Gay Guide to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro's gay scene runs through the beachfront Zona Sul, with most bars in Ipanema and Copacabana. The Farme gay beach in Ipanema, marked by a rainbow flag between posts 8 and 9, is the daytime anchor, with nightlife at Galeria Café and the older La Cueva in Copacabana. Rio Pride takes over Copacabana in November, with sound trucks rolling along Avenida Atlântica. Brazil has recognized same-sex marriage since 2013, and Rio pairs its beaches and Carnival energy with one of Latin America's most visible gay scenes.