Almost ready to book SP from 4/19 - 4/28.  Covid cases still on rapid decline in Brazil overall & SP.  Some fantastic rates at perfectly situated hotels.  This feels like perfect time to go.  Majority of trip will be architecture & museums w an occasional trip to Lagoa   Wondering if any other forum members will be there ??

I was there 2 weeks ago. Admittedly, I faced last minute and weekend rates so I didn't find any "fantastic" hotel rates; maybe I was also being put off by the rapidly increasing BRL exchange rate. Nevertheless, it was good to visit SP and also the new premisses of Lagoa (I was there once; certainly recommended).

airline tickets & hotel are 100% booked for SP & Im going.

I have all the information needed for Lagoa, restaurants, Uber/taxi and the SP basics given all the various postings here.  Have a guide hired for museums & overall city tour for 2 days.

I do need some thoughts on the more adventurous options, like Largo de Arouche bars/clubs, other sex clubs like Upgrade, Danger or Cabines Bar. And if anyone has experience at the underground sex parties like Dando or Festa Kevin ?  Yes, I know the underground sex parties are for a young crowd, but I’d like to see it nonetheless as an observer. Open to any ideas/thoughts that are off the typical tourist route, yet not too too sketchy or obviously dangerous.  I’d be accompanied by SP local if going out at night to any of the clubs.

I’m realistic about personal safety in SP, but not paranoid.  The crime rates in upscale areas of SP are less than many American cities, including parts of NYC.  And by comparison, SP has about 1/3 violent crime compared to Rio.  The São Paulo subway pics appear to show a much cleaner & safe system compared to NYC too.  

May I ask what area of SP and which hotel you chose for your stay @Slvkguy?

Hotel very close to MASP - just off Avenida Paulista 

41 minutes ago, Slvkguy said:

Hotel very close to MASP - just off Avenida Paulista 

 

41 minutes ago, Slvkguy said:

Hotel very close to MASP - just off Avenida Paulista 

(Gremlins argh cannot eliminate 2nd same quote)

But wow, should be lively. I understand that is the epicentre of delayed Carnival this year about April16-30. Rio same dates but I expect a lot of Paulistas stay for theirs. Some of the members’ fave walkable places to dine in vicinity include Spot! and Padaria Bela Paulista. You are correct, the Metro is clean modern slick safe. Consider asking your guide about Beco do Batman (Batman Alley). Probably not on his itinerary but if you are on your own on a Sunday afternoon it’s always a very festive vibe at that time and a unique experience. 

yikes - I’ve purposely avoided Carnival in Rio for years. did not know about the delayed 2022 dates.  thanks for the heads-up.  strange the guide didn’t mention anything about carnival when booking exact dates.  Appreciate the restaurant tips Riobard !

My guide says official Carnival will only be a few limited public parades & no blocos/street parties.  All events except parades will be private venues only and they are supposed to require proof of vaccination for entry. First time I’ve heard of restaurants, museums or other venues requiring proof of vaccination ??  The implication is the vaccination requirement is a logistical nightmare for the venues, so a subdued celebration expected.  Lots of conflicting information online tho - doesn’t appear to be any definitive agenda.  It’s feeling very Brazilian already…..Lagoa only references one Carnival event and doesn’t look like a big deal.  My hotel shows no special events or Carnival information.

can’t wait to see Lagoa. It looks clean & modern compared to Pointe, 117 and the others.  Happy to file some reports, although the standards set here are high….. given the writing skills/escapades/stamina of some forum members. I shall try.

 

In my 2 months there Jan-Feb the mandate was to show proof of vaccination. I always carried a paper copy expecting to need it especially when showing passport for intercity bus. It was an incidence wave peak whereas currently is a trough. I was asked to show my vaccination once only: the coffee museum down in Santos. As for Carnival, one other difference is that it begins Easter weekend and that may be a peak in revelry but I am not sure if there is the typical extended school break and general vacation period that occurs customarily at Christmas and usual Carnival. But if the seams around built-up restraint bust open at a time when COVID is in relative abeyance …  

On 4/12/2022 at 2:32 AM, Slvkguy said:

First time I’ve heard of restaurants, museums or other venues requiring proof of vaccination ??  

During my stay last month (SP + Rio) I was asked several times to show proof of vaccination at museums, sights, bars, shops, etc. I can't recall if asked at sauna. Showing vaccinations by mobile phone was accepted all places.

In Miami - next stop Lagoa 

11 hours ago, Slvkguy said:

In Miami - next stop Lagoa 

Lake Kissimmee would have been closer but I guess you want more to dip into. 

Day 1 at Lagoa - Tiradentes Dia Thursday April 21 

First time visitor to Lagoa - very easy to find and close to most major tourist hotels. They opened at 3p and I arrived about 3:15p. It was already more busy than expected both with clients & boys.  Probably due to Tiradentes Dia as a national holiday.  Check-in is easy - they did not ask for any ID or vaccination status.  Just received towels, sandals & keys with not even a question.

I can’t compare new Lagoa to previous location - the locals said they preferred original house setup, but the new location is better. Appears to be a standard trade-off for location, location, location.  As for the new facilities - it’s a vertical facility which many have commented on previously.  Termas BCN is also vertical, so that’s not an issue for me as that’s my favorite sauna.  Lagoa just seems very tight and there’s not a natural place to get to know the boys.  The bar itself was fine, but the table adjacent area didnt really do it for me. And the boys were so spread out in the facility that I had to do several laps to check them all out. By 5p, there was at least 40+ boys and an equal number of clients. I didn’t count, but very conservative. It was packed and new arrivals by the minute.

Overall, I thought it was very well done. The client locker area is completely apart from the boys (pretty standard), but they were really watching who was going in client locker room and it felt very safe & controlled.  The only downside I’d say is limited client shower areas that were just single bathrooms - it was sufficient, but not an open shower area as in many other saunas.  My best place to get the boys of choice is on the floor with the cabines - totally makes sense as the best ones usually hang back, show their stuff and are ready to go - they want to be near the clients that are actually spending money on the boys - meaning next to the rooms and the attendant who assigns the rooms.

I had two boys Day 1. first boy a very sexy Baino with an thick 8” cock. Very sweet and did exactly as I asked. He asked for 150 & I gave him 200. Next boy was very tall quiet and sexy with about 9” - again he did exactly as I asked and then some. He wanted to keep going when I was done. He had to be 6’4” and was throwing me around the bed/cabine until I just couldn’t take anymore.  He asked for $200 and I tipped on top of that because I’d definitely do it again w him.  The boys were friendly and not overly aggressive - nobody asked for more than 200. A very good selection with every type you can imagine.

I went to/from Lagoa in Uber - however, always have a plan B. Lots of Uber drivers quitting because they can’t make money with existing car leases and gas prices. The result is many rides canceled & very long wait times. So, be prepared for a radio taxi as an alternative.  The security guy at entrance to Lagoa can arrange any transportation back to hotel or wherever - appeared very well organized.

Sao Paulo feels very safe to me and only a couple areas where it felt sketchy (Se Square in front of Cathedral & one side of Estacao da Luz). I’ve been in many part of the city now and all of Downtown. That said - I probably wouldn’t go to any of these places after dark without a local. As a comparison, I live in NYC - the São Paulo subway system is cleaner & safer than NY with no question. There are many parts of Manhattan where I would no longer walk after dark either & pre-pandemic that was a minor concern.  The safety & crime issues in SP seem wildly overblown to me with just some basic precautions that one would take in any big city.  By contrast, I feel like Rio is far more dangerous with a concentrated tourist zone and easy targets. São Paulo just isn’t that way geographically and is not a big tourist city.   

And the weather is spectacular - sunny and temperatures about 78 with no humidity. Feels like LA   Way more people speak English here than expected. And I have the basics in a Portuguese - no problem whatsoever communicating. I’ve traveled the world and Rio used to be my favorite city -  it’s hard to beat for the natural beauty & the Cariocas. But, São Paulo is next level, has all the things I like & the people are every bit as kind, friendly & sexy as in Rio.  Let’s see what the next few days bring - more to follow.

1 hour ago, Slvkguy said:

 The only downside I’d say is limited client shower areas that were just single bathrooms - it was sufficient, but not an open shower area as in many other saunas.

The glass showers in the bar area is for clients to use also....I see clients in there all the time taking a shower 🤢🤮

1 hour ago, Slvkguy said:

The safety & crime issues in SP seem wildly overblown to me with just some basic precautions that one would take in any big city.

It seems that way, but 1 block the wrong way can make a big difference....I'm speaking from experience, several times 😒

5 hours ago, floridarob said:

It seems that way, but 1 block the wrong way can make a big difference....I'm speaking from experience, several times 😒

I’m sure you are right about this - it’s easy to get a false sense of security in a couple of days.  I will take that under consideration, thank you.  

Btw - the saunas are not the only options here. My scruff is blowing up & I’m 60.  Preference is still paid encounters so I can get exactly what I want.  Too many difficult experiences on apps because the expectations/agendas are not realistic.  Paid keeps it way more clean, direct & transactional.

That said, Instagram & OnlyFans creators are available here - spares the sauna experience (I do love it, but in limited quantities these days) and the uncertainly of call boys. A++++. Kind of a nice bridge between the two.  

@SlvkguyI'm reading your report with great interest since I'll stay a week in Sao Paulo from may 25th onwards. I'll be in the República area which safety wise seems 'ok' during the day, but is warned for after dark. Any experiences in that area? 

Yes - I was in Republica Square & adjacent areas on Saturday.  Very few people out & about that day in the morning - but it would be busy during the weekdays.  Looks like an area in transition, meaning it’s seen better days & now there is some new construction of apartments with new people moving in.  That area is close to several gay venues in easy walking distance, so it depends on your agenda.  My preference is definitely jardins just south of Paulista near MASP - lot of hotels at various price points, many very good restaurants at all price points, very safe and easy access to Lagoa, Maybe 10 minutes max in Uber for 12-15 reias.  Just my opinion - others may be totally comfortable in Republica.  I like established hotels with all the services in a nice area.  It’s not expensive here.

12 hours ago, snwbrdr015 said:

I'll be in the República area which safety wise seems 'ok' during the day, but is warned for after dark. Any experiences in that area? 

I stayed in Republica for a couple of days last month. I also walked around at night without issues (walking back to my Airbnb apartment at Largo do Arouche after hitting a few bars). Whilst there is a lot of homeless people in the area they are not going to bother you. At night stay on the main streets/stay away from deserted or dark streets and keep your phone in your pocket (especially in the evenings/late nights).

Republica /Largo do Arouche should be fine; I would be more concerned about walking around the Cathedral /in Centro at night or weekends because there are virtually no one (except homeless people/sketchy type of guys). At day time, especially on weekdays, Centro is perfectly fine and quite pleasant IMO.

Day 2 Lagoa - Carnivale Part 111  Saturday April 24

so, after I booked my trip, Riobard told me about rescheduled Carnivale dates in SP for April 24. He was correct, but nobody here seemed to know what was happening or when.  There were some blocos and private parties, but otherwise nothing special - just another reason for a party - which is fine by me.

I arrived at Lagoa by 3;45p and it was already crowded.  They advertised some sort of masked ball which was nowhere to be found, but dozens of garotos were already there.  Again, didn’t count but they were everywhere. Had to be more than 50 and they easily outnumbered the clients.

I had two boys. #1 was a Carioca with a beautiful thick 8” curved dick. He asked for $150 and I gave him $200.  Very enthusiastic and did exactly as was asked.  He knew what to do with the curve   Boy #2 is quite possiblly the best male specimen I’ve ever seen - 6’2” muscular but lean and tan with a smile to light up a room and a cock like an anaconda. I’ve seen a lot of dicks and this particular dick was the biggest of them all.  This was easily 11” by any measurement.  I was sure the price would be $300+ , but no, $200 like the rest and he wanted to go right away. Who could say no ? No English spoken but we figured it out. He was super fun & offered an off-site session at Bela Cintra Stay Atlantica near Lagoa.  The off-site rate was $300 for 40 minutes - very clear that it wasn’t for an hour.  Grabbed my phone and put in his number for another time. Only in Brazil 

I was worn out by 7:30p and decided to return to hotel early.  Lagoa does not disappoint. Ubers not easy to get - multiple cancellations and long waits- but they finally showed up.  As I was waited for the Uber, so many hot new garotos coming in, almost changed plans.  I have several more days & no need to rush.

totally forgot - first sex at lagoa on Saturday was with another client. A very sexy Brazilian cocksucker wanted to get a cabine.  Perfect skills and a beautiful cock too. Hairy body & very focused.  I could have shot my load then, but it wasn’t what I came for. Got some strange looks from the boys on exit. Somehow I got the same exact cabine for 3 hookups that day.   they were just changing the sheets between sessions.

2 hours ago, Slvkguy said:

Day 2 Lagoa - Carnivale Part 111  Saturday April 24

so, after I booked my trip, Riobard told me about rescheduled Carnivale dates in SP for April 24. He was correct, but nobody here seemed to know what was happening or when.  There were some blocos and private parties, but otherwise nothing special - just another reason for a party - which is fine by me.

I arrived at Lagoa by 3;45p and it was already crowded.  They advertised some sort of masked ball which was nowhere to be found, but dozens of garotos were already there.  Again, didn’t count but they were everywhere. Had to be more than 50 and they easily outnumbered the clients.

I had two boys. #1 was a Carioca with a beautiful thick 8” curved dick. He asked for $150 and I gave him $200.  Very enthusiastic and did exactly as was asked.  He knew what to do with the curve   Boy #2 is quite possiblly the best male specimen I’ve ever seen - 6’2” muscular but lean and tan with a smile to light up a room and a cock like an anaconda. I’ve seen a lot of dicks and this particular dick was the biggest of them all.  This was easily 11” by any measurement.  I was sure the price would be $300+ , but no, $200 like the rest and he wanted to go right away. Who could say no ? No English spoken but we figured it out. He was super fun & offered an off-site session at Bela Cintra Stay Atlantica near Lagoa.  The off-site rate was $300 for 40 minutes - very clear that it wasn’t for an hour.  Grabbed my phone and put in his number for another time. Only in Brazil 

I was worn out by 7:30p and decided to return to hotel early.  Lagoa does not disappoint. Ubers not easy to get - multiple cancellations and long waits- but they finally showed up.  As I was waited for the Uber, so many hot new garotos coming in, almost changed plans.  I have several more days & no need to rush.

Wow, apparently there are a lot more garotos nowadays compared to January this year. While I was there in Jan, there are only around 20 working boys at 7 pm

You made me want to visit Brazil now 

 

10 hours ago, babybear2 said:

Wow, apparently there are a lot more garotos nowadays compared to January this year. While I was there in Jan, there are only around 20 working boys at 7 pm

You made me want to visit Brazil now 

Yes, based on other members posts from weeks/months ago - I was not expecting Lagoa to be so crowded & so early.  The two visits thus far could have been crowded because both days were technically holidays.  My preference is for enough boys to make it interesting but not so full that it starts to get difficult to move around.  I’m glad I went early as there were no waits for cabines.  I’m sure that happened after I left.  When I left on both days it was beyond packed.  I also noticed a few garotos leaving the same time I did - so either they already made enough money or there was too much competition.  They all seem to be on their phones, so could be better offers outside too. 

I’ve had a couple of guys come to my hotel on the days I haven’t gone to Lagoa.  One was from the sauna and the other is a content creator that I follow on one of the sites - doesn’t even advertise as a garoto anywhere and he was the best experience by far.  Very sweet, affectionate & insatiable sex drive. 

Hotels will allow guests if it’s done discreetly, the boys don’t look out of place and during the day.  During the evening/nighttime - I’m sure it’s an absolute no unless registered as a guest.   The ability to have guests at the hotel has altered my sauna schedule for sure.  I’ll probably go tonite - not sure yet.  

Btw - the weather is still gorgeous. Sunny skies all day/everyday, no humidity and about 80. It’s perfect 

In my recent month there Über was failsafe but I did notice that many drivers’ launch points were such that a pick-up a few metres away on Bela Cintra would often be easier for them. Many requests necessitate overshooting Pedro Taques going west and doing a legal U-turn on Consolação. On the app it appeared to be a temporal crawl for the driver. If your ride is to Jardins not far away then the time to get to you may approximate the time to get you to your destination. De-incentivizing for drivers but you may prefer the doorman proximity. My sense is that drivers weigh the merits and dispatch themselves accordingly. By the time you leave most clients will have already arrived so that picking up your ride is not cyclical for the gig. 

Tuesday April 26

Boy#2 from Saturday at Lagoa just left my hotel.  He charged $350 for the visit. He insisted I gozar and made it happen.  I think he thought that might keep me out of the sauna - I mean, it’s literally just opening at 3p and now I shot my load.  That was not the plan !
 Im certain he is one of the more straightish garotos at Lagoa, definitely favelado/skater vibe.  Oddly enough, he got the most turned on when I’d say how big his dick, or how hard, or basically anything about his giant dick - in my broken Portuguese - I’ve seen a lot of Brazilian porn, so not difficult.  He’d kind of convulse and the get noticeably harder.  Do what you gotta do I always say

Not sure if I will go to Lagoa - so many options 

17 hours ago, babybear2 said:

Wow, apparently there are a lot more garotos nowadays compared to January this year. While I was there in Jan, there are only around 20 working boys at 7 pm

You made me want to visit Brazil now 

Now’s the time. In fact the volume of guys may be a soft epidemiological sign given Sampa municipal CoV incidence down 95% from then.