There's a party every night in the Brazilian summer, and in Ipanema there's a party on every block. For early evening caipirinhas (limes and sugarcane liquor: Think of a sweet but mintless mojito), follow the Speedo boys from the gay beach to Bar Bofetada (87A Rua de Farme de Amoedo, Ipanema, 011-5521-2227-6992). Then cab it to Copacabana to trash it up at Le Boy (92 Raul Pompea St., Copacabana, 011-5521-2513-4993) or Le Girl (102 Raul Pompea St., Copacabana), where you can slug down local lagers and get down and dirty with the city kids.

Ipanema's gayest nightspot is on the beach block of Rua Teixeira de Melo, next to Farme. A combination of professionals, intellectuals, actors, fashion victims, gym bunnies, artists, models, fag hags, lesbians, and others keep things eclectic and always hopping. Circulate between Restô, Galeria Cafe and Spin. Dama de Ferro, on Rua Vinicius de Morais, corner of Lagoa, caters to the same crowd.

Along Copacabana beach there is a traditionally gay-friendly area known as Bolsa, near Lido. Hustlers are pretty much part of the scene, and you should keep a good hold on your wallet.

Although men dominate the Rio scene, there is quite a strong lesbian presence on too. Just don't rely on finding any specifically women-oriented venues. It's a mixed scene where everyone is happy to enjoy the nightlife with everyone else, no matter what the gender.

BITCH (location varies). This label party (circuit party) occurs every three months. The name, by the way, stands for “Barbies In Total Control Here,” a reference to the muscular “barbies” (gym bunnies) that frequent these parties. http://www.bitch.com.br

Buraco da Lacraia, Rua André Cavalcante 58, Centro. Tel: 2242-0446. This club is open Friday and Saturday, with dance floor, dark room, and even karaoke. Named after a famous dancer named Lacraia (“the centipede”). About $11 gets all you can drink. Things can get quite wild at this club, with waiters taking off all of their clothes on Fridays. Local divas often grab the mic and put on a show, while most other times there is a DJ selecting the latest pop dance remixes and dance hits to keep the crowds happyhttp://www.buracodalacraia.com

Galeria Café, Rua Teixeira de Melo 31, Ipanema. Tel: 2523-8250. This popular bar, which exhibits original works of art, has a dance floor and packs in a good-looking crowd of men from Wednesday through Sunday, particularly after 1A.M. http://www.galeriacafe.com.br, from Wednesdays to Sundays, an art gallery with bimonthly exhibitions, an open space for Bazar Galeria (performance shows by new fashion designers, always on Sundays).

La Cueva (Rua Miguel Lemos, 51/down -Copa) popular with bear crowd on weekends, younger crowd on weekdays, Tuesday nights in particular, with popular DJ's.

Pizzaria Rainbow (Av Atlantica, kiosk 8 -Copa), beachside stand, look for rainbow flag, 17 varieties of pizza, beer, until 1am.

Tô Nem Aí (Rua Farme de Amoedo 57 -Ipanema), Caipirinhas and draft beer, snacks and light fare, just off the beach, mixed crowd, patio tables on lively street.

Up Turn Bar (Av das Americas, 2000 -Barra) small locals' party bar at shopping center.