. GTB is checking out another hotel (Atlantis Copacabana) which is about $20-$25 less per nite.

Food--again, varies upon how much you eat and drink, and your tastes.Breakfast is include in most hotel rates, as long as you get up by 10am or so. Dinner tends to be a later meal than in the states, with "dinner time" being 9pm or later. We usually had dinner at Corijinhas or elsewhere after the saunas. A single dinner at Corijinhas will run you roughly $30Reias ($17.50 US). For lunch, we either went to BigBi (a fresh juice stand) and had Acai's and little "turnover" type deals, kinda like a brazilan hot pocket, or there is a fantastic place in Ipanema with rotisserie baby chickens.. Either meal can be bought for around 12-15 Reias. ($7-$8.75). Another option available is to go to the local grocery store and/or open air markets for fresh fruit, and other items that you can keep in your hotel minibar frig. There are several "por kilo" restaurants nearby that are buffets where you actually pay by the weight of the food you take..Also there is a pretty good churrasceria near the atlantico that we tried for a late lunch one day. It ran us about 35 reias each ($20). Of course there are high end gourmet restaurants and there are quick hamburger/pizza joints..

Boys--lets start with the saunas--depending on the sauna and the day, average entrance is $25Reias ($14.50 US)..sodas run around 3.50reias ($2.00) Beer, wine and alcohol is available in the saunas as well as food. Be prepared for boys to ask you to buy them a drink, or more.. Do NOT let them get Red Bull or Gatorade if you are watching your pennies. Average programma (for a newbie) will be around 70reias ($40.00) They charge you about 5 reias or so ($3.00) for condoms and lube. Cabine (room) rental is free on certain nites, but the average is again probably 25-30 reias ($16-$20). It is up to you if you are a single time guy or if you want many sessions each day. The going rate for a sauna boy for an overnite is 150 reias ($87) and that will usually be from about 10pm till 10am, give or take, depending on the boy.

Fun--sightseeing..there are two routes to go here. you can book the "official guided tours" which will run you $50 and up per tour..or if you are adventuresome, you can talk to the front desk clerks at the hotel and arrange a taxi to take you to a couple of the tourist attractions for just a few dollars. The two main tourist attractions (IMO) are the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf mountain. If I remember correctly, it was around 15 reias ($9) for the tram that takes you up to the Christ statue...And for sugarloaf, the cable car was around 40 reias (about $25).. We did arrange a guided open-air jeep tour to the Tijuaca Rainforest thru the hotel front desk. We paid 100reias each ($58)

As I previously stated, I usually pay for my hotel several months in advance, so all I plan on is actually spending money during my stay.. For 7 days/6 nites, I would say I spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000-$1200 last year.. and that included going to at least one sauna every nite, but no overnites.

Hopefully this will help, but remember, it is just my experiences. Everyone will be somewhat different.

[Guest Pattayamale]

I am a true newbie not only to Brazil but to maleescortreview. Thanks lurkerspeaks. This is really great and comprehensive information.

I have another question about the body type of guys at the saunas. The type of guy I prefer is 18-26 with a smooth hairless body. Not knowing anything about Brazil, I have the impression that most are very muscular and hairy. What is true?

Also, I am overweight and in my 60's. One reason I love Thailand is that there it does not seem to matter. How about in Brazil saunas? Do people like me have problems picking up people?

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

the question of body type was also one that I had at first. Thanks to Tomcal, I learned that there is something for everyone in Rio..For those who like em a little more on the twink side, there will be something for you. For those who like the muscles, there will be some for you as well. For the twinks, the best bet would be to visit Meio Mundo sauna or the 117. The Pointe 202 seemed to have more muscle guys, but I was lucky on one occasion to catch a cute twink there..

As far as size/age goes, it really didnt seem to matter in rio. I, too, am overweight...and it did not seem to deter any of the boys I met...I am about to hit 50, and I was probably in the middle as far as age goes. There was the occasional 20-something as a customer, but most appeared anywhere from 40 to one step shy of death...

That is one major reason why I really like Rio.. There seemed to be so little prejudice against age, weight, etc compared to what we have here in the US.

If you have any futher questions, please feel free to ask away.. Hopefully Tomcal (the master ambassador to Brazil) will re-appear soon to help offer up more info as well.. Look back thru his pics/posts as well as my own to see some examples of the boys you can encounter.

[TotallyOz]

I am a twink lover and I have always found boys there I like that are smooth and yet manly. I don't like hair either and I have always found boys that have little hair. Some do shave it. Some are natural.

All of the prices above at great and very accurate. My only difference is I never spend that much on a normal dinner. I usually eat cheap for several nights a week and splurge a few special evenings. I always have a cheap lunch and often close to the sauna or a mall.

I never get the condom and lube from the saunas as I take my own and think the charge for it is wasted. You always have time to go to your locker in every sauna to get the lube and condoms.

If you look like a newbie, they may ask for more. It is not like Thailand in that it is up to you. You MUST negotiate the price BEFORE the encounter. They will usually go for the prices mentioned above. But, if they sense new blood, they will try to drain.

[JKane]

I have another question about the body type of guys at the saunas. The type of guy I prefer is 18-26 with a smooth hairless body. Not knowing anything about Brazil, I have the impression that most are very muscular and hairy. What is true?

Be sure to look at all the threads by Tomcal in this forum, especially the ones full of pictures! Should belay all your concerns in that regard.

I really want to go but hesitate for a couple reasons (not the least of which is being an indecisive bastard who works for indecisive bastards), this thread is helping me firm up the idea of what it will cost per week.

So far it sounds like:

$1100-$1500 round trip airfare

$800 PER WEEK for Hotel

~$1200 PER WEEK for entertainment/"entertainment"/meals

Makes me realize how overambitious my first plans for around a month there were! Yet, I don't want to spend over 10 hours each way in an airline seat (esp. coach!) for only a couple days there. I'm not too far from having 100k AA frequent flier miles again though, which would be a business class round trip for free (IF booked enough in advance). Anybody new to FF miles, there are a couple Citi credit cards you can get offering 75k (or more) miles, and you might be able to get two at the same time (look at the AA forum at Flyertalk.com)

One other concern I have is that for all the expense, hot young twinky latin (and black) guys are not something I have much trouble finding in Los Angeles. Tomcal has posted some photos from Puerto Alegre that show some nice variety there though. But intra-country flights ads a little to the expense and complexity of the trip too, and my initial plan was to visit Buenos Aires as well!

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

All of the prices above at great and very accurate. My only difference is I never spend that much on a normal dinner. I usually eat cheap for several nights a week and splurge a few special evenings. I always have a cheap lunch and often close to the sauna or a mall. ...

I forgot about another dinner option, if you are a little more adventuresome. On several occasions, after coming out of the saunas around 10pm or so, there were numerous street vendors selling tasty grilled meats, chicken and sausage, as well as other morsels. These can be had for a couple of dollars and a few will make a filling dinner. And speaking of street vendors, if you have a sweet tooth like I do, you HAVE to find the carts where they sell fresh churros. They are fresh from the fryer hot, rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with Cajeta..they are incredible..And around $1.00 US

[axiom2001]

I have a friend going to Brazil in February. He is looking to conserve money and not spend a shit load. What is the normal cost that most will spend for all their expenses in Rio?

Hotel

Food

Boys

Fun

Etc

Please include anything I have left out.

He has never been there before and also wants to do some sightseeing. What are the places he must see and about how much for that?

Thanks!

On Monday I leave for Rome and the Amalfi Coast/Tuscany. When I return in October-- I'll return to this post and respond in terms of "MUST DO's" culturally!

[axiom2001]

I am a true newbie not only to Brazil but to maleescortreview. Thanks lurkerspeaks. This is really great and comprehensive information.

I have another question about the body type of guys at the saunas. The type of guy I prefer is 18-26 with a smooth hairless body. Not knowing anything about Brazil, I have the impression that most are very muscular and hairy. What is true?

Also, I am overweight and in my 60's. One reason I love Thailand is that there it does not seem to matter. How about in Brazil saunas? Do people like me have problems picking up people?

All of the saunas that are in the key cities which have been visited by us have a variety of body types. More than likely you'll see many guys who interest you, but when you go to the saunas-- don't let the first guy who approach you take you. Observe first and see who excites you; then go for the "plunge." Don't let the guys know that it is your first time in Brazil or in the saunas; just give a nice noa and leave it at that. I found that the guys accept very simple responses.

I, unfortunately, am an overweight man who is NOT at all pleased with his body at this age. I hope to work on it, but I've never had any of these fine men "turn me down" because of my physique. In fact, I have an aversion to wearing towels; thus during my last two visits-- I've worn a nice colored t-shirt and some boxers--solid color and my own flip flops. This did not deter the "boys" from wanting to have company with me. They are there to earn $$$$'s and to provide what they consider they can "do best" to satisfy themselves monetarily and to deplete the horniness that exist amongst many of us.

TRY NOT to fall in "love!" In my seven visits in six years during this decade-- although many of the guys are quite handsome/cute/attractive and have "sweet" personalities for the most part-- I've enjoyed the "guys'" company, but I have not "fallen in love" and made a fool of myself in having the guys with me all over Rio de janeiro, buying them clothes or taking them on trips or having them contact me back in the States.

Just go and experience and make the better of all situations. <DO READ everything that is at this site as well as what is presented at Drey's site www.gaytravelbrazil.com and at www.daddysreviews.com. Do research the archives at daddys. There is a lot of "great" and helpful information; the same goes for Drey's.

Before I travel to any country now, esp. if it for culture and perhaps a few sexual liaisons-- I've have read what's available on the websites and have used this guidance; thus I've been fortunate enough not to have encountered any unforeseen or adverse difficulties.

ASK queries here or at the two other aforementioned sites, and I am certain that you will be receiving some salient answers.

[Guest FourAces]

I am a true newbie not only to Brazil but to maleescortreview. Thanks lurkerspeaks. This is really great and comprehensive information.

I have another question about the body type of guys at the saunas. The type of guy I prefer is 18-26 with a smooth hairless body. Not knowing anything about Brazil, I have the impression that most are very muscular and hairy. What is true?

Also, I am overweight and in my 60's. One reason I love Thailand is that there it does not seem to matter. How about in Brazil saunas? Do people like me have problems picking up people?

I know I have found the information in this forum to be very helpful. OZ and Lurker and others have good knowledge of Brazil however as mentioned the poster Tomcal is more on the expert line. So do read his posts as they are loaded with many important details. Also do not hesitate to ask Tomcal questions he is very forthcoming.

It sounds as if age / weight is not a big deal to the Thai boys ... and from my understanding it basically is the same in Rio. Obviously the young Asian men are wonderful looking twinks ... and many are naturally smooth. While my understanding is you will find this in Rio it won't be to the extent as you see in your home country.

[Guest FourAces]

On Monday I leave for Rome and the Amalfi Coast/Tuscany. When I return in October-- I'll return to this post and respond in terms of "MUST DO's" culturally!

I hope you have a awesome trip Be sure to give us some highlights upon your return.

[Guest Pattayamale]

This information has been great. I am really looking forward to to my trip. I went online to look for airfares from Bangkok and saw the flight is about 29 hours! One airline TMB has a fairly good fare. I notice that it is a one class (economy) airline. Has anyone ever taken this flight?

Also, I am planning on 7 days. Would it be worth it to spend 2 nights in Sao Paolo and then Rio? Of course I want to see the sights a bit but the main reason for my trip is the men.

[Guest Conway]

This information has been great. I am really looking forward to to my trip. I went online to look for airfares from Bangkok and saw the flight is about 29 hours! One airline TMB has a fairly good fare. I notice that it is a one class (economy) airline. Has anyone ever taken this flight?

Also, I am planning on 7 days. Would it be worth it to spend 2 nights in Sao Paolo and then Rio? Of course I want to see the sights a bit but the main reason for my trip is the men.

I like to fly in and out of Sao Paulo. I love the boys of Lagoa and that strategy makes for wonderful bookends on my trips. If you take the 11 pm flight out of Sao Paulo, its quite conceivable to take your luggage to Lagoa, check it, then hop in a taxi too the airport when you're done.

[Guest tomcal]

What Lurker posted above is right on! I just saw this post and I think the only things that you can probably say with certainty is 1) Hotel cost, as you know what it will be and the number of nights and 2) Airfare! The rest is so variable depending on the individual!

For example Sauna and Boys…Some of us do 3+(sometimes 6! easy to do if you do a 3way!)guys a night, others one! So the sex cost is definitely a big variable. As well at the fact that if you are known and have been there a lot you don’t get taken for the “I get 100R or more if I cum!” line which can double your costs! My friend and I usually visit all three saunas each night, so our sauna admittance costs are triple what a lot of guys costs are. We usually start at MM since it is the furthest from Copacabana and than depending on who and how many guys we find there, head to Club 117 as it is the next closest both to MM and in the direction back to Copa, and then finally Pointe 202. So roughly 5:00 – 7:00pm at MM, 7:00 – 8:00 or 8:30 at 117 and then Pointe at around 9:00. We usually leave Pointe at 10:00 to head to dinner. Now of course this timetable changes dramatically if there is no one to our liking at one of the saunas or the opposite, there are so many at one sauna that we stay, our schedule is based solely on the quantity and quality of the guys available on any given night! But a lot of guys I know only go to one sauna for the evening and go with only one guy, so their costs would be considerably less than mine. So it is really dependant on the individual when it comes to figuring average sauna costs.

Food: Food is not as important to me when I am in Rio, the Churascarias are great and inexpensive, all the beach kiosks they now have lining the beach, each offering a different specialty are good and likewise inexpensive. I guess my thinking over the past 10 years is, I can eat in nice expensive restaurants in the U.S. and take a leisurely 2 hour +dinners there, I would rather use that time and money to do things I can’t do in the U.S.!  But again this is very individual, I have one friend who loves to eat and likes going to nice restaurants in the evenings, usually at least 4 of the 7 nights in a weeks stay, so his food costs are considerably greater than mine!

Taxis- Metro Costs can add up if you take taxi’s everywhere, so learning the metro(subway) at least for going to Club 117 from Copacabana and Meo Mundo is a good idea. It is cheaper and faster especially if your going there during rush hour(we always seem to leave the hotel each day around 5:00 pm. The cost for taxi to go to Meo Mundo from the Atlantico Hotel is around $22.R vs I think $1.40 R on the Metro , so double that for round trip and after a few days the saving could pay for a number of encounters at the saunas! I would advise first time visitors to take a taxi back from MM in the evening, it’s a few blocks walk from there to the Metro in the “Centro” area of Rio and while not a dangerous area, a American will stand out. Daytime and going there not a problem.

Tourist Activity Costs: It has been a number of years since I have done the touristy things like cable car ride on Sugarloaf, statue of Christ, rain forest jeep tour, etc. so I can’t give a accurate idea of costs there. But going to the beach is cheap and to make sure nothing gets stolen take nothing with you! You can buy everything there, take $20R(about $12. U.S.) You can rent the chair, umbrella, soda, sun tan lotion, I don’t recommend bringing your ipod, one thing that is relatively common on the Rio beaches is the “grab and run” scam, young boys walk by as your talking or sitting with eyes closed in the sun, grab your phone or ipod and run thru the crowded beach, before you can get out of the low slung beach chairs they are out of sight!

If you are going to Sao Paulo than the above costs are more as the taxi costs and food costs are greater as it is so much more spread out than Rio and all the guys want $100R! The opposite is true of Porto Alegre, taxi costs are way less, as are the guys!

I also always do what Conway mentions below, I fly in and out of Sao Paulo! The reason is two fold, one the times/connections from So.Calif. to Dallas and than on to S.P. are great both ways. Both going and coming it is always a overnight flight. Usually I fly out on thurs and get into S.P. on Friday mornings and than catch the GOL flight to Porto Alegre and spend Fri/Sat/Sun nights there and take the GOL fight from P.A. to Rio on Monday morning. On my last day in Rio I catch the 2:00 GOL flight to Sao Paulo, and from the airport take a taxi to Lagoa, where they have valet luggage checkin so you don't have to worry/hassle about your luggage spend the next 4 hours there and than take a cab to the airport for the overnight flight back to Dallas.