While all of Ipanema is generally considered gay-friendly, the gayest spot on the beach is certainly at the intersection of Farme Amoedo Street, near lifeguard stand 9. This is the spot, called Farme, where you will see male and female couples

(+) More

While all of Ipanema is generally considered gay-friendly, the gayest spot on the beach is certainly at the intersection of Farme Amoedo Street, near lifeguard stand 9. This is the spot, called Farme, where you will see male and female couples interlocked amongst a fun, sexy, vibrant micro-community of sun worshippers. To get here, go the end of Farme Amoedo Street at the beach and take the "Stairway to Heaven," the stone steps that lead you toward the outdoor showers and beverage cabanas, featuring rainbow flags that fly during beautiful beach days and holidays. The best thing about Farme is that you can get virtually anything you want while on the beach. Caipirinhas are six Reais (about $3) from local stands and definitely do the trick. You can also buy stylish bikinis, called sungas, from local designers right on the beach. Vendors wrap large sarongs around you while you try on your suit, and if the beach is packed, you may even receive applause as you come out of the sarong in your new suit. When you are least expecting it, the pineapple man will come by with a hat full of pineapples and a machete, offering samples of his delicious fruit. He yells abacaxi (pineapple in Portuguese) to surprise the least-aware beach goers in the hopes of startling them and entertaining everyone on the beach. He is one of the many pieces of fabric that make the Farme such a fun, interesting scene.

(-) Close