seajoc2

Interesting article in the Washington Blade today. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/18/rise-in-sex-parties-in-brazil-upends-countrys-gay-nightlife/

I used Airalo the past few times I travelled to Rio. I have an an unlocked phone with U.S. carrier and it worked fine. Easy to download/install.

I traveled to both Rio and BA in Feb 2020. It was my third visit to Buenos Aires. I find Buenos Aires to be much more tamer than Rio, however BA is more cosmopolitan than Rio, which is a more back city with a beach culture. Both are great cities to visit. I stayed at the Arc Arenales (apt/hotel) just on the outskirts of Recoleta, but in a quiet, residential area close and was very pleased with the accommodations. Large space, with good internet, quiet building, with a kitchen, & a nice sized patio facing the courtyard. Secure, modern building with a 24 hour front desk and a great value. Also, when exchanging currency (dollars to pesos) you will get a much better rate using the 'blue rate'. I exchanged dollars at a Western Union and a local cambio, and also at my hotel, for a much better exchange than the official rate.

For 2022 Carnival has been moved to late April. I would check out the blocos and bandas leading up to the main event. https://www.riocarnaval.org/rio-carnival-program/blocos-and-bandas

I was only there for 4 nights. Brought back a guest one night and it was not an issue. There was a security guard in the beach cafe, from which you could enter the hotel at night.

I don't see the mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. 4.5 rating. Mostly all good reviews. Reading into the few bad reviews (with low stars} they complain of check-in issues/room not ready, dry cleaning, & room requests. I enjoyed my stay there (first time in Rio). Hotel was reasonably priced and had a great vibe. I would probably rebook, as the AirBnB(s) I wanted to book in Ipanema had a high penalty cancellation policy.

In 2020, I stayed at the Hotel Arpoador. Recently refurbished, modern, boutique style hotel and one of the few hotels that is directly on the beach. A short walk to the Ipanema gay beach, the metro, and Spa Rio. The breakfast (included) in the beach cafe each morning was awesome.

I read it. Very interesting book.

I live in Washington, DC and have been to Buenos Aires 5x. I felt safer in Buenos Aires. Also, felt safer in Rio (ZonaSul).

from DC. I got my first shot at One Medical also.

interesting...thanks for the backstory

thanks for the info!

just made an awesome cheesecake in the Instapot.

hotties!

reactivated. Latin American forum was super helpful in planning my first trip to Rio in Jan 2020.

Thanks!

RIP

Thanks for the info!

I could not login either and had to create a new account. I still am not able to view most forums.