THE STORY BEHIND OUR PROJECT
Hi, I' m Jonh a local creative and cultural editor guide based in Rio de Janeiro. With a background in Arts, culture and communication, I created Rio Gay Guide to combine my passion for the city with the desire to offer meaningful and welcoming experiences to LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world. Instead of mass tourism, i believe in human-scale experiences: small groups, personal connection, freedom, storytelling, and local immersion.
This project was born after years of traveling and realizing how rare it is to find real, updated gay guides. So I created the one I wish I had, the exact kind of guide I’d share with a friend visiting Rio for the first time or wanting to explore the city like a true local.
Everything you see here is written by someone who actually knows the city: honest, current, and completely independent. No sponsors. No ads. Just real insights from someone who lives the scene and th believes that this joy com be share around the world.
Curious about the best gay beaches, bars, pop-up parties, cruising spots, and the hidden gems that make Rio unforgettable?
%2019_12_17_8ac5790d.jpg)
%2011_19_35_5c87813f.jpg)
«I was absolutely lucky to find Jonh and to experience Rio with his guide! Rio is famous for tourism but if you want to find a real, local experience - Jonh is a guy you want to talk to! Places to party that you will never find without knowing THAT person, authentic beach corners, great places to have food and much more…»
Everything you need to explore Rio your way — local, current, and completely independent.
No scripts, no clichés — just your own tailor-made gay Rio experience, designed with local vibes and honesty.
Get access to exclusive party discounts, free invites, and a secret cruising map. Plus direct WhatsApp advice from the editor.
Can’t pick a hotel?
Let your inner pop diva decide — from Ipanema luxury to artsy Jardim Botanico.
Ready to dance till sunrise? Start with the hottest queer bars, underground parties, and local favorites.
Feeling bold tonight? Explore Rio’s most famous saunas and cruising bars — discreet, safe, and steamy.
Want something spicier? Here’s the insider map to outdoor cruising spots — updated, real, and exclusive.
Editor’s picks, hidden gems,
and weekly updates from Rio’s wildest and most authentic queer scene.
