Sao Paulo - Feb 2023 - is Lagoa worthwhile?

[KJ1993]

Happy New Year guys! After months of reading these forums and endless fantasazing I finally decided to bite the bullet and book a flight to SP ( my first ever trip to Brasil)

I'll be there in early Feb for a week  before heading to Rio for a couple days. Was really curious to try out Lagoa but recent posts seem to suggest the quality is not what is was, and may even be worth skipping alltogether.

I mean I've seen some decent options online but surely the whole point of going to Brasil trying out the sauna experience, right? 

Would be good to hear your thoughts!

[scott456]

Welcome to this forum, I see this is your first post.

[buttercawan]

It doesn't make sense to skip Lagoa even if the members here say it's not as good as before. They are comparing now and before but this will be your first visit, so it'll be totally different experience.

[scott456]

It sounds like OP already bought the plane tickets (both SP and Rio) and probably can't change/cancel it.  I am not sure what OP wants to hear if he already made the plan.  It's not like there is another/better GP sauna in SP, unless OP exclusively deals with online GPs which has problems of its own.

[Riobard]

4 hours ago, KJ1993 said:

Happy New Year guys! After months of reading these forums and endless fantasazing I finally decided to bite the bullet and book a flight to SP ( my first ever trip to Brasil)

I'll be there in early Feb for a week  before heading to Rio for a couple days. Was really curious to try out Lagoa but recent posts seem to suggest the quality is not what is was, and may even be worth skipping alltogether.

I mean I've seen some decent options online but surely the whole point of going to Brasil trying out the sauna experience, right? 

Would be good to hear your thoughts!

I am not using the temporal comparator approach, ie, ‘then and now’. I’ve clocked a few dozen visits to Lagoa over the past 13 months. Last winter I cut out two weeks of a 6-week extended São Paulo stay and moved on elsewhere, leaving some $2,000 in prepaid accommodations behind on top of bearing the cost of revised itinerary requirements, because I got tired of watching and waiting for worthwhile trade. I had just begun to dip my toes into the ad-based and spa-based options and now currently continue to breach my previous longstanding avoidance of those alternatives for programa acquisition, to my surprise more satisfying than my earlier assumptions about their merit. I typically arrange these encounters outside of the usual window of sauna venue hours, and still go to relax, gawk at the inventory, and determine if any foray outside of the Lagoa context (as you know, pricier, though that’s not much of an issue for me) were to have been needless at any given time. I also need to physically see a gogo in action before making any attempt to subsequently reach out. Not once yet have I regretted spurning the Lagoa lineup, say for example an impressive specimen turns up that prompts me to think I should have held out that day and banked on the hope of a reliable Lagoa provider that ticks my boxes. I simply have not been moved to erotic interest by the fellows working there. A person’s particular taste may make a difference. Think about the actual quantity of posters here giving rave reviews. Those numbers tell the story. Even if it’s bad form to present a view that seems contrarian to a majority, there is no guiding majority. The breadth of it is not the tip of the iceberg; it is the iceberg, and you can witness the evidence firsthand as to what proportion of clientele on site is actually hiring. Certainly no call for an in-house ophthalmologist based on the volume of positive assessments, but some might consider arranging ad hoc vision check-ups.

[KJ1993]

1 hour ago, scott456 said:

It sounds like OP already bought the plane tickets (both SP and Rio) and probably can't change/cancel it.  I am not sure what OP wants to hear if he already made the plan.  It's not like there is another/better GP sauna in SP, unless OP exclusively deals with online GPs which has problems of its own.

I guess I'm wondering if I need to temper my expectations and excitement?

I am already commited to SP but could opt for more time in Rio if the sauna scene there is likely to yield better results. 

The good news is that my airbnb in SP has no issue with guests/overnight stays but as you mention there are other variables to consider with online GPs.

[KJ1993]

2 hours ago, buttercawan said:

It doesn't make sense to skip Lagoa even if the members here say it's not as good as before. They are comparing now and before but this will be your first visit, so it'll be totally different experience.

Very true, I suppose I have nothing to compare it to other than the image I have in my head based on previous posts.

[KJ1993]

38 minutes ago, Riobard said:

I am not using the temporal comparator approach, ie, ‘then and now’. I’ve clocked a few dozen visits to Lagoa over the past 13 months. Last winter I cut out two weeks of a 6-week extended São Paulo stay and moved on elsewhere, leaving some $2,000 in prepaid accommodations behind on top of bearing the cost of revised itinerary requirements, because I got tired of watching and waiting for worthwhile trade. I had just begun to dip my toes into the ad-based and spa-based options and now currently continue to breach my previous longstanding avoidance of those alternatives for programa acquisition, to my surprise more satisfying than my earlier assumptions about their merit. I typically arrange these encounters outside of the usual window of sauna venue hours, and still go to relax, gawk at the inventory, and determine if any foray outside of the Lagoa context (as you know, pricier, though that’s not much of an issue for me) were to have been needless at any given time. I also need to physically see a gogo in action before making any attempt to subsequently reach out. Not once yet have I regretted spurning the Lagoa lineup, say for example an impressive specimen turns up that prompts me to think I should have held out that day and banked on the hope of a reliable Lagoa provider that ticks my boxes. I simply have not been moved to erotic interest by the fellows working there. A person’s particular taste may make a difference. Think about the actual quantity of posters here giving rave reviews. Those numbers tell the story. Even if it’s bad form to present a view that seems contrarian to a majority, there is no guiding majority. The breadth of it is not the tip of the iceberg; it is the iceberg, and you can witness the evidence firsthand as to what proportion of clientele on site is actually hiring. Certainly no call for an in-house ophthalmologist based on the volume of positive assessments, but some might consider arranging ad hoc vision check-ups.

Appreciate the detailed response. Thank you. This is somewhat encouraging as I too am keen to explore the ad-based and spa/massage-based options, more so as a back-up.

I like the iceberg analogy, although Lagoa's recent google reviews (if they are anything to go by) are concerning and suggest the existence of an underlying issue?

Anyway, may as well be optimistic!

[scott456]

I do have a question to OP, what is the rationale for your plan that gives SP a week, but Rio 2 days?

[babybear2]

Rio worth more days than SP 

[KJ1993]

32 minutes ago, scott456 said:

I do have a question to OP, what is the rationale for your plan that gives SP a week, but Rio 2 days?

I felt that SP had more to offer in terms of exploration, food, shopping, things to do etc. I also get the impression that its a bit safer than Rio??

And the online section of GPs seems better in SP from what I've seen although this is probably misleading. .....I also have a friend in SP.

No doubt I will return another time and spend more time in Rio and other cities. But for now I'm happy with a few pics of Rio for insta - unless I meet the love of my life there haha

[scott456]

43 minutes ago, babybear2 said:

Rio worth more days than SP 

Accomodation in SP is cheaper than Rio.

[floridarob]

The saunas could be full and you might not find someone your type....could be only a few guys and you have a great time and great sex, only takes 1 guy to change the night.

I like it when it's not crazy busy....

Keep in mind Sao Paulo is known to be one of the largest ugliest cities, but has some really good restaurant options.

[Riobard]

7 hours ago, KJ1993 said:

[snip] concerning and suggest the existence of an underlying issue

The issue, incontrovertible, is that assertions of how unbelievable you will find the talent are bang on … you would do well to be skeptical of the actual existence of a parade of genuinely hot $30 prostitutes, benignly competitive with one another for business, in any brothel anywhere in Brazil. 

[Riobard]

6 hours ago, KJ1993 said:

[snip] I felt that SP had more …

No wrong plan here. Six of one, half a dozen of another. As I said above, I ditched São Paulo for Rio a year back. I recently did the reverse. Don’t worry about FOMO. I frankly don’t grasp why attempts are made to project onto you.

[sydneyboy1]

20 hours ago, floridarob said:

The saunas could be full and you might not find someone your type....could be only a few guys and you have a great time and great sex, only takes 1 guy to change the night.

I like it when it's not crazy busy....

Keep in mind Sao Paulo is known to be one of the largest ugliest cities, but has some really good restaurant options.

The travel editor of the New York Times once described São Paulo as “ the ugliest and most dangerous city you’re ever likely to love.” Having been there 9 times I think I know what he means. 

[scott456]

18 hours ago, sydneyboy1 said:

The travel editor of the New York Times once described São Paulo as “ the ugliest and most dangerous city you’re ever likely to love.” Having been there 9 times I think I know what he means. 

Very true, dangerous + ugly, but I don't love it.  I don't even bother walking outside any more.  I just take Uber anywhere. 

[sydneyboy1]

1 hour ago, scott456 said:

Very true, dangerous + ugly, but I don't love it.  I don't even bother walking outside any more.  I just take Uber anywhere. 

I have grown rather fond of São Paulo. I feel much safer there than Rio. Tourists are sitting ducks in the Copacabana area of Rio but in São Paulo it’s a little easier to blend in. I take taxis everywhere in both cities.

[scott456]

14 hours ago, sydneyboy1 said:

I have grown rather fond of São Paulo. I feel much safer there than Rio. Tourists are sitting ducks in the Copacabana area of Rio but in São Paulo it’s a little easier to blend in. I take taxis everywhere in both cities.

With Uber, you don't need to speak a word to the driver.  But of course I admire your ability to communicate in Portuguese with taxi drivers.

[sydneyboy1]

22 minutes ago, scott456 said:

With Uber, you don't need to speak a word to the driver.  But of course I admire your ability to communicate in Portuguese with taxi drivers.

I know where you’re coming from. I always make a point of having destinations in written form, printing off addresses of venues from the internet or hotel business cards etc. I have had a few comical experiences where I have not followed this rule. I recall taking a taxi from Copacabana to the cathedral in Centro. After much ado pointing to and rattling the rosary beads he had over the car mirror when we got close to the cathedral finally did the trick.

[buttercawan]

I remembered taking a taxi for the first time alone after having dinner with 2 guys from Meio Mundo at Lapa some time ago. The taxi driver must have seen the guys I was with and motioned me to sit in front and so I did. Then he suddenly grabbed my hand and put in on this now exposed big black hard dick. It caught me by surprised and I retracted my hand. He said, nao? Still recovering from my shock, I just shake my head. Rode back to my hotel in silence. That was a weird 'encounter'

Now thinking back, he was kinda good looking. Fit mature black dude with massive dick and hindsight I should have got out of the taxi.

So ya, I now use Uber. The only taxi I take now is from the muscular taxi driver from 202. He let me play with his dick while driving me back to my hotel  🤣

[Menaughty]

So, is an uber easily available from Lagoa? I see some people mentioned in some topics that it takes long for uber to show up..is that true?

[Riobard]

3 hours ago, Menaughty said:

So, is an uber easily available from Lagoa? I see some people mentioned in some topics that it takes long for uber to show up..is that true?

1 Yes. 2 Who can actually know patience and entitlement levels? 3 No

However, due to the one-way configuration grid in the area drivers may be close but often need to position out of the way, that is, southwest of the pick-up point during heavy traffic when their origin might be east of it. The request signal transcends thoroughfare directionality. It is not a stretch to presume that some drivers are assortative based on the factors I outlined.

One can track the area for familiarity and venture to other pick-up points, so be daring or forbearing. I say daring loosely because if it’s not raining I take the Metro. I don’t live the life bordering on absurdity that some do, involving the nanny a phone essentially serves as when out and about, having travelled abroad for decades with handwritten notes. I don’t crack open my roaming plan unless reduced to ordering Über and it costs far more than the ride itself. 

Lagoa BTW has a sociable entrance concierge and patio umbrella or you can wait just inside the entrance.

[Menaughty]

11 hours ago, Riobard said:

1 Yes. 2 Who can actually know patience and entitlement levels? 3 No

However, due to the one-way configuration grid in the area drivers may be close but often need to position out of the way, that is, southwest of the pick-up point during heavy traffic when their origin might be east of it. The request signal transcends thoroughfare directionality. It is not a stretch to presume that some drivers are assortative based on the factors I outlined.

One can track the area for familiarity and venture to other pick-up points, so be daring or forbearing. I say daring loosely because if it’s not raining I take the Metro. I don’t live the life bordering on absurdity that some do, involving the nanny a phone essentially serves as when out and about, having travelled abroad for decades with handwritten notes. I don’t crack open my roaming plan unless reduced to ordering Über and it costs far more than the ride itself. 

Lagoa BTW has a sociable entrance concierge and patio umbrella or you can wait just inside the entrance.

Thanks thats good to hear. I met an escort in Thermas Barcelona from Brazil and he strictly advised me to take uber/taxi when going to sauna in brazil. 

[floridarob]

There's 2 taxi drivers outside of Lagoa on most nights. Douglas an older gentleman with a very nice car and Paulo, a louder crazy funny guy....I use Douglas to take me to the airport, he matches Uber prices. But they don't speak English I believe, Douglas might, I forget.

Also, Lagoa is in a safe neighborhood, waiting outside for a ride is no problem.