This is a sort of a slow night, and the only dance club that is open is Incontrus, in Copacabana. It is located in an interesting area, and gay kiosk Rainbow and Cafe Maxim's are nearby. You could start with a meal at one of the restaurants in the area, go for a beer or a coconut at the kiosk, and pass by or stop quickly at Maxim's (if there's any action). Do not miss the funky atmosphere of Lido, that has a famous red-light circuit with strip bars and go-go clubs. There may be working girls at the beach, and some of them are actually boys - it's hard to t end up in a penthouse overlooking the beach or Lagoa, and Brazilian hospitality is legendary. As you are in the area, you may also check Baixo Farme nearby. Bored? Take a taxi, and in 5 minutes you are at Le Boy.

We already did Ipanema and Copacabana, so it's time to explore Botafogo. Thursday is when things start to pick up around here. There are excellent restaurants in Botafogo. Choose your favorite cuisine and enjoy. You could always try Tamino, the first gay cafe that opened ground to what is known today as Baixo Gay. Our final destination is Rua Visconde Silva. Explore the gay cafes and bars, or go dancing at @Loka nearby. Not your cup of tea? Go back to one of the clubs you've already been to. For variety you may check out Bunker 94, with three dance floors. This venue, based in the old headquarters of Le Boy, is a favorite with local clubbers, and the alternative crowd. Gays and lesbians are welcome, and they're open from Wednesday to Sunday. If you are lucky there may be guest DJ's from U.S., Europe, or Australia, and/or live music presentations.

Thank God it's Friday. All clubs are open, and you do not need our help to find your way around any more. As you have already been to the major clubs and areas of interest to gays and lesbians, what about a rave party? These events usually happen Downtown or in other other areas of the city. Barbies never miss an X-Demente, but they usually happen on Saturday - and you never can never tell much in advance when. Buy the Friday edition of Jornal do Brasil (spells with an s in Portuguese) or O Globo, the two major local newspapers. Go to the entertainment tabloid, and look under Festas (Parties). If there's anything going at Cine Iris or Fundição Progresso, chances are it is worth checking out. As this is a long evening you may start in a touristy yet fun way - the Samba Show at Plataforma. Keep the classified for emergencies - escorts advertise on the next to last page.

Saturday nights always happen in Rio, one way or another. Your first choice is an X-Demente party, if there's one happening, that is. If not, try Cine Iris or Fundição Downtown. You saved the newspaper from yesterday, so you already know where to find updated info. Do ask around at gay beach, it's a good excuse to break the ice! If you are feeling a little more adventurous, we have two different suggestions. The first is Club 1140 or Stop Night, off-Barra. You will need the assistance of a local to get there, and the ride may take as long as 40 minutes. You will see a lot of new faces, though. This is where West Side gays and lesbians get down. You may always stay at Freedom in Barra (a little closer). You must have a ride back or a cell phone to call a taxi.

The other suggestion is crossing the bridge, and checking out the night in Niterói - Rio's New Jersey. Niterói is less cosmopolitan than Rio, it has almost a small-town feeling to it. Locals are very friendly. The club to go to is named A10. Take some extra money for the taxi. If this is summer, though, we take everything back. The thing to do is go to aSaunas and Theaters

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