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Pristine beaches, diverse culture, beautiful people, an invigorating nightlife and exciting, over-the-top annual celebrations, such as Carnival, bring both gay and straight vacationers to Brazil by the thousands. Brazil, being one of South Americas most popular destinations for gay travel deals due to its welcoming and accepting atmosphere and large LGBT population, offers a variety of gay travel options that are appealing to both gay men and lesbians and include opportunities for exhilarating nights on the town, as well as relaxing getaways in paradise. Whether your idea of the perfect gay vacation is a week-long trek through Brazilian jungles in search of ancient ruins or lounging in the lap of luxury at an exclusive resort overlooking the beach, Brazil is sure to deliver the international gay travel experience you seek.

One of the most visited gay vacation destinations in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro, home to gay beaches, gay and lesbian clubs, bathhouses, drag shows, circuit parties and world-class recreation, shopping, dining and cultural activities that appeal to vacationers from around the world. Although Rio de Janeiro is well-known as a cosmopolitan playground for gay men, lesbians will find that most gay establishments and events in Rio de Janeiro are welcoming to lesbian women and offer special ladies nights. Lesbians will also find that, while fewer; there are lesbian clubs and establishments for their enjoyment. And, naturally, no mention of gay Rio de Janeiro is complete without the famous Carnival and New Years celebrations that provide a wide array of activities, parades and parties for gay men and lesbian women.

Although Rio de Janeiro may be the most popular gay tours destination in Brazil, there are many other options throughout the country. Many cities in Brazil, such as Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte, host annual gay pride festivals and parades and the majority of urban areas have a thriving gay community. For those who may be looking for gay vacations outside of the pride and party scene, gay travel opportunities in Brazil also include organized tours of cultural and historical landmarks and luxury all-inclusive Amazon cruises provided by tour companies dedicated to providing exceptional gay vacations to gay and lesbian travelers.

Planning a gay trip to Brazil is an exciting endeavor that is sure to lead to many memorable once in a lifetime experiences. Partaking in gay travel in Brazil is much like traveling throughout the United States when it comes to safety and necessary precautions. Just as in the U.S., some areas of Brazil will be more welcoming and accepting than others and using your best judgment in determining the safety of a given area is always a good idea. Also, for travelers interested in visiting Brazil’s bathhouses, keep in mind that Brazil, like the U.S., is combating the spread of HIV and appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure that you play safely.

To ensure a fun-filled, relaxing Brazilian gay vacation, your best bet is to work with a travel agency that is familiar with vacation packages, optimal travel dates for your vacation goals, local attractions and the particular information that is of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. Whether your ideal vacation is an adventure into the jungle, a relaxing week at the beach or a wild time in Rio, working with a travel agency dedicated to gay travel packages will allow you to sit back and relax and have the Brazilian vacation you have always dreamed of.

Spread about Brazil composed by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys produces a gay yoga retreat and information on gay spirituality.