ClubHombre.com: 2005/04 LAguy's Sao Paulo Ins And Outs (April 2005 Edition)

2005/04 LAguy's Sao Paulo Ins And Outs (April 2005 Edition)

ClubHombre.com: -TripReports-: Trip Report Archive: South America: Brazil: 2005 Reports: 2005/04 LAguy's Sao Paulo Ins And Outs (April 2005 Edition)

By Laguy on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 03:18 pm: Edit

LAGUY’S SAO PAULO INS AND OUT GUIDE (APRIL 2005 EDITION)

Introduction

     What follows is a substantial revision, reasonably current as of April 2005, of LAguy’s Sao Paulo Ins and Outs guide. In addition to new material, the present version incorporates much of the information contained in LAGuy's Sao Paulo Casa-Mania Guide and Turk Memorial, LAguy’s Mini Casa Trip Report: R$1/2 per minute, as well as updated material from the original LAguy’s Sao Paulo Ins and Outs. However, the moving Turk Memorial is not included here; for that you will need to go back to the Casa-Mania Guide. As with the earlier version, there are gaps in the present guide—both regarding aspects of the P4P scene, as well as in the hotel and restaurant reviews section--but there are fewer gaps than in the previous version (still nothing on escorts though). Owing to the guide’s length and the objective of providing useful reference material, many of the lame jokes included in the original guide have been removed, without prejudice to keeping in a few non-lame jokes.

     A few preliminary observations: Sao Paulo (“SP”) is not a vacation destination as Rio is. There is no beach, no Sugar Loaf, no hang-gliding, no place just off the beach to hang out with fellow hombres, etc. It is first and foremost the most significant business center in South America, and (according to Frommer’s) the third largest city in the world. It is cosmopolitan with areas that have fine restaurants, upscale stores, and so forth. There are also favelas, although from what I can glean fewer in SP proper than in Rio. Parts of SP remind me of Manhattan, although there is no Times Square equivalent. But overall, it is not a beautiful city (although it has its patches of beauty), and it takes more work than Rio to figure out, both with regard to P4P and with regard to touristy things. But it has substantially more mongering opportunities than Rio, and depending on personal preference, it arguably is a better place for pure mongering.

     Contrary to popular perceptions, SP is generally a cheaper place to visit than Rio, assuming you don’t spend your time primarily at high-end hotels, restaurants, and clubs. It is true the high-end clubs are more expensive than those in Rio (and their quality is higher too), but there is an abundant middle-level scene that is either comparably priced or cheaper, depending on how you play it. Like the high-end club scene, there is both a high-end hotel and a high-end restaurant “scene” that can be expensive, and often better, than Rio. But if your tastes do not run to the extravagant, you can eat and stay in SP very inexpensively, using some of the middle-tier hotels or flats, and abundant budget-priced restaurants.

     Unlike the previous version of this guide, this one begins with general city details, such as how to get from the airports, which hotels and restaurants are recommended, taxis, the Metro, buses, and so forth. Only after this introduction to the city do I proceed to describe the scene, including discussion of more than 50 places you can P4P in Sao Paulo.

Essential Information About Sao Paulo

Airports

Guarulhos International Airport (“GRU”)

     If you are arriving from an international destination, you will land at GRU. After clearing customs you can either go directly to one of the taxis lined up in front, or pre-pay for the taxi at the taxi counter. The price should be the same although you can use credit cards at the counter. Prices to various locations in SP are fixed, and do not depend on the meter. As of March 2005, the charge from GRU to Jardins (at least to the area near Avenida Paulista) was about R$75. If you are instead headed to Centro, the price should be about the same, or maybe slightly less. To Brooklin, the area around Microsoft where the Hilton Morumbi and Hyatt are, the cost will be more, maybe as high as R$90. If you do not pre-pay at the counter, confirm the price with the driver before getting in the taxi.

     The taxi ride from the airport to your hotel (assuming it is either in Centro or the area around Avenida Paulista) should take somewhere between 40 and 80 minutes depending on traffic, with about an hour being the norm.

     Tipping of taxis is unnecessary although I sometimes round up to R$80 on the R$75 fare. Similarly, when driving around town, I usually round up to the nearest real, or if I particularly like the driver add a real or two.

     Return taxis run about the same and you should have an agreed upon price (not the meter) before leaving for GRU with your taxi.

     If you have a Diner’s Club card, you are entitled to take the free Diner’s shuttle into town (another advantage of having the card is it allows you entrance to the Diner’s Club lounge at GRU, Congonhas, and I believe the Rio airports). I don’t know the shuttle’s schedule and frankly would rather just get a taxi after the long airplane flight. There are also buses that can get you from GRU to Centro or the Avenida Paulista area, but I know very little about them.

     After arriving at GRU, clearing immigration, but before customs, you can purchase items from the duty-free store. This is different than in most countries where you can only purchase duty-free items on the way out. I sometimes will pick up a bottle of Scotch here since the prices once you get into the city will be relatively high. Note also that in SP electronic goods can cost two or three times what they cost in the States, so come prepared. If you think the prices for these goods are high at the duty-free store, wait until you hit the city itself for a real shock.
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Congonhas (“CGH”)

     If you fly into CGH you will almost certainly be closer to your hotel than if you had arrived at GRU. It should take you between 15 and 30 minutes by taxi to wherever you are going. Probably the best way to get to your hotel is to purchase a ticket at the Radio Taxi counter, just outside the baggage area, and then walk out the door to the Radio taxi line. Prices run around R$35 to R$45, depending on your destination, and like from GRU are fixed-price.

     Incidentally, if you are flying to or from other locations within Brazil (e.g., Rio), it is highly recommended you use CGH rather than GRU.

Hotels

The Mercure—Jardins

     Located at Alameda Itu, 1151, just off of Rua Augusta and three blocks from Avenida Paulista, this is my present choice as a good compromise between a budget price and comfort. If you book your room through their internet site, www.mercure.com, the rooms on weekdays will run around R$150-R$160 a night (without breakfast), with a possible price break on weekends. The hotels provide broadband connections in the rooms free of charge, although there is a charge for using their computer in the lobby. The hotel is two blocks from the Renaissance Hotel (where there is a Citibank ATM near the elevators), and about three blocks from the Metro station Consolacao. Bomboa (one of the more popular clubs for visitors) is a short taxi ride, the Rua Augusta bars are within about 15 minute walking distance, and buses run up and down Rua Augusta that can get you easily to Centro, or, in the other direction, Pinheiros,.

     Other Mercure hotels worth considering include the Mercure Downtown (not bad, although the rooms are a bit smaller and the price less) and the Mercure Trianon, which also is located near Avenista Paulista and is also bit cheaper than the Jardins property. From the Mercure website you can also book at any number of Parthenon Flats, which are adequate and generally less costly than the Mercures.

The Mercure-Downtown

     At one time the Hilton Sao Paulo, which was located in Centro, was considered a prime hotel for our hobby, owing to its close proximity to Kilt, Cocktail, Love Story, and other clubs located in the centro area. Given the poor physical plant at the hotel, I was not unhappy to hear Hilton was recently closed and is undergoing renovations to open later under a different name. For those who like the old Hilton’s location, the Mercure-Downtown is a good alternative. Usually a bit cheaper than the Mercure-Jardins, the rooms are a bit smaller. Also, the area is not as safe as that around the Mercure—Jardins, but if you are primarily interested in being in close proximity to Love Story, with easy access to Kilt, etc., this hotel should do the job nicely.

Hilton Morumbi

     The only Hilton left in SP is the Hilton Morumbi, which is one of the better Hilton’s worldwide, but unfortunately in an inconvenient location for most purposes. It is however, almost next door to Café Gauguin, and a short taxi ride to Bahamas and Moulin Rouge, as well as a few Brooklin private casas (see below). Shopping Morumbi is also nearby, a great mall with some eye candy to stare at. Congonhas Airport is not far from this hotel, making quick getaways to other cities very easy.

Additional High-End Hotels

     In addition to the Hilton Morumbi, the Hyatt is also in Brooklin, even closer to Shopping Morumbi. Moving to the Avenida Paulista area, which I consider more desirable, some recommend the Renaissance or Emiliano; but both will typically cost over US$200 a day, with the Emiliano closer to US$300. I personally believe the Renaissance is overpriced for what you get, while the Emiliano is suitable to one who wants a genuine five-star experience.

Blue Tree Hotels

     Moving back to the less expensive options, some like the Blue Tree chain of hotels but I have had significant problems at two of their properties and now refuse to stay at their hotels. Moreover, with the exception of their Paulista property (where as of last year only had broadband internet in ten rooms, and even those lucky enough to get it found it often did not work), the Blue Trees tend to be located far from Metro stations in areas I do not find very convenient.

Restaurants

     There are many economical places to eat in SP. For example, the kilo restaurants, where the cost depends on the weight of the food you choose from a buffet, often including a grill, offer good value and can be found throughout the city. On the other hand, there is an excellent selection of high-end restaurants that are competitive with high-end restaurants in major cities in the United States. The prices are not cheap, but generally the prices are a bit less than you would pay for comparable meals at comparable restaurants in the United States.

The High End

     Here I mention some of the better restaurants, suitable for special occasions, expense accounts, or those with money. The area down the hill from the Renaissance Hotel (and the Mercure-Jardins), is prime restaurant territory, which accounts for the many entries here from that area.

Antiquarius, Al. Lorena, 1884, Jardim Paulista (about 10 blocks from the Renaissance Hotel)

     Primarily a Portuguese fish restaurant, this is one of the finest restaurants in Sao Paulo. Many city residents recommend the cod fish here, which is quite good.

Amadeus, R. Haddock Lobo, 807, Cerqueira Cesar (a block from the Renaissance Hotel)

     An excellent seafood restaurant with a very convenient location. The lobster dish is very good. I also like the shrimp tasting menu when I have money to blow.

Gero, R. Haddock Lobo, 1629, Cerqueira Cesar (maybe six or seven blocks from the Renaissance Hotel)

     Excellent Italian food. They don’t take reservations as far as I can tell; if you arrive after 9 or 9:30 p.m., expect a wait to get seated.

D.O.M., R. Barao de Capanema, 549, Cerqueira Cesar

     A relatively new restaurant serving creative and tasty contemporary food. A lot of buzz about this place that is highly rated..

Baby Beef Rubaiyat, Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2954, Jardin Paulistano, and Al. Santos, 86, Cerqueira Cesar (Paraiso, three or four blocks from the Brigadeiro Metro Station)

     This high-end steak house has two branches in SP. Their sister restaurant in Buenos Aires is Las Lilas, an institution there. They get their beef from a special ranch maintained by the owner. Their lunch buffets are excellent (at least at the Paraiso location, not sure if they have them at Faria Lima); also their Paraiso location (and maybe Faria Lima) have excellent seafood dinner buffets on Fridays. An annoyance is they only accept VISA credit cards in exchange for kickbacks from VISA, a business practice I object to.

A Figueira Rubaiyat, R. Haddock Lobo, 1738, Cerqueira Cesar

     This restaurant gets a lot of play because of the huge fig tree in the middle of the restaurant and accompanying ambience. However, I was not impressed with the food, and don’t recommend the place (it is included here only because others I have talked to recommend it highly). It is operated by the same people who own Baby Beef Rubaiyat, and have the same obnoxious VISA only credit card policy. The policy is harder to overlook here where the restaurant has less to otherwise recommend itself.

Massimo, Al. Santos, 1826, Cerqueira Cesar (a few blocks from the Renaissance Hotel)

     In the running for the best restaurant in Sao Paulo, the service and food are outstanding. Wine is not offered by the glass, a problem if you are dining alone (and not a big drinker). You can easily spend $100 U.S. per person here for dinner. They do not take credit cards (at least they don’t get kickbacks from VISA to exclude other cards), so bring a lot of cash.

Other High-End Restaurants On My List

     I have not visited the following restaurants, but they look like interesting top-end choices and are on my list of places to check out: Varanda Grill (meat), R. General Mena Barreto, 793; Cantaloup (contemporary), R. Manuel Guedes, 474; Carlota (contemporary), R. Sergipe, 753; Laurent (French), Al. Lorena, 1899; Café Antique (French), R. Haddock Lobo, 1416; Fasano (Italian), R. Vitorio Fasano, 88; La Tambouille, Av. 9 de Julho, 5925.

A Step Down, But Worth a Visit

Arabia, R. Haddock Lobo, 1397, Cerqueira Cesar (approx. five or six blocks from the Renaissance Hotel)

     I tried this place once, and had some very flavorful Middle Eastern style food. The staff is very helpful, and the food doesn’t dent your wallet quite as much as many of the other restaurants in the area. Based on quality and staff, this restaurant almost made it to my “A” list.

Galeto’s (multiple locations)

     This chain is throughout SP, (including one about a block from the Renaissance Hotel) and offers as its specialty chicken, with the steaks a close second. I enjoy the place and recommend it for non special occasion meals. Dinners run between $10 and $15 U.S.

Bar Brahma, Av. Sao Joao, 677

     This bar/restaurant is an interesting place in a slightly dicey area of Centro, not far from the Teatro Orion, and Avenida Iparanga. The place has character, a sense of history, and the food is reasonably good. On Sundays they have jazz performances in the afternoon, worth a visit if you are in the area.

Fogo de Chao (multiple locations)

     There are three branches of this churrascaria in SP, and some in the U.S. as well. Visiting at least one churrascaria is a requirement for all red meat eaters who visit Brazil, and any of the restaurants in this chain are certainly candidates for the honor. Waiters will bring all sorts of cuts of meat (and chicken and maybe fish) to your table and you take as much as you want when you want it, all for a fixed price. Many members of this board frequent Fogo de Chao, some to the point of making it their preferred restaurant in SP. Just be sure to show up hungry.

Vento Haragano, Av. Reboucas, 1001, Cerqueira Cesar (not far from Bomboa)

     Another fine churrascaria, arguably a small step up from Fogo de Chao but many would disagree. They run free shuttles from the hotels in the area (including the Renaissance), although I believe there need to be a minimum number of people (maybe 2?) before they will dispatch a shuttle to your hotel.

Jardineira Grill, Av. Dos Bandeirantes, 1001

     This churrascaria, also in the top tier, is convenient to Hilton Morumbi, a short taxi ride. Going in the other direction, it also is not far from the Blue Tree Faria Lima, which is located towards the end of the street Brigadeiro Faria Lima (I don’t recommend this hotel though). This restaurant is definitely worth checking out if you are in the Brooklin or Vila Olimpia areas.

Margherita, Al. Tiete, 255, Cerqueira Cesar (3 or 4 blocks from the Renaissance Hotel)

     A well-known pizza joint that is usually very busy and is well-known in SP. Many types of quality pizza and related food, along with a lively (albeit somewhat family) atmosphere.

Taxis

     Taxis in SP are more expensive than in Rio or Buenos Aires. Perhaps as a result, the taxi drivers seem more honest and less apt to scam you although there may be the occasional taxi driver who won’t take the most direct route to your destination (there is also the possibility this will happen because the driver genuinely does not know the best route, something that can happen in a city as large as SP).

     As of April 2005, taxi fares start at R$3.20, and quickly increase with time and distance. The meter has two scales that determine the speed at which the fare increases on the meter, “1” for daytime operation Monday through Saturday, and “2” for operation from (I believe) 8 pm to 6 am Monday through Saturday, and all day Sundays and holidays (the times given are to the best of my recollection). If you are using a taxi during a “1” time, make sure the driver has it properly set (you will be able to see the “1” or “2” on the meter. Most taxi drivers do not speak English.

Metro

     The Metro is a modern efficient system worth using if you and your destination are close to a Metro station (or within an easy taxi ride). Given the horrendous traffic problems that plague SP, the Metro often is not only substantially cheaper, but also substantially faster than taxis. To my eyes the Metro seems relatively safe. Unfortunately, the Metro closes around midnight but re-opens sometime around 5 a.m.

     I particularly like using the Metro to get within a R$15 taxi ride of Connection; the best station to get off and take a taxi from is probably Tatuape although Carrao also works.

     The cost of riding the Metro presently is R$2.10; it does not matter how far you go or how many transfers (among the three lines) you make, the price is the same. You can save a little money, and a lot of time waiting on lines for tickets if you buy the 10 ride “multiplo” ticket for R$20. Your ticket is used only for entrance to the Metro system; you do not have to use it to leave your destination station. There are many free metro maps available at hotels, tourist kiosks, and so forth, but your best bet is probably a map that includes both the metro stops and the surrounding streets, such as the map named Nova Sao Paulo (see below).

     For additional information about the Metro, as well as a Metro map, see http://www.urbanrail.net/am/spau/sao-paulo.htm or http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/ingles/index.asp, the latter also having general information about Sao Paulo, including tourist attractions close to the various Metro stations.

Buses

     There is an extensive bus system in SP. The cost of a bus ride is R$2. As best as I can tell, there are no transfers from bus to bus so each leg of your journey will add R$2. However, there are so many buses going to so many places I suspect you can often find a single bus that will take you where you want to go, particularly if you are leaving from a busy street or bus station. It may, however, be difficult to get information about which bus to use to get to a particular place since in my experience hotel staff are not very knowledgeable about the bus system. If anyone has additional information on the bus system that might help, such as a website that allows you to enter your departure place and destination and receive information on which buses to take, please let us know. Similarly, if I am wrong about there being no transfers, let me know that also.

     To my experience and knowledge, SP buses are not dangerous in contrast to Rio buses, although you should still keep close watch on your wallet if standing in a crowded bus.

     As a potentially useful aside, when I stay at the Mercure-Jardins (at Rua Augusta and Alameda Itu), I often use the bus to get to the clubs on Rua Augusta, to go to Praca Republica (in the middle of Centro), or to go to Pinheiros and some of the casas or lower-end clubs there. The 702P goes up and down Rua Augusta and will get you to each of these places as well as very close to Kilt, Cocktail, Vargao Plaza, and that area. The 107T also gets you to most of these places, although perhaps a stone’s throw further from the Kilt area, Big Ben, and possibly Praca Republica.

A Super Superstore

     If you need any of the following: computer or printer supplies (such as photo paper), cables, DVDs, CDs (Brazilian music is great), digital camera supplies and so forth, FNAC, with two branches in SP, is worth knowing about. It also has a Fran’s coffee shop inside. The most accessible (depending, of course, on where you stay) is at Avenida Paulista, 901, a couple of blocks from the Citibank ATMs. (FNAC is easy to miss as the entrance on Avenida Paulista is below ground, requiring walking down some steps to enter the front door. The other FNAC in Sao Paulo is at Av. Pedroso de Moraes, 858, not far from the Pinheiros casas, the Freelancer Bar, and the Love Night Boite (see below). Note however, that when it comes to technology and technology related accessories, you will pay much more in Brazil (this doesn't apply to CDs or DVDs) so you are better off coming prepared. As to DVDs, I purchased a number to help with my Portuguese (you can either listen in Portuguese and read the English subtitles, or vice versa). But, most of the DVDs other than Brasilero music DVDs are encoded for Region 4 DVD players only, and therefore will not play on DVD players made for the United States market. (Region 1). If you want a work-around, go to someplace like Ebay and search for "multi region DVD" or maybe "all region DVD" and you will likely see a large number of DVD players that will work with both U.S. and Brazilian DVDs. They are not terribly expensive and not a bad thing to have, particularly if you plan to make many trips to Brazil.

Maps and Misc. Information

     Sao Paulo is a huge place, and unless you are going to rely on taxis to go only to the most popular locations (which the taxi drivers will know) a good map is invaluable. One of the problems though is most of the maps, particularly but not limited to the freebies, will only focus on portions of the city, and often without including the names of all the side streets. In addition to a freebie map, or one that focuses on the city center, I recommend that once you are in Sao Paulo you purchase a map put out by Geomapas entitled Nova Sao Paulo (there are other Sao Paulo maps put out by this company, such as one for the entire state; make sure the one you purchase says Nova Sao Paulo). You will be able to find just about everything you need on this large, detailed map, although you may need a magnifying glass to read everything. It is available at some of the finer bookstores and/or superstores, including FNAC, and possibly at some newsstands.

     In addition, another useful (and free) resource is a throwaway magazine available at many hotels called "Magazine: Hotel and Travel Guide." It includes maps of many of the areas in Sao Paulo, as well as a lot of advertisements for places of interest, including some of the mongering places mentioned in this report. Note that while the last half of the magazine deals exclusively with mongering places, occasionally, a hotel will razor blade this section out, but this is rare. If this should happen to you though, ask for a complete copy. Be aware though that some of the hotels are more likely to give you "Sao Paulo this month", which includes some maps but significantly less mongering information than ”Magazine."

     In addition to maps on paper, there are websites that help you locate specific addresses in Sao Paulo (as well as other places). Try the following, http://mapas.terra.com.br/, http://www.maporama.com/share/ and http://maplink.uol.com.br/index.asp. Note that many of descriptions of P4P places described below include detailed directions. However, since discovering the mapping sites, I decided not to include detailed directions with the newer entries into the guide; I’ll let you do the work instead.

The P4P Scene

     The scene in SP is unbelievable, something I cannot adequately convey in this guide. Having said this, the scene frequented by foreign hobbyists tends to be limited, although not necessarily so. The reason is there are a limited number of popular clubs that get attention on boards such as this one, e.g., Bomboa, Café Photo, Bahamas, and sometimes Kilt, Connection, or Café Millenium, the former group being the more expensive. In contrast, I rarely go to these clubs, most particularly Bomboa, Café Photo, and Bahamas, which is not to say I condemn them. I tend more towards to the middle-priced, and even budget places, where the sessions can be very good without creating major dents in the wallet. Thus, while this guide will include information about the higher-end places, keep in mind my experiences at them are somewhat limited.

     Check out www.gpguia.net, a highly-recommended Brazilian board, to get a sense of the range of opportunities in Sao Paulo (it is in Portuguese, but even with minimal Portuguese you should be able to get a lot from that board). For example, under the prives (aka casas) category there are more than 200 listed, and their list is not complete. Under Boites (bars or clubs with women available) there are presently more than 150 listed, and that list is also not complete. This is not to say every place listed is worth going to, but it is clear there is an extremely large SP scene, most of which does not get much play from foreigners. But, importantly, unlike many other parts of the world there are virtually no restrictions on foreigners entering and enjoying these places, and you will generally be welcome and treated fairly even if your Portuguese language skills are rudimentary.

     Note also while I don’t cover escorts in this guide (largely because I haven’t used them in SP) there are literally hundreds upon hundreds listed and reviewed on gpguia. Given the escort scene in Sao Paulo has produced its share of horror stories (i.e., along the lines of less than stellar performances, or the wrong (much uglier) escort showing up at the door), it is particularly helpful to check the ratings of individual escorts on gpguia before ordering out.

An Outline Of What Follows

     I have re-ordered the topics in this version of the guide, and now begin with a discussion of a few Mid- to Higher-End clubs. In many ways this section may be the least useful since it duplicates information that is for the most part readily available elsewhere, and it also does not focus on where I spend most of my time. Note that while Kilt, Cocktail, and Vargao Plaza could have been included in this section as they are mid-level clubs, I chose to include them in the section on the geographical area known as Centro, which follows the Mid- to Higher-End club section. The Centro discussion includes information about the Rua Augusta bar and sauna scene, a few Consolacao lower-end places, the mid-level clubs on Rua Nestor Pestana, including Kilt, Cocktail Vargao Plaza, and Big Ben.

     The discussion of Centro is followed by a listing of some neighborhood boites (with garotas and rooms) outside the Centro area; these are primarily for locals, but can be a lot of fun. Next a limited discussion of a few massage parlors, such as Antares, where you can get a decent massage along with sex. I have not frequented any of these in the last six months or so owing to my conclusion the casas are more cost effective and interesting to explore. But the massage parlors still give reasonable value, and I doubt they have changed much since I last visited them (note also, I only visited a limited number, opting only for those that provide all services for a fixed fee, without requiring an additional fee or negotiation for extras (with the exception of anal).

     After the massage parlors, there is an extensive section on the prives aka casas, evidencing the work I have done to get the background material necessary for this guide. Hey, it may be hard work but someone has to do it.

     The last section of this guide discusses the streetwalkers in Liberdade, and then, of course, there is the closing salutation.

A Word About Photographs

     Although for personal reasons I don’t post pictures, I love to take them. I also recently acquired a small-sized quality video camcorder, and have begun taking videos as well. My experience is the garotas at the higher-end places tend to be more protective about photographs and videos, and it often is difficult to get them to pose, or, at least, pose without their clothes on. This is probably one of the reasons I gravitate to other places. I have also found a greater level of photo resistance at the massage clinics, although my experiences there have been highly varied in this regard. In contrast I have had fairly good luck at the Rua Augusta places as well as the mid- to higher-level casas and lower-end bars.

Mid- And Mid/High-End Clubs

Bomboa, www.bomboa.com.br
(Click here for Bomboa discussion)

     Bomboa was one of the first places I visited in Sao Paulo. Their website (link above) includes its location; it is a few blocks from Avenida Paulista, not that far from the Clinicas Metro station. It is a large place with a fairly high number of garotas in dresses, bathing suits, and so forth. There is a relatively high entrance fee, which recent posts suggest may have gone up to R$70. This charge is, I believe, actually a minimum consumption charge so your first R$70 in drinks and food are charged against it; I don’t know if your room fee can be charged against it.

     The procedure is to negotiate with the garotas for one-hour sessions; usually you end up paying the garota somewhere around R$150-200. In addition you pay the house for the room, somewhere around R$100 for the hour.

     The problem I had with Bomboa is the two sessions I had were among the most uninspired and boring sessions I have had in Sao Paulo. It also took me quite a bit of time to find a garota I was interested in having a session with. I was not there during prime time, however. I visited once on a weekend, and I believe on a Friday night (which in Sao Paulo tends not to be prime time). Others have had better luck, presumably at better times.

     By the way, there is a metal detector at the door, and a digital camera in your pocket will likely set it off. However, while this happened both times I visited the place, the doorman let me go in without any inspection both times. I suspect YMMV on this, but whatever you do, don't assume or act like you've been busted by the metal detector; if you remain cool and look reasonably innocuous, you'll probably get through (with a digital camera in your pocket) without a problem.

Connection Night Club www.connectionvip.com.br
(Click here for Connection Night Club discussion)

     I love this place. This is a great bar, with many attractive garotas, a pleasant staff, and some perks adding to the value you get there. As is the case at many of the mid-level clubs, there is a small indoor swimming pool that no-one seems to use; perhaps this is a requirement in order for them to operate as a health club, or some other such thing (I am only speculating). There are pool tables near the entrance, and on-premises rooms (equivalent to terma suites with hot tubs). The minimum consumption charge is R$50 (R$40 on Saturday and Sunday) and a one-hour session with a garota runs R$220 per hour all-inclusive. The one-hour session charge counts against your consumption charge, so if you go there, have a session, and consume nothing (no drinks or food) you will pay a total of R$220. Unlike a typical Rio terma, the men keep their clothes on in the bar, i.e., there are no robes. There are also a few go-go stages where garotas dance on and off.

     Make sure you bring your id. with you as it is requried for entrance to the club (it is sometimes possible to talk your way around this, but it is easier to bring along id). I have found my U.S. driver’s license works fine for this purpose.

     How to get there: It is located at Av. Dr. Eduardo Cotching, 1,178, Tatuape, Sao Paulo. To save on the taxi fare (and also to avoid traffic delays) take the Metro to the Tatuape station, and take a taxi from there for around R$15. As you exit from the Metro station, you should head right and then after a short distance take the rampway down to the left. At the first street you see (the street you are facing as you first start going down the ramp) you will see a number of taxis lined up. After leaving Connection, you can, of course, do this in reverse, so long as the Metro is still running. Otherwise, you may be looking at somewhere around R$50 to $R60 for the taxi back, depending, of course, on where you are going.

Baco's Nightclub, www.bacos.com.br
(Click here for Baco's Nightclub discussion)

     This is another bar worth checking out, although it is far from the center of Sao Paulo. It therefore should not be high on the list for a short visit to Sao Paulo, nor would it be cost-effective for one person (or even two) to take a taxi there. A taxi there can be very expensive, particularly because it is out of the city limits and taxis can surcharge you when they leave the city. It is perhaps 30 - 45 minutes outside the center of Sao Paulo depending on traffic. Your best bet is to only go there if you find someone who is driving.

     Baco's is owned by the same person or persons as Connection and Café Millenium (see below), and is similar. There are rooms on premises, but the charge is a bit less than Connection. These days the price appears to be R$180 per hour session, all inclusive. . There is a minimum consumption charge of around R$40 to R$50 but this can be applied to the room charge.

     Like Connection there is a bar with a stage for some dancing by the garotas.

     Ditto with regard to what was said with regard to Connection about bringing id. with you to the club.

     Location: Check the website. Best way to get there is (as noted above) to find a Brazilian with a car who knows where it is located and would allow you to tag along. Or, get a few of you and negotiate for a reasonable rate there (I’m not sure what that reasonable rate should be however. Also, you may get stuck with a high taxi fare back).

Café Millenium, Rua Coronel Diogo, 1199, http://www.cafemillenium.com.br/
(Click here for Café Millenium discussion)

     I have only been to Café Millenium once, but also have heard a lot of favorable comments from others about it. The setup is similar to Connection, although from what I gather you need to agree on a price with the garota, which usually will be around R$150, although my sense is if you want anal and the garota consents, you may have to tack on another R$50. The room runs an additional R$70, and I believe there is a R$70 minimum consumption charge. I do not know whether having a session and paying for the room satisfies the minimum consumption charge.

     The location of the club is generally more convenient than Connection’s and some patrons seem to prefer Café Millenium, although I don’t think I do. It is presently one of the preferred clubs in SP. As with Connection, make sure you show up with your id.

Tivoly, Ave Pompeia, 992, www.tivoly.com.br
(Click here for Tivoly discussion)

     This is a mid-level club, maybe tending towards the lower end of such clubs, and like many of the other Sao Paulo clubs, it is more spacious than your typical Rio terma. As you enter the premises, after passing the cashier you will find yourself in a room with a bar on one side, and couches on the other. Straight ahead is a pool room in two senses of the word. There is a pool table and a small swimming pool (with some tables around it) as well a food counter in the back. Go a little further and there are showers and a sauna, although during my three visits to the club these were not used by anyone.

     The cabines have double beds, televisions, and attached bathrooms with showers. The rooms are better than a 40-minute cabine at a Rio terma as well as some of the 60-minute so-called suites in Rio; they are not quite as good as the cabines at Connection (no whirlpool, unlike Connection) in SP or the 60-minute suites at Solarium in Rio, for example.

     The garotas vary including more uglies than I would like to see at a place like this, but there are usually enough attractive ones to make a visit worthwhile. If www.gpguia.net is to be believed, as they usually can be, most of the garotas do anal and BBBJ. When there I have seen a mixture of white garotas, mulattas, and a couple of black garotas. None had serious weight problems, although maybe 20-30 percent could afford to lose four or five pounds. Most paraded around in skimpy bathing suits or equally revealing outfits.
     If you get there at the right time, which may be around 9 – 10 p.m., you will find between 20 and 40 garotas, amongst fewer men. I have been told there sometimes are as many as 70 garotas working on weeknights, although I have not seen this.

     Consumption charge is R$40, which counts towards drinks and possibly the room if you don't drink; the garota charge (including room) is R$170 per hour. Everything can be paid by credit card when you leave. If you bring your own condoms, you should make them take the condom charge of R$1 per session off the bill (I know this is basically no money at all but the principle of adding this charge even if you use your own condoms bothers me).
     To get there, I took the Green Line Metro to Vila Madalena, about a five or six minute ride from Consolacao (which is the stop on Avenida Paulista near Rua Augusta), walked half a block to Avenida Pompeia, made a right onto Pompeia (where the Fran’s Café is) and then took the bus from the stop in front of the gas station. Some of the buses make a hard right turn perhaps three or four blocks before the club (in which case you should get off and walk), others go right to it. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Vila Madalena metro station, or from your hotel.

Café Gauguin, Rua Arizona, 1550, Brooklin (near the Hilton Morumbi)
www.gauguin.com.br
(Click here for Café Gauguin discussion)

     This club is very convenient to the Hilton Morumbi, within a couple of blocks, on the same side of Berrini. Despite its close proximity to the hotel I used to stay at regularly, I never frequented the place owing largely to some unfavorable reviews I had read. Having now gone there once, it is IMHO an adequate club that one probably should not travel to, but it may be worth a stop if you are staying in the area. It probably is a bit better than indicated in the unfavorable reviews I previously read (not necessarily on this board).

     There now are on-premises rooms that cost about R$80 per hour, and you must separately negotiate with the garotas for their services. My best sense is the average garota cost will be around R$200, with some chance of negotiating it down to R$150, and a greater chance the garota will ask for more than R$200 as an opener. They have rotating strip shows. There are some attractive garotas there intermixed with a fairly large number of unattractive or decidedly average garotas. There is a cover charge—I believe in the range of R$50—although I do not know whether it is a minimum consumption charge or a cover that does not count towards drinks.

Terma Eu & Elas, Rua Pires do Mota, 494
(Click here for Terma Eu & Elas discussion)

     I was there from about 9 to 11 p.m on a weekday. I previously thought it had potential given (1) good reviews on www.gpguia.net, although primarily from two or three reporters, and (2) they claimed the girls were topless, thereby raising the prospect of a near FKK experience.

     Despite good reviews on the Brazilian board I was quite disappointed by this club, and don’t recommend it. Keep in mind though I only visited once, but it was during what should have been prime time, Tuesday from 9 to 11 p.m.

     The entry fee was R$79, which included two regular drinks (e.g., beers, national whisky, etc.) and use of the facilities. There was a lame steam room and a lame sauna, and a mediocre buffet. The so-called suites cost R$59 per hour, although they were low quality. What apparently qualifies them as suites is there is a shower and bathroom, whereas this is not the case with the regular rooms, which cost about R$39 for the hour..

     In addition to the room fee, you must negotiate with the garotas for their services, something that I prefer not to do, particularly since lack of expertise in Portuguese, or simply not being a Brasileiro, can put you at a negotiating disadvantage. The garota I negotiated with originally wanted R$200, but we settled on R$150 for the hour, which is probably towards the high end at this club. She allowed photos and was reasonably attractive although not strikingly so. Brief BBBJ and then the main event. She did not allow a second round, something I find objectionable with one hour sessions, at least in Brazil. She also wanted an incredible R$200 more for anal sex, a record in my experience (and, of course, I refused). Although it is possible your luck would be better, I did not see any other garotas on premises who looked any more promising. With the caveat I was only there once, I do not recommend the place.

Moulin Rouge, Av. Dos Bandeirantes, 2217, Moema
(Click here for Moulin Rouge discussion)

     This is a bar located in Moema, not too far from the domestic airport (Congonhas), or from Bahamas, a high-end (and some would say rip-off) place I have never visited and therefore do not review here. Moulin Rouge is also relatively close to the Hilton Morumbi, although not in the same immediate neighborhood. It is a bar with rooms on premises, like Connection and Baco's, but does not reach the same level of quality. The one time I was there for any extended period, I came very close to leaving without taking a session (a rarity for me, at least after investing a lot of time at a place), but finally found a garota to my liking (although no stunner); the other time I was there it was only for a quick look and see with some friends; there were a few acceptable garotas but nothing to write home about. .

     As of perhaps six months ago, there was a minimum consumption charge of around R$33, rooms cost around R$45 per half hour, or R$65 an hour, and the garotas go for whatever they think they can get. The one session I had there I paid the garota R$120 per hour, which I suspect is about right (but no bargain when you add the room rate). Another garota, who was barely doable, said she wanted R$200 per hour, obviously thinking I was a dumb gringo. I didn't particularly like her attitude, and therefore didn't bother to negotiate, and rejected her later attempts to lure me with a lower price. Anyway, it is possible to have decent session here with some work, but in Brazil that is hardly a recommendation. Having said that, Moulin Rouge does have its fans, including here on this board.

Café Photo, Av. Hélio Pellegrino, 480, http://www.cafephoto.com.br/
(Click here for Café Photo discussion)

     Cafe Photo is a mongering institution in Sao Paulo. Now that it is virtually impossible to determine where the latest version of W resides (it seems to be going through all sorts of address and ownership changes), Café Photo is probably the place to go for top class talent; or so the reputation goes. I have only been there twice, at less than prime time in both instances. So, I can’t say I have experienced Café Photo at its best. Having said that, the two times I went there I was not overwhelmed by the selection, at least given the prices that are charged here..

     The cover charge is a steep R$160, which entitles you to four bar drinks of your choice. I believe you can use these for ladies drinks as well, although I am not certain about this. The garotas are dressed up in evening gowns and the like; most seem to speak English. There is usually a decent band. There are no on-site rooms. You have to negotiate price with your garota, but there are no additional fees for the bar (such as a bar-fine for her leaving with you).

     It seems that many of the garotas are charging around R$400 to R$500 for a couple of hours, although I suspect this is negotiable downward in some cases. A bit more for all night, although again possibly subject to negotiation.

Bahamas, R. dos Chanés, 571, http://www.bahamasclub.com.br
(Click here for Bahamas discussion)

     I have never been to Bahamas but it is one of the more well-known clubs in SP. Purportedly toward the top end, one of the reasons I have not gone there is it sounds a bit like it is for people who have too much money to burn, the same one’s who might go to an expensive gentlemen’s club in the U.S. The problem I have with such places is not the prices, but the attitudes, both from staff and garotas. Some people swear by the place though, and any opinion I have has not been informed by a visit there.

     As best as I can tell entry is around R$100, rooms around R$70, and you negotiate the price for the garota, somewhere around R$200 and up. It appears they are now open Sunday, but I would check with them first before making the trip.

Musas, Ricardo Jafet, 5
(Click here for Musas discussion)

     I haven’t visited this boite but got the following information from a post on this board by Stayawayjoe (Feb. 25). To get there take the metro to the Santa Cruz metro stop and then a taxi for 10 minutes (about R$15). The entrance fee is R$20 and the boite is the size of a Rio terma. The one garota tested asked for only R$100 and the room cost R$60 per hour; for that you got a large room with a shower and jacuzzi. Girls' drinks cost R$25.
     I still haven’t checked the place out but intend to as the rest of Stayawayjoe’s review was positive. I’ll report my impressions one I do. Thank you Stayaway!

Centro

     Centro can be dangerous, particularly at night, so appropriate caution should be used in the area. However, there are some worthwhile places there, and it should not be written off. There are two well-known mongering areas in Centro-that on Rua Nestor Pestana and that on and around Rua Augusta. There are also a couple of idiosyncratic places in the general area-Teatro Orion, and 8 floors of whores-that I will discuss as well as a few bars on Consolacao, a main street that runs parallel to Rua Augusta, three or four blocks away.

Rua Nestor Pestana Clubs

     This area, near the former Hilton Sao Paulo (now closed), has a number of mid to mid/high level bars with shows and available garotas. I have visited Cocktail (Rua Nestor Pestana, 189; Click here for Cocktail discussion), Kilt www.kiltshows.com.br, (Rua Nestor Pestana, 266; Click here for Kilt discussion), and Vargao Plaza (Rua Nestor Pestana, 237; Click here for Vargao Plaza discussion). There are perhaps three other similar bars all within a block of each other.

     Inside the clubs, which are reasonably upscale, there usually are somewhere in the range of 25 to 75 garotas, depending on time of day and day of the week (many of the clubs in this area are open seven days a week; they tend to open around 9 p.m. but are dead until maybe 10:30 or 11 p.m.). There are one or more go-go stages upon which the garotas dance, with an occasional male/female sex show thrown in. A significant limitation of most of these places is they do not have session rooms so take out is the only option, either to your hotel or to a local love hotel. An exception is Kilt, which has curtained booths upstairs, but no rooms, although recently Cocktail supposedly was in the process of adding some; I don’t know whether they ever actually did.

     Generally, you are expected to pay for one garota drink before she can leave with you. The garotas tend to be available for three hours, although some will go for the night. Prices tend to be in the $R150 range (at least after some negotiation) but the real lookers, particularly at Vargao, will probably want more. Although this is a matter of personal opinion, I find the garotas at Vargao the most attractive, and the general atmosphere at Cocktail the most comfortable.

     There is a minimum consumption charge at each place, with Kilt's being the highest (around R$50). These places are probably worth a visit, particularly because they are all close together and it is possible to shuttle from one to the other easily (although you will end up paying multiple consumption charges).

Rua Augusta area
(Click here for Rua Augusta discussion)

     Within easy walking distance from Kilt is Rua Augusta; in fact Big Ben, a club discussed below, is at the foot of Rua Augusta, maybe six blocks from the prime Rua Augusta area. The safest way to get to Rua Augusta if you are walking (note, there probably is no really safe way, short of a taxi), is as you are leaving the front door of Kilt, take a right for about 1/8th of a block, then a left on the street you hit (something like Rua Martinho Prado); the next street will be Rua Augusta and you take a right heading up a hill. Alternatively you can take a shortcut through the square, heading in the direction of Big Ben, which on Rua Augusta and which is obvious from the Big Ben clock that forms part of the building.

     The clubs of interest on Rua Augusta are primarily in the six and seven hundred block, mostly but not entirely on the left-hand side as you walk up the street (in addition though, I recently saw quite a few streetwalkers around the 1200 block shortly after midnight). Some of the clubs open in the afternoon, although usually with a greatly reduced staff. Some are also open on Sundays.

     Rua Augusta is not high-end stuff, but not as low-end as the R$1 per minute places in Rio or places like Vila Mimosa or 7or 8 Floors of Whores (see below). The greeters at the front doors often have suits and ties, and the bars generally are not bad, although clearly a step down from Kilt, Cocktail, and Vargao Palace. You may have to look harder for an acceptable garota at many of these places than at expensive places, but there definitely are diamonds in the rough to be found here, and it often doesn't take a great effort to find one. Moreover, I find there are fewer hardened garotas at most of these places than at the more established clubs.

     Once you hit the 600 and 700 blocks, virtually every bar has garotas and rooms available. Usually they will try to get R$10 for an entrance fee, which will entitle you to two beers or mineral waters. I almost always counter with R$5 for one beer/mineral water and they almost always accept. The one exception is when I go to Balneario Sauna Mista, I opt for the sauna, which costs $R20 with one drink. Alternatively, they let you in for R$10 with two beers/mineral waters included, but for some reason I have never negotiated with them on their entrance fees.

     Sometimes you can talk the doorman at a club into letting you check out a place for a moment without having to pay the entrance fee. This is particularly useful during non-peak hours, when the chances are lower you will find something interesting in any particular bar.

     Once you find a garota, have talked to her for a few minutes, and decided she is the one, one of two things can happen. Either you buy her an overpriced drink (around R$25 or R$30) or you negotiate a session. Standard sessions last for 30 or 40 minutes, and should cost no more than R$50, although occasionally I have paid R$60, probably unnecessarily (recently at Night House, some of the garotas have been asking for R$60, although the Brazilian boards seem to indicate R$50 is still the standard rate). If you want anal sex and the garota is willing, she will likely want an extra R$30. The rooms range in cost between about R$17 and R$23 per half hour. Where there is a choice I recommend going with the more expensive room as some of the rooms are pretty bad, and are more likely to be so at the lower price level. Generally you get a clean towel and bedsheet with the session. You either pay the room fee to the bar and the garota fee directly to the garota, or, at some bars, you pay the entire amount—garota plus room—to the bar.

     BBBJ’s are not standard, and seem to be easier to obtain at some bars than others. For example, it is difficult at Casarao but easier at Balneario Sauna Mista next door. Also, as a general matter I have had good luck getting photos from the garotas at the Rua Augusta places and recently even videos, the latter being easier during second sessions with garotas who already passed the photo test with flying colors (and enthusiasm).

     There is one other thing to keep in mind. There are "American bars" which are essentially bars with rooms in the back. Then there are "saunas." I have only spent much time in one of the saunas (Balneario) so my experiences with them are limited, but the routine there is you can either leave your clothes on and gain entrance for a R$10 fee (which includes two beers), or you can pay an extra R$10, get a towel, which you wrap around yourself after undressing, and use the steam room and sauna (in which case your R$20 gets you only one free drink). There are lockers where you can store your things, etc. There are certain advantages to going the sauna route, as discussed below.

     It is not necessary for me to list all the bars and saunas since they are all within a couple of blocks of each other, easy to find, and generally follow the same routine with minor variations. However, I will mention a few and give my reactions.

Here are some of the clubs I have spent time at:

Balneario Sauna Mista, Rua Augusta, 783
(Click here for Balneario Sauna Mista, Rua Augusta, 783 discussion)

     I have visited Balneario many times. It is not luxurious even by Rua Augusta standards. To enter, you descend some steps and then are asked whether you want the sauna, or just entrance. The difference is as described above and most Brasileiros who enter opt for the sauna. Inside there is a bar, a fairly large "common area" where socializing takes place, lockers in the back, and a steam room and sauna. Lighting is relatively low, although not so much so that you cannot see the person you are talking to.

     When the garotas arrive they change in the locker area, which is not private and can be seen by all. There is also a public shower. The steam room is in the back, where there may be a naked garota or two among the men, sometimes trying to close a sale.

     A reasonable percentage of the garotas will allow pictures in the rooms, and a few will give anal for an additional R$30 (as discussed above). You can ask for a new towel after awhile; I believe they add R$2 to your bill for this.

     The hustle factor is low. I haven't had much pressure at all to purchase drinks for the garotas, and the house does not add a service charge to the bill, a practice occasionally employed at some of the other bars. There are some fine garotas here (I have had some great sessions) but also often a predominance of garotas whose looks underqualify them for their profession.

Night House, Rua Augusta 723
(Click here for Night House, Rua Augusta 723 discussion)

     This place is not bad, particularly now that the friendly but tip hungry doorman Garcia (who also tried to add ten percent service charges to the bill for the room, etc.) has moved to another bar (next to Balneario, on the other side of Casarao). No sauna, just an American Bar with rooms in the back. There usually are a couple of garotas who are worth taking for a spin, among maybe a total of six to ten. My only objection is the place could be livelier, but so long as you find a suitable garota who gives you a good session, this should not be a problem. Recently some of the garotas here have been quoting R$60 for a session, although it seems the Brazileiros are paying the standard R$50, or sometimes maybe even R$40.

Casarao Sauna Mista, Rua Augusta, 791
www.americanbar.cjb.net
(Click here for Casarao Sauna Mista, Rua Augusta, 791 discussion)

     I used to complain this place put undue pressure on hombres to buy ladies drinks (at about R$30 a shot). This tendency has diminished substantially with a change in the bar tender, and I now can recommend the place for late night fun (it seems to get going around 12:30 a.m.) Some of my best sessions recently have been at this bar, although it should be mentioned CBJ seems to be fairly standard among the garotas. There are maybe 20 garotas during prime time, but I have sometimes been there when there were only two or three unattractive ones. Timing is everything.

Biblos, Rua Augusta, 657
(Click here for Biblos, Rua Augusta, 657 discussion)

     I have only been in this relatively small bar once, and had a reasonable session there. Not unlike the other places reviewed here.

Maisson & New Maisson (across from Biblos on Rua Augusta)

     There is a place called Maisson, and another called New Maisson that is next door. I have been to both and the one with the higher number address (closer to the top of the hill) is the better of the two (I’m not sure which name goes with that address). I have seen some real cuties at the better of the two places. Garotas go for about R$50 for ½ hour, the rooms cost around R$20 and there is a one drink or two drink entrance fee (R$5 to R$10) depending on the mood of the doorman and your negotiating skills.

Some Strays In Centro

Big Ben, Rua Augusta

     At the foot of Rua Augusta, Big Ben qualifies for inclusion in either the Rua Nestor Pestana section above (based on its similarity to the Rua Nestor Pestana clubs, a couple of blocks away), or the Rua Augusta section (owing to its geographical location on Rua Augusta, although a few blocks from the center of the Rua Augusta action). I have only been there once but liked it; I did not, however, have a session with any of the garotas there.

     They have shows, including strip shows, and a lot of friendly garotas hanging around. I don’t remember the prices but did not consider them extravagant, maybe toward the low end of what is charged by the Rua Nestor Pestana clubs and garotas there. There is no on-site action; you either bring your garota back to your hotel or use one of the love hotels in the vicinity.

Love Story, Rua Araújo, 232, http://www.danceterialovestory.com.br/
(Click here for Love Story discussion)

     Love Story is located within a block of the old, now closed, Hilton Hotel in Centro. I have never gone inside so am not qualified to say much except what I have heard through the grapevine. It is smaller than but not unlike Help in Rio. Entry, which entitles you to a couple of drinks is around R$50. Things don’t really get started until about 2:30 a.m. and then continue through the morning. Many of the garotas from places like Kilt, Cocktail, and other clubs head there after closing time at their clubs. Apparently, some are there for fun only, others are working. I cannot speak to what the odds are if you see a garota you like she will be available but it is probably a high percentage. In any case, if you are a late late night person, this place may be for you. The usual cautions about Centro being potentially dangerous late at night apply to the area surrounding Love Story.

Teatro Orion, Rua Aurora, 753
www.teatroorion.com.br
(Click here for Teatro Orion, Rua Aurora, 753 discussion)

     is not the type of place that will appeal to those who only like the high-end. It is a strip joint plus, where you can have sex with the strippers. It is in Centro within walking distance of the now-closed Sao Paulo Hilton and Praca da Republica. From the Hilton it is in a direction opposite to that of Rua Nestor Pestana and Rua Augusta. It is about a five-minute walk from the Republica Metro Station.

     If you have visited the Market Street Theater in San Francisco you may see some similarities, but I like this place better because it is cleaner, the garotas are probably better, and because one doesn't have to beat around the bush (so to speak) about what services are available; they pretty much all are.

     The entrance fee is R$10. Beginning around 2 p.m., seven days a week, there is a continuous (more or less) procession of strippers on stage. Hombres sitting in front often stand up and grope the strippers while they are onstage, often four or five men at a time are doing this to one stripper. The strippers also typically spend some time walking around the theater during their act. Perhaps every hour or so, there is a man-woman sex show, which lasts about ten minutes.

     When the girls are not stripping, most hang out in the theater looking for customers, although not real aggressively. When I first started going to this club the normal fee seemed to be R$50 per half hour and R$80 per hour, with anal (when available, which it often was not) costing extra. Recently, it seems the garotas have become more money hungry and I have not had a session there in awhile as a result (combination of the added cost, but moreso the garotas seem to have more attitude these days). It used to be you would go to a nearby hotel for the session at R$25 per hour for the room. On my last visit it appeared they may now have rooms upstairs in the theater, although I can’t say this for sure. Also, whereas I previously never had to buy a ladies drink (at R$25) before having a session, this now seems to either be a requirement, or, at least, something that is heavily pushed.

     The area around the Teatro Orion can be very dangerous so appropriate caution should be exercised, particularly at night.

     The Teatro Orion website includes pictures of many of the strippers, as well as directions to the theater, and other things (including pictures of some of the sex show couples). Note, however, that none of the four garotas I have had sessions with have their pictures on the website. On the other hand, I have seen most of the garotas that are featured on the website at the theater, although not all at one time. Accordingly, while the website collection of garota pictures is incomplete, it is relatively representative of garotas who currently work there.

     Location Information: The theater is located at Rua Aurora, 753, in the Centro area of Sao Paulo. Their telephone number is (11) 221-3948. To get there from Praca da Republica you walk away from Av. Ipiranga, cross the park and go a block or two until you hit Rua Aurora. Make a right onto Rua Aurora and within a couple of blocks you will run into the theater on the right side of the street.

Neighborhood P4P Bars (lower-end and not covered above)

     Throughout Sao Paulo there are pockets of neighborhood bars that cater to locals and provide garotas in back rooms for anywhere between R$20 to R$40 per half hour. I have visited a few from what I suspect may be a hundred or so. Often, many of the garotas are average or below, but there can be some lookers if you have the patience and time to check out a few of these places. Also, the back rooms, while generally better than the R$1 per minute places in Rio, leave something to be desired. Anyway, for the adventurous, here are a few:

Rua da Consolacao, 2388
(Click here for Rua da Consolacao, 2388 discussion)

     A couple of blocks from the intersection of Avenida Paulista and Rua Augusta, this place is a cross between a bar and a casa. It is decidedly a budget place, with prices (including the garota and room) at R$20 for 20 minutes; R$25 for 30 minutes; R$30 for 40 minutes, and R$50 for an hour. The place doesn’t look fancy from the outside (where there is a sign “Relax”) and it is not fancy inside.

     As one enters, after climbing one flight of stairs, there is a small bar to the left, and a relatively dark room to the right with a few garotas. During my two visits there were around six garotas, mostly unattractive, some hideously so. However, I did find one slim and reasonably attractive garota who was quite satisfactory and saw her twice.

     If you are nearby and adventurous you may want to stop by; there is no cover charge. However, don’t expect much, but it is always possible you will be surprised.

     One thing I like is this place is within a few blocks of the hotels many of us stay at. For example, it is two to three blocks from the Renaissance Hotel, which also puts it reasonably close to the Mercure-Jardins, Parthenon—St. Germain, and numerous other hotels in the area. I believe it is open from 10 a.m. to late night or early morning, although I do not know what selection is available before around 1 p.m.

Antonio Carlos, 405 (Monaliza Bar), Consolacao.
(Click here for Antonio Carlos, 405 (Monaliza Bar), Consolacao discussion)

     This is another budget casa/bar that has as its main attraction a convenient location. The cost is R$25 per 25 minutes, including the garota and cubicle. However, the overall selection was not very good the day I visited, and the cubicles have small massage table size beds that are not very comfortable.

     Hours are 1:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. seven days a week. I can't speak to how the selection varies over the course of a day, or on weekdays versus weekends.

     Directions: Rua Antonio Carlos runs parallel to Avenida Paulista, which is about two blocks away. You can walk on Rua Augusta towards Centro from Avenida Paulista and make a left on Rua Antonio Carlos. The casa/bar is on the left hand side, within maybe 1/2 a block.

Rua Claudio Soares, 92, Pinheiros, (3031-4891)

     This is not really a casa but not really a bar, it is somewhere in between. Once inside, Rua Claudio Soares, 92 looks more like a small neighborhood bar, although there is a sort of living room off to the side and rooms to the side of that. This place definitely caters to locals who do not have much money. Also, there is nothing but the street address (in what might appear like a dicey part of town) to indicate you are there. Unless you feel comfortable in such an environment, this place will not be for you.

     The range of garotas at this place can be extreme. One garota I found there could easily work at the top-end termas in Rio, and would be a standout at some, at least in terms of appearance (downside is no anal or BBBJ; also, who knows if she is still there). There have been a few other attractive garotas here, although some have moved onto other bars, and others may be anywhere at this point. There are some garotas who are hideous, although amazingly I have seen one of these picked for a session by a reasonably attractive male; go figure..

     When you arrive at this address, you may wonder whether you are at the right place. Just hit the bell, and within a minute or two the door will open.

     It is open seven days a week. I was told it opens at 10 a.m. and closes around midnight although once when I went there at about 1:30 p.m., some of the better garotas were just arriving.

     Sessions are R$20 per half hour, including the room and garota. 600 ml beers are around R$5. I have never had to buy a garota a drink there.

Freelancer Bar, Rua Cardeal Arco Verde, 2218, Pinheiros, (3815-9543)

     This place is open seven days a week, although only gets going in the late afternoon or evening. A relatively small bar with a few garotas, most of whom are not worth looking at. Nonetheless, I have had two sessions here with an average looking garota whose enthusiasism made up for her average appearance (although her enthusiasm was already waning when I saw her the second time, after she had been working for about a month). There are at least four other similar bars with garotas within about a block, one of which, Love Night, I like a lot and recommend for the adventurous.

     Sessions at Freelancer are R$35 per half hour. Minimum consumption appears to be R$5, although it may be waived (I’m not sure) if you have a session.

Love Night Boite, Rua Baltaza Carrasco, 168, Pinheiros, (3813-6002)
(Click here for Love Night discussion)

     This bar is similar to those on Rua Augusta, but less expensive at R$40 per half hour including the garota and room. Indeed, two of the garotas I had excellent sessions with here were later found working one of the Rua Augusta clubs. It sometimes takes awhile to find a garota worth sessioning with here but I have found some excellent ones. Minimum consumption charge is R$5.

     While the bar is not upscale, it is not bad and is fairly comfortable inside. As you walk in, there is a small bar to the right, some tables to the left, a small stage halfway in, and a lot of tables in the back. Sometimes you will see a garota dance and/or strip on the stage, although this is not going on all the time. Assuming you are in there during the evening, you will see somewhere between ten and twenty-five available garotas. If you see one of interest, you can have her join you at your table. While the garotas are generally not drink hungry, if you want to spend substantial time with one before going to the room with her, a drink may be required (ladies drinks around R$10 to R$15). From what I have observed, it often may take 30 minutes before a Brasileiro hombre closes the deal with his garota, or should I say before the garota has done enough at the table to close the deal with him; I usually act a bit faster, since it is too much work for me to carry on a conversation in Portuguese for too long, which I am sometimes forced to do at the same time the garota is giving me a lap dance or is diddling my cock.

     You will likely be the only non-Brazilian in the place. But when I visit I am comfortable, and have found the garotas as well as staff very friendly.

     This boite is just off of Faria Lima, and perhaps a block or so from the Freelancer bar. There are many boites with garotas in the area, so if you don’t find what you want at Love Night, there are other close and convenient options (also including some of the casas mentioned in this section). Hours are 2 p.m. to 5 a.m., although I haven’t tested the place before around 7 p.m.

The Clinicas

     If you like Brazil but miss the massages you can get (with sex) in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, or other Asian locales, the clinicas in Sao Paulo, at least the ones listed below, are worth visiting. I selected the three listed below based on their reasonable prices, reputations, and that their pricing was for all-inclusive sessions, i.e., including sex, with no need to negotiate with, or make direct payments to, the garota. There are other higher priced clinicas that I hear have better looking garotas, but I do not include them here because I haven’t visited them. I’m sure that information about them can be obtained elsewhere on this or other boards.

     The three listed clinicas provide good value and follow same basic routine. For around R$100 to R$130, you get an hour with a garota who you either choose in person, or from a picture book. The rooms at these places are clean but not luxurious, with a small mattress (more like padding) placed on the floor, with clean sheets. Each room also has a shower, or full bathroom attached.

     You get a massage, generally a pretty good one, followed by sex. If you want anal sex, you must negotiate for this separately, with the starting price usually being an additional R$100, with the opportunity to negotiate this amount down to maybe R$50 or R$60. It is not clear whether all the garotas offer this extra service; I doubt it.

     I have experienced sessions with around seven garotas at Clinica Antares, three at Clinica Zen, and one at American Center. With one exception, I was able to take pictures of the garota, although sometimes this required some persuading. Most allowed nude photos, and four allowed photos during sex. YMMVon this.

     The three clinicas I visited are, in order of preference: Clinica Antares, Clinica Zen, and American Center. All open relatively early, maybe around 11 a.m or noon, although a full selection of garotas may not be available until sometime after opening time. They are open every day except Sunday and close sometime in the evening, not real late. There is very little, if any, opportunity for pre-session socializing, but most of the garotas are friendly. The clinica websites (listed below) have pictures of the garotas (some with their faces blurred) and information on their location. With respect to location, the clinicas discussed below are all within a five- or ten-minute walk from a Metro station.

Clinica Antares www.clinicaantares.com.br
(Click here for Clinica Antares discussion)

     I have had some excellent sessions at Antares and recommend it although you should not expect garotas who are 10's or lavish accommodations. You are shown a picture book with perhaps six pictures of each of ten to fifteen garotas, and will be told who is available; if you are not told, ask. You select the garota from the book, are led to the room, take a shower there, and about 10 minutes later your garota knocks on the door. Usually things start with a massage, and proceed from there. My experience is you get one-shot, although it is possible there may be an opportunity for more if you "waive" the initial massage or ask that it be given later in the session. The price is R$130 per hour but check their website for any specials or coupons.

     Directions: To get to Antares, you can take the Metro to Praca do Arvore, take the Saude exit, and then walk down Bosque da Saude until you get to number 268, a five minute walk. As you leave the Metro, if you look ahead you should see a Bingo Parlor that can be seen at least from the middle of the street. If you see it you know you are headed in the right direction. At the Bingo parlor there will be a sort of Y in the road where you should bear left, walking along the Bingo parlor's front wall. Follow the road for another two or three minutes. Antares is on your right and will be recognizable only by the street number on the sign out front.

Clinica Zen, www.clinicazen.com.br
(Click here for Clinica Zen discussion)

     This place is similar to Antares, but perhaps with less depth of talent. The procedure at Clinica Zen is similar to Antares: they have a book of the garotas' pictures from which you can choose. However, you have the option of going into a sort of living room to have each garota introduce herself, one after the other. This is clearly preferred unless you are trying to avoid seeing one of the garotas you sessioned with during an earlier visit.

     Parenthetically, the manner in which the garotas introduce themselves at Zen, and American Center (described below) is the same as at a lot of the "casas" in Sao Paulo. The garotas walk into the room you are in (often a living room), give you a peck, say their name, and leave. After this procession, you choose which garota, if any, you would like to see.

     Directions: To get there go to the Ana Rosa Metro station and walk downhill along Avenida Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves until you get to number 516, on your right, maybe a ten minute walk. As with most of these places, there is no sign, just a number to look for. Along the way is an internet café, and some restaurants that may be worth stopping at (I had a reasonably good meal at the Chinese (or Asian) restaurant on the right-side of the road as you are walking from the Metro station to Zen. It is a reasonably pleasant neighborhood. There is a usable map showing how to get there on Zen's website.

     The charge at Clinica Zen is somewhere around R$120 for a complete session.

American Center, www.amcenter.com.br
(Click here for American Center discussion)

     Although this is also a friendly place, the talent appears to be a bit less than at Antares or Zen. It is real helpful that just as each garota leaves the room after introducing herself, she will give you a card (to be returned afterwards) with her picture and name to help you remember the names after all the garotas have introduced themselves.

      American Center is less expensive than Antares or Zen (around R$100 per hour), which probably explains why the talent is not quite as good, at least in terms of appearances.

     Directions: To get there go to the Paraiso Metro station, and then walk down Rua Dr. Eduardo Amaro until you get to Rua Chui. Make a left there, and follow it to Rua do Paraiso, where you make a right. The address is Rua do Paraiso, 642, and it is on the right side of the street. Most of the walk is downhill, and we are talking about San Francisco style hills. Probably about 10 minutes from the Metro station; they have a map and directions on their website.

“Prives” aka “Casas”

     As those of you who have read my earlier reports and guides know, there are over two hundred casas in Sao Paulo, and I love exploring as many in as many neighborhoods I can. The better prives or casas (not necessarily the most expensive) offer friendly and pretty garotas in a comfortable environment for reasonable prices.

     The typical casa is in fact in a house, and your sessions will take place in bedrooms. There are usually in the range of four to eight garotas available. After you enter, you sit in a living room and the garotas come out individually and introduce themselves. After the introductions you choose which garota you want, and indicate for how much time. The garota often goes back to the back room (maybe the kitchen, or family room?) and a few minutes later comes back and leads you to the bedroom, usually upstairs. A one-hour session is in fact usually 50-55 minutes plus time for a shower, although in some cases the time may run over. If you can, you are allowed to come twice in a one-hour session. I have had reasonably good luck getting the garotas at the casas to consent to photographs, and sometimes videos, although paradoxically those at the cheaper casas seem to be more protective of their privacy thereby being more inclined to refuse.

     At some casas the garotas hang out in the living room and are there either when you enter, or stay after they have introduced themselves. Also, there is usually a small bar at the casas, and you can order a drink, although I rarely do. Occasionally, I will hang out for awhile to wait and see the garotas come out after their sessions because the prettiest are usually the busiest. Some casas seem more suited to letting you wait around, whereas others seem to want you to pick from the current line-up, or leave (but leaving if you don’t see what you want is an acceptable option). Also, at the least expensive casas, the facilities may not be as good, the shower may be questionable, and perhaps rather than bedrooms there will be cubicles, although this is not the case the majority of the time.

How to Find the Casas

     In some instances I have provided detailed instructions on how to get to the casas. These instructions were written before I knew about the existence of the mapping programs that allow you to go on the internet, enter a SP address, and see the address placed on a map (see above section on maps). Since this discovery, I have been less inclined to provide detailed location information since the mapping programs will do it for you.

     I also have included here the telephone numbers of some of the casas, making it possible to telephone them for directions, assuming you speak some Portuguese. For the other casas you can get their numbers at www.gpguia.net. I have rarely telephoned a casa; no reservations are needed, and there should be no problem getting in the door unless you are extremely drunk, haven’t bathed in a week, or what have you.

Cost

     The casas sampled here range from R$20 per ½ hour session, to R$100 for an hour session (with one exception), with R$100 being unusual. Where I give hour prices, assume the half-hour rate is between 60 and 75 percent of the hour rate, with approximately 60 to 65 percent being the most common. Some casas also have 40 or 45 minutes rates.

     It is possible there will be some variability in the rates the casas charge different hombres (e.g., Brazilians vs. non-Brazilians), although I have seen very little, if any, of this. This is not Thailand.

Source of Additional Information

     Much of the information I needed to get started was taken from www.gpguia.net, a Brazilian mongerer website. While free, it recently imposed a password requirement for entry to the site, then seemed to not require it, then recently may have again.. You may need a Brazilian email address to register; I’m not sure. If it turns out you do need a Brazilian email address, free email addresses (and dial-up internet access) can be obtained at www.ig.com.br. However, it is possible you will have to register from an internet connection within Brazil. If so, you could probably do this from an internet café in Brazil, assuming you can read Portuguese well enough to understand the registration screens, and perhaps make up a residence address in Brazil. And while the website is in Portuguese, you don’t need to know Portuguese to grab the addresses of the casas off the site.

     I recently discovered a real cool feature of the gpguia site. If you go to the link for a casa (referred to on the site as a prive) you will see another link to a list of garotas for that casa. Although the lists are not necessarily complete, they include information on whether a particular garota does anal, BBBJ, and kisses. There are also ratings of the garotas. The same sort of information is also provided for the garotas working at boites and escort services, in their respective sections. Very valuable stuff.

Hours of Operation

     As to hours, most of the casas are open at least six days a week, many seven. Many open in the morning and close at night, closing anywhere from about 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where I have information about a casa’s hours, I will provide it.

Learn a Little Bit of Portuguese

     It is uncommon to find a garota who speaks English at the casas; occasionally the mama-san or papa-san will speak the language, but this too is uncommon. So it is helpful to brush up on at least rudimentary Portuguese before checking these places out. Indeed, this is good advice for anyone mongering in SP, since you will find English facility among the garotas only at the top-end places like Café Photo. I don’t think I ever have run into any resentment about my lack of Portuguese fluency at these places, so if you are good at hand signals, you may even be able to get away with no Portuguese at all.

Avenida Paulista/ Jardim Paulista Area

Alameda Jau, 480, J. Paulista, (3284-7981)
(Click here for Alameda Jau, 480 discussion)

     This is one of my favorite casas, owing to its garotas, its location, and its facilities. Most hombres who have visited it either with me or on my recommendation agree.

     There are usually around six garotas in the line-up, of which between two and four are usually acceptable (I must say though, I have seen a recent slide in the quality, which I am hoping is temporary); unlike at many other casas, the garota who answers the door will be one of the available garotas from the line-up. I have had sessions with around five of the garotas here and have had nothing to complain about. Most did anal, and I believe all did BBBJ’s. The garotas generally are picture friendly, and overall friendly. The rooms are not bad, and have showers. I particularly like the room with the round bed and mirrors.

     Open seven days a week, around 10 a.m. every day except Sunday, when they open around 2 p.m. It stays open late into the night.

     R$90 for an hour, about R$70 per half hour, making the hour session a much better deal. No problem shooting twice in the hour.

     The location is convenient, two blocks off Av. Paulista. If you are at the Trionon/MASP metro station, head a couple of blocks in the direction of Brigadeiro to Al. Campinas, take a right (in the direction away from Centro) and head two blocks until you get to Al. Jau. Take a right on Al. Jau, and you will see, within maybe 50 feet, Al. Jau, 480. Go up the stairs, hit the doorbell, and you're good to go.

Av. Alameda Franca, 175
(Click here for Av. Alameda Franca, 175 discussion)

     Another good casa is at Av. Alameda Franca, 175. I have had good luck there over the course of maybe seven or eight sessions. I have had some excellent sessions there, although the talent is not as deep as at some of the other higher-end casas. As with all casas, you have to be prepared to leave if you do not see something you like, and maybe come back another time. There are usually between four and seven garotas, including maybe a couple serious contenders. The garotas come up the stairs (from a lower level) to greet you individually in the living room. The price is R$100 per hour, perhaps a tad high compared to the competition, but not significantly so.

     Directions: This is a very easy walk from the MASP metro station. From Av. Paulista you walk down Rua Pomplona until you reach Av. Franca, no more than a 10-minute walk. Make a left onto Av. Franca and 175 will be on your right, no more than a quarter of a block from Rua Pomplona.

Av. Alameda Franca, 240
(Click here for Av. Alameda Franca, 240 discussion)

This casa re-opened after having been closed for months. It is within one block of Av. Alameda Franca, 175.

     I have visited a couple of times. Once I was happy with the selection: there were about six garotas, many of whom would do quite nicely. The other time there were only three garotas, not so good, and I decided against a session and walked the half block to Alameda Franca, 175, where I found a better choice.

     Prices are R$100 per hour, R$60 per half, and something in between for either 40 or 45 minutes.

Rua Batatais, 270
(Click here for Rua Batatais, 270 discussion)

     On one visit to this place there were only two garotas, on another maybe four. The charge was recently raised to R$80 per hour. My two visits suggested the garotas are not competitive with those at other casas in the area, but this type of thing can change quickly.

     Directions: As with the other casas in this section, you can start out on Avenida Paulista and walk down either Rua Pamplona, Al. Campinas, or Al. Joaquim Eugenio de Lima until you get to Rua Batatais, about six blocks. Once you are there, check out the street numbers to see which way you have to go to get to 270. As to the closest Metro station, it is either Trianon/MASP or Brigadeiro; I'm not sure which puts you closer; both are maybe eight blocks away from the casa.

Savana's Club, Al. Joaquim Eugenio de Lima, 1674, #1
(Click here for Savana's Club discussion)

     At one time Savana's Club was my favorite casa. This is when an hour cost between R$80 and R$100. After closing for renovations for a few months, they re-opened and now consider themselves a massage (with sex) place and charge around R$150 per hour. I went there once since and thought the quality of the garotas had declined not withstanding the price increase (I didn’t take a session). I no longer recommend it, although haven’t experienced their massage sessions. Some of the Brasilieros writing on www.gpguia.net are urging this place be boycotted until they lower their newly-inflated prices.

     Directions: Savana's is located at Al. Joaquim Eugenio de Lima, 1674, casa 1, in Jardins. It is about a 20 minute walk, downhill from Avenida Paulista. The street runs perpendicular to Avenida Paulista, almost exactly halfway between the Trianon/MASP and Brigadeiro Metro stations. Most would probably do better to take a taxi from either metro station than walk as it is about a twenty-minute downhill walk from Avenida Paulista. One important thing to note is that as you walk down Al. Joaquim Eugenio de Lima, it may appear as though you have skipped over address 1674. This is because the entrance to casa 1, which is marked with a "1", is on the side of the building with the next higher street address. Essentially, there is a small dead-end alley or street just before Savana's, and you turn right onto that small street and will see casa 1 on the left-hand side.

Praca Do Arvore Area

     In the area around the Praca do Arvore Metro station (not that far from Clinica Antares but in a different direction from the Metro), are a few casas. Here are some:

Rua das Rosas, 732
(Click here for Rua das Rosas, 732 discussion)

     This is a hit or miss casa that may be worth a try if you are in the area. One time only three garotas were available, and they ranged from from awful to just acceptable. But there was also one garota walking up the stairs to a session who was quite attractive.

     On my second visit there were eight or nine garotas, three of whom I seriously considered a session with. Although the one I chose did not allow DFKing or BBBJ, considering I only paid R$30 for a half hour session it was not a bad deal.
     It is located about a 20-minute walk from the Praca Arvore Metro station. If you take the Metro from the direction of Metro Station Se, you will want to leave the Metro station and walk back in the direction you came from, up Av. Jabaquara two or three blocks until you reach Rua das Rosas (on the left) at which point you make a left. Then follow Rua das Rosas for about 10 minutes and you will see 732 on the right side of the road. Note that after walking on Rua das Rosas the name of the street will seem to change at a plaza, but it will return to Rua das Rosas once you pass the plaza.

Rua Pitangueiras, 125
(Click here for Rua Pitangueiras, 125 discussion)

     When I first visited this casa, there was only one garota available, not a looker. I since noticed this place gets great reviews in www.gpguia.net. Accordingly, when I am in the neighborhood I stop by, but have never seen anyone worth doing a session with. On the other hand there is a lot of traffic in and out of the place, so it may be what I didn’t see (i.e, garotas who were in sessions) was better. I would be surprised if the price is higher than R$20 per half hour.

     Directions: This is about a five-minute walk from the Praca Arvore metro station, walk up Av. Jabaquara in the direction of Rua das Rosas, and you will quickly find Rua Pitangueiras. Take a left and you will soon see, on the left-hand side, number 125. It is a run-down sort of place.

Rua Guarau, 161
(Click here for Rua Guarau, 161 discussion)

     When I arrived at this address, there were two garotas available, and two occupied. The two garotas available were marginal, although I did an acceptable session with one of them. A mean looking guy seems to run the place. Rates are bargain basement, R$20 for 30 minutes. Not as clean as the more expensive places. Not unlike the R$1 per minute places in Rio but with double beds in bedrooms. Not recommended.

     Directions: I believe Rua Guarua is the street just as you leave the north exit of the Metro; if not it is very close. Make a left onto Rua Guarua, bear to the right at the bend, and you will be there in no more than five minutes. It is on the left-hand side of the street.

Rua Caramuru, 246

     This casa is between Praca do Arvore and Santa Cruz. A budget place, but the garotas there can be very friendly. On two occasions (the only times I visited), the garotas remained in the living room for chit chat after their introductions. However, the quality of the garotas generally reflect the price, R$20 per half hour. Some might be considered average while others were hard to look at. The one I chose (both times) is average but very enthusiastic once in the bedroom.

Santa Cruz Casas

Rua Loefgreen, 1448, Santa Cruz, (5539-4490)

     Not far from the Santa Cruz metro station, I had one session with an attractive although not terribly adventurous garota here. The facilities were fairly good, and if memory serves me right a one-hour session was somewhere around R$60.or R$70. The line-up was average. Worth a stop if you are in the area but probably not worth going out of your way for. There is another casa I did not check out across the street at Rua Loefgreen, 1435. I understand that casa charges R$20 per half hour or thereabouts.

Brooklin Area Casas

     One of the hotels I stayed at is the Hilton Morumbi, which is actually located in Brooklin, not Morumbi. On the plus side it is one of the finest Hiltons I have stayed at; on the minus it is a bit out of the way. But no need to despair. While there are not many high-visibility clubs in the area, there are some casas for fun (incidentally it is a fairly short taxi ride to both Moulin Rouge and Bahamas). Incidentally, many Sao Paulo maps do not include this area well. However, the tourist throwaway “magazine,” referenced above, includes a good map of this area, from which you should be able to locate the casas listed below. Here are the local casas I am aware of:

Rua Jaceru, 177:
(Click here for Rua Jaceru, 177 discussion)

     Unlike some of the other casas in the area, this one is recognizable as such, at least to the trained eye. The street number is displayed on a sign in big, big, numbers, and the front window has some credit card decals displayed. The curtains on the windows are all closed, as is customary at most casas.

     This place is reasonably friendly, with prices at R$50 per ½ hour and R$70 per hour. I was introduced to about six or seven garotas, but based on appearance (many were overweight), I considered only one as a serious candidate for a session. It turned out I had a great session with her, paying R$70 for a two-shot session that included anal and a large number of photos. I later had a second session with the same garota with the same result (I did not view view the “line-up” on my second visit so cannot comment on whether there would have been any improvement). My recommendation is if you are in the area, check this place out, but have back-up plans (e.g. Prive do Hector, see below), as it is going to be hit or miss.

     Directions: It is about a twenty-minute walk from the Hilton Morumbi, and maybe five or ten minutes from Shopping Morumbi, a great shopping center. If coming from Shopping Morumbi, walk down Av. Roque Pentroni, Jr (in the direction away from the river) until you reach Rua Jaceru, make a left, and you will be there shortly. If coming from the direction of the Hilton Morumbi, you can walk along Av. Luis Carlos Berrini (towards Shopping Morumbi) to Av. Morumbi, make a left, and then after four or five blocks make a right onto Rua Jaceru.

Privê do Hector - R. Pascoal Paes, 483 x R. Bartolomeu Feio, 483 – Brooklin
(Click here for Privê do Hector discussion)

     Perhaps a fifteen-minute walk from the Hilton Morumbi or Hyatt, this prive gets the best review of the couple hundred or so casas reviewed by Brasileiros on www.gpguia.net. It is relatively inexpensive (R$40 per half hour; R$60 per hour) but worth a visit to check out.

     Hector, who runs the place, is extremely friendly and will make you feel at home, although he does not speak English (during my visit he wanted to get an English speaking garota for me, at least to explain the place, but I told him it was unnecessary).

     In the living room area, which consists of two small rooms, there is a drink menu from which a variety of drinks can be ordered. Initially, during my one visit to the casa, four or five girls entered the room to say hello to me. One or two were of marginal interest, but frankly, I was not terribly impressed. However, there was no problem waiting around, and after a few minutes new (better) garotas made their appearances.

     The rooms are adequate, with double beds, and piped in American rock music. The shower, however, is in a separate bathroom, off of the hall.

     Definitely worth the R$60 per hour, although if you don't initially see what you like, you may need to hang out for awhile before seeing something better (most sessions, from what I gather are for 30 minutes, so the waiting time should not be that long); this is not uncommon in the casas, particularly the less expensive ones
     Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday
     Location in Brooklin: If you are coming from the Hilton Morumbi, you take Berrini to Av. Agua Espraida, which alternatively is named after some journalist (Avenida Jornalista . . . , or some such thing); make a left onto that street, follow it about seven blocks, right on R. Pascoal Pais, and after one block you are at the intersection of Pascoal Pais and R. Bartolomeu Feio, where the casa is located.

Rua Alvaro Rodrigues, 383
(Click here for Rua Alvaro Rodrigues, 383 discussion)

     I visited this place twice. The first time was on a federal holiday and it seemed to be understaffed so I did not do a session. However, I went back on a regular weekday, and had a reasonably good session, choosing from among maybe six garotas, two or three of whom looked good.

     When you arrive the place may seem a bit more imposing than other casas in that there is a high closed wooden gate at the front of the house, and a high solid fence enclosing the yard. The first time I visited I was concerned maybe I had the wrong address, but after ringing the bell, and being greeted by a garota, it became clear I was at the right place.

     Price should come in around R$70 for an hour.

     Directions: Not too far from Rua Jaceru, 177, you can walk from one to the other in maybe five minutes. 383 is perhaps a twenty-minute walk from the Hilton Morumbi and a ten-minute walk from Shopping Morumbi. From the Hilton walk down Av. Eng. Luis Berrini until you get to the point at which it changes its name to Av. Dr. Chucri Zaidan. On the maps I have, you would make a left at this point onto Av. Agua Espraida, but the street sign refers to the name of some journalist (with the word journalist, or the Portuguese equivalent, included in the name). You can then make a right at any of the streets you run into until you get to Rua Alvaro Rodrigues. Make a left onto it, and be prepared to walk for awhile. The street numbering just before 383 is a bit screwed up, but you will hit a casa on the right-hand side of the street with the number 383, just past the point where it looks like the numbering skipped over 383. Incidentally, the throwaway magazine, "Magazine," which is available at many of the Sao Paulo area hotels, includes a map of the area.

Rua Michigan, 931
(Click here for Rua Michigan, 931 discussion)

     Located about ten minutes by foot from the Hilton Morumbi, I have had variable experiences here. The casa is clean, reasonably well-furnished, and sessions are only R$60 per hour. There are usually six or seven garotas (based, however, on only two visits) maybe half of whom are contenders. The first time I visited, I picked a garota who turned out to be strange and unenthusiastic; the second time, I had a very fine session with a garota who I would easily session with again. If you are in the area, the place is definitely worth a visit, but you may want to be careful about who you choose.

     Directions: From the Hilton Morumbi, find Rua Michigan (which is on the other side of Av. Eng. Luis Carlos Berrini but requires a couple of zig zags (get a local map)). Then continue down Rua Michigan a ways until you hit 931.

Rua Texas, 1132, Brooklin, (5506-7102)
(Click here for Rua Texas, 1132 discussion)

     This casa is in Brooklin, not too far from the Hilton Morumbi (but definitely a long walk). It is also a long walk from the Blue Tree Towers Faria Lima, but doable, maybe twenty minutes. It is a barebones casa, nothing fancy, but reasonably clean. The man who greets you speaks some English and is friendly. The garotas are nothing special to look at, but at least a couple are very friendly and enthusiastic. I suspect that many on this board would take a pass after seeing the line-up, but all and all, I have had good experiences here. The price is R$30 per half hour; R$50 per hour.

     Rua Texas is north of where the Hilton Morumbi is located, almost at Avenida dos Bandeirantes. You can take Av. Nova Independencia (which runs parallel to Berrini) up to around R. Kansas, and then zig zag a bit until you are on Rua Texas, which runs parallel to Avenida dos Bandeirantes. After a few blocks on Rua Texas, you will see the place on the left. One of the maps in "Magazine, Hotel and Travel Guide," available at most Sao Paulo hotels as a giveaway, shows where Rua Texas is, and will make clear how to get there. If you are coming from the opposite direction, such as from the Blue Tree Towers Faria Lima, you will need to cross Bandeirantes, and then consult a map.

Nova Independencia, Brooklin, 1051

     Three garotas live at this address, and maybe three more show up for work during peak hours. One of the garotas told me the casa is open 24/7, and never closes. There are, however, two problems. The first is the three garotas living there as of the date of my two visits were not very attractive, although a couple are doable, barely. I haven’t seen the other garotas so I can’t comment on them. The second problem is the casa is overpriced for what you get, R$90 per hour. Fair bedrooms, but not competitive with the better casas, including others in the area. There are better casas in the area and elsewhere, and so I cannot recommend this one except when you are in a pinch.

     The casa is located a few blocks from Rua Texas, 1132. Nova Independencia runs roughly parallel to Berrini, a street that passes within a block of the Hilton Morumbi. You have to walk up Berrini a bit before turning right and then making a left onto Nova Independencia. Then you walk for awhile.

Pinheiros Casas

     All the places reported here under the Pinheiros heading are within perhaps seven or eight blocks of the intersection of Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima and Cardeal Arcoverde. With one exception, they are located in the area between Faria Lima and Avenida Paulista, although closer to Faria Lima. A major bus-stop is smack dab in the middle of the area (on Faria Lima), and pretty much any bus that travels on Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima will stop there, or very near there (where there is another semi-major bus stop).

Rua Fradique Coutinho, 830, Pinheiros, (3034-4360)

     I have been to this casa four times, twice during the week, and twice on Sunday. Facilities are reasonably good, although there are no showers in the rooms; you need to go to the bathroom off the hall for the shower. The quality of the rooms varies from bedrooms, to cubicle style rooms (although reasonably well outfitted with walls to the ceiling and double beds in each). There are perhaps six to eight garotas, with two or three being doable to my standards. On the other hand, some of the garotas here are not attractive, thereby keeping this casa off the “A” list. On Sunday there are fewer garotas, and the quality suffers a bit, although I did see a very attractive garota on the way to a session on a Sunday. A friendly place. R$75 for an hour session, R$55 per half hour; obviously the hour is the better deal. Note, however, that those garotas who do anal at this casa (two of the three I sampled;) want an extra fee, in the range R$40 to R$50. I tried to negotiate the R$50 downward with no success, and didn’t try to negotiate with the garota who quoted R$40.

Rua Mourato Coelho, 1023, Pinheiros, (3031-3257)

     I visited this casa once and liked the place, although the talent, while acceptable, could be better. Not bad though. The mama-san seemed friendly enough, and the line-up included about six garotas. No absolute stunners but a couple who were rather attractive. The bedroom was good, with a well-placed mirror on the wall in front of the bed. I took an hour session for R$75, and popped twice with a very friendly and enthusiastic garota who had been working there for one month. They may be closed on Saturdays, and I am almost certain the place is closed on Sundays.

Rua Cunha Gago, 431, Pinheiros, (3037-7428)

     Perhaps you have too much time on your hands and use some of it to ponder existential questions like “What is the meaning of life?”, “How many angels can you fit on the head of a pin?”, or “Is it possible to be uglier than ugly?” Well, I can’t help you with the first two, but if you are seeking the answer to question 3, all you need to do is go to this “casa.” ‘Nuff said.

     Well, as with all casas, good and bad, there is always the possibility that some sweet thing will begin her working career here, before she knows better. So, if you walk by this place, it might be worth checking out (looking is free) but don’t have any high expectations.

     Within a block of this casa there are three boites on Rua Cunha Gago, equipped with garotas and rooms; there are probably an additional five to ten similar places in the general neighborhood, none of which should be hard to find if you simply walk around. These include Freelancer Bar, and Love Night, both of which are also reviewed here. As to the boites on Rua Cunha Gago, I believe one is named Star Night or something similar, another Forteleza Bar, and the third, I have no idea. I visited a couple of these during off-hours and did not see any garotas I particularly liked. However, late at night (when things seem to get going) these places may have more potential. My best memory is prices for sessions (including both the room and garota) are in the R$35 to R$40 range per half hour.

Rua Cunha Gago, 717, Pinheiros, (3814-4215)

     This casa is a few blocks from Rua Cunha Gago, 431, but much better. The facilities at the casa are reasonably good and the bedrooms are standard, although without an attached bathroom or shower (showers are in a bathroom off of the hall and aren’t great). I visited twice. The first time the selection was questionable, although there were one or two garotas I might have had a session with if there were not a number of other casas in the area to check out. The second time I had a session with a very attractive mulatta from Bahia, who was friendly but not up to Brasileira standards when it came to enthusiasm and technique in bed. There was another mulatta who also was quite attractive, and then perhaps five other garotas ranging from middlin’ to unattractive. Price is R$75 per hour. Doesn’t seem to be open on Sundays.

Moema Casas

Al. dos Jurupis, 1408, Moema, (5533-2986)
(Click here for Al. dos Jurupis, 1408 discussion)

     This casa has a nice interior, with a couple of rooms to lounge in and a bar. When I was there a number of hombres were lounging around, some of whom purchased drinks at the bar. In this sense, the casa is a friendly place where you don’t necessarily feel as though you need to immediately pick a garota for a session. It is also reasonably inexpensive, R$35 per half hour and R$60 per hour. The problem is the male to female ratio was not good during my one visit, and I only saw two garotas, and this after waiting maybe five or ten minutes. The garotas didn’t look bad, but didn’t strike me as all that friendly. However, a number of the garotas were in sessions and may have been better.

     To get to Al. dos Jurupis, 1408, all you need to do is go out the back entrance of Shopping Ibirapuera, and make a left on Al. dos Jurupis. It is about one block down on the left.

Al. dos Jurupis, Moema, 835
(Click here for Al. dos Jurupis, 835 discussion)

     A barebones casa with barebones garotas. Not recommended, although as always if you are in the neighborhood it doesn’t hurt to look. R$20 per half hour and R$35 per hour. Located about five blocks from Al. dos Jurupis, on the right-hand side of the street.

Av. Jandira, 970, Moema,(5052-5737)

     The first time I visited there was only one garota available when I arrived and another occupied. I was told I could wait to see the other garota, but since the one who greeted me at the door was friendly, and was reasonably attractive, I picked her. As things would have it, another garota, more attractive, showed up a few minutes later, but I already had committed to a one-hour relationship for R$30 (1/2 hour is R$20).

     The session room was reasonable, but not great. An attached bathroom with shower, and a double bed. Not adding to the atmosphere, however, were the florescent lights in the bedroom.

     As you head down Al. dos Jurupis from Shopping Ibirapuera (down meaning the street addresses are getting lower, you will hit Rua Jandira. If you take a right and walk perhaps eight or nine blocks you will hit a casa on the right at Rua Jandira, 970. If you are hungry you might want to stop at Café Journal on the way (it is on the left-hand side of the street).

Santana Area Casas

     Santana is easily accessible by Metro and is a reasonably pleasant neighborhood. Just find the Santana station on a Metro map. Since the three places mentioned below are within a block of each other, I will give the directions to all three first, and then present the 411 on each.

     When you arrive at the Santana station (assuming you have come from the direction of the Se Metro station) you go out the gate, and then once downstairs head in the direction to the right of the tracks you arrived on. You will go along a very long corridor until the end. At this point, take the stairs on your left and as you leave the station you should see Rua Dr. Gabriel Piza. Take a right onto that street, and proceed to the 500 block. Then, on your left, in what looks like a flat, will be Rua Dr. Gabriel Piza, 515. A few houses down, on the right, will be a blue house, with street number 548. If instead of proceeding to 515 and 548, you take the immediately-preceding right, i.e., onto Rua Jovita, you see the street address 237 on the right side of the street. There is one other casa I report on here, which you will need to locate on a map or mapping program. At all these places the street number appears on a relatively large sign, typical of many of the casas throughout the city.

Rua Dr. Gabrial Piza, 515
(Click here for Rua Dr. Gabrial Piza, 515 discussion)

     There were about five or six garotas when I visited, about half of who were not bad. I had an hour session with one of them, I believe for R$80, although there is an outside chance it was R$100.

     This place isn't bad, although the room was a bit more beat up than other similarly priced casas. The garota I was with was fairly attractive, although a bit conservative in what she would do. Unlike most other casas, there was a lot of socializing going on in the living room when I arrived, i.e., garotas sitting there chatting with hombres, something that can be helpful in making your choice.

Rua Dr. Gabrial Piza, 548
(Click here for Rua Dr. Gabrial Piza, 548 discussion)

     AKA Blue House, I have been to this place twice, but have never done a session here. The first time I arrived early and was told to come back later when there were more garotas. I did see one garota getting ready to do a session, and she looked pretty good, although not outstanding. I ended up going to another casa instead and therefore did not check out the lineup later that day. However, I went back another afternoon, and was not terribly impressed with the line-up. I may have still gone there too early, as I have read elsewhere some good reviews of this casa. If I’m in the area again, I will check it out, although don’t really know what to expect.

Rua Jovita, 237, Santana, (6283-1594)

     The way this casa is laid out is very good, but my one visit left me wondering about the garotas. You enter a house, but there is a large enclosed patio area where there is a bar and a lot of room for sitting around, talking to the garotas, and so forth. There were quite a lot of men lounging around, drinking, talking to the garotas, etc. Unfortunately, they pegged me as an English speaker, and sent a garota who spoke English to sit next to me and she exhibited all the indices of having spent too much time in the States. This is a place I would like more information about, so if anyone checks it out, please post your experiences. I believe sessions go for R$60 per hour. It is also possible (based on appearances and the fact they give you a bar order form when you arrive) that unlike other casas, there is a minimum bar consumption charge, on the order of R$5; in any event, I had a drink so I didn’t test whether a minimum charge would have been levied if I had not.

Rua Leite de Moraes, Santana, 365

     While the two casas on Rua Dr. Gabrial Piza are not what might be called barebones casas, this one is. When I arrived there were maybe four or five working class Brasileiros socializing in the living room, having a good time (although it was unclear any of them were going to have sessions). Actually, I like this sort of atmosphere so long as they don’t have a problem with me being there (they didn’t, and least not noticeably). There were perhaps three garotas available, only one of which was cute. I had a reasonably decent session here at R$50 per the hour. For directions, check a map of the area. It is not very far from the Santana metro station, on the same side of the tracks as all the other Santana casas discussed here.

Liberdade Casas

     Liberdade massage parlors may be the closest thing to the Rio R$1 per minute places I have found. Since there are other bargain basement places you can go in Sao Paulo that aren’t bad, my limited experience at the places in Liberdade suggests they may not be the best deal in town. Nonetheless, note I said in my limited experience. I have only had one session in Liberdade (other than a couple of street walker encounters, described below) although I have visited perhaps five casas, walking out of the others without doing a session.

Avenida Liberdade, 486

     Just a couple of blocks from the main square in Liberdade (which is just across the street from the Liberdade Metro station), this apartment building has a few casas, similar to the Rio low-end places. When you enter the building you need to show some identification and tell the guard where you are going; just mention one of the apartment numbers that are mentioned here

     I had a quick session in apartment 405. R$20 for half an hour with an additional R$10 for anal; I understand the anal “tax” is typical at these places. The session was a quickie, largely because I wasn’t interested in extending it out much. The garota was adequate but not much more. The beds were in cubicles that did not quite reach the ceiling, and the place reeked of ammonia or some similar cleaning agent. Not a terrible experience, but not much to recommend it.

     Just across the hall is apartment 410, which according to the Brazilian boards is a similar place (I didn’t visit it). Other similar places in this building include apartment 503.

Se/Liberdade Streetwalkers

     One Sunday during my first trip to Sao Paulo, I visited the Liberdade street market, since I heard there was not much in the way of mongering opportunities on Sundays. The market is across from the Liberdade Metro station, and is worth a visit. Since Liberdade is the most concentrated Japanese area in a city with a huge Japanese population (maybe around 600,000), it is an interesting place to hang out for a while. Without any thought of mongering, I decided to walk around the area, tourist style.

     Contrary to my expectations, as I walked up Av. Liberdade, in the direction of Metro Station Se, and Praca da Se (with the Catedral Metropolitana da Se at its center), I noticed a number of working garotas on the left-hand side of the street. As I approached the Catedral from its backside, I noticed that immediately across from the Catedral, on both sides of a rather wide street that passed by the Catedral's back side was a congregation of similarly situated garotas. In short, on a Sunday afternoon there are perhaps 30 streetwalkers in the area, on Av. Liberdade (as indicated), and to a greater extent on both sides of the street facing the back of the Catedral. I gave a couple of the garotas test runs (on different days) and also spoke to a few others. The price is in the range of $R40 or $R50, with the hotel sometimes included, and other times somewhere around an additional R$10. You may be able to do better on the base fee if you are a good negotiator, and want to bother, which I didn't.

     Some, but clearly not all, of the streetwalkers weren’t bad. None would allow photos, however, either during or outside of the session. If you are in Sao Paulo for only a short time there are better options (unless you gravitate to streetwalkers), but if you are there for an extended time, you might, depending on personal preference, want to take a look at this scene. I cannot comment on whether it is better or worse on days other than Sunday, however.

     It is important though that while these streetwalkers were in Liberdade, the Japanese part of town, they were not Japanese (similarly for the casas in Liberdade).

Well, that about does it:
AND HERE’S TO SAO PAULO!

By Moondog on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 03:32 pm: Edit

LAGuy

On hell of a fine report and guide. It's going to take me a long time to get through all of the
info.

Many thanks,

Moondog

By Sex_junkie on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 05:45 pm: Edit

Oh, wow! This has to be one of the best and most comprehensive report I have seen, for anywhere!

As I mentioned in my other TR, I am discovering that SP has a really good P4P scene and at least on par with Rio. I just wish I have 10 vacation weeks a year so I can spend at least one week in each place on every trip.

By Stayawayjoe on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Laguy, really beyond the call of duty(ya done good), and I appreciate all the effort you put into it. As for Love Story in Centro, I've been there several times and I would say Fridays are the worst night. It's packed with brasileiros making for a male to female ratio of about 5 to 1.
Since I hit a lot of the low end places in Sp with you, now we have dip in to the dark side of Rio for some true R and R.

By Laguy on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 06:55 pm: Edit

Stayaway: Actually, my first trip-report/guide was on Rio (LAGuy's Opinionated Guide to the Excellent, the Good, the Bad, and the Grotesquely Ugly) almost two years ago. I probably began developing my reputation as one who would go where no man (non-Brasileiro, that is) had gone before from that report/guide, which I suspect may have information that is still semi-current. I haven't been to Rio for awhile so I don't really know.

Anyway, thanks for the compliment about the present guide, and if I make it to Rio again, maybe we can hook up there.

By Athos on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 09:03 pm: Edit

LAGuy
Wow this must make you honorary Paulistano. Thanks for the info in particular about all the Prives, that's a lot of ground to cover literally.

By Laguy on Saturday, April 02, 2005 - 12:10 pm: Edit

Athos: Perhaps the previous mayor of Brazil, who was a sexologist might have made me an honorary Paulistano (although I don't know if her perspective was feminist with an anti-prostitution component, or consistent with ours); I doubt whether the present major will, although who knows? But among members of this board, I would gladly accept the honor if given. Now what do I get for being an honorary Paulistano (and don't say a poor work ethic, that honor is reserved for Rio)?

By Laguy on Sunday, April 03, 2005 - 12:08 pm: Edit

Since in response to my post in South America chat announcing that this new version of the guide has been posted, a few hombres (isn't it about time we changed the name of the board to ClubHomem?) have looked up the old version in Treeview rather than the new one presented in this thread, I thought I would just make a post to keep this thread current so hombres (and homens) who haven't yet seen this will pick it up on the one-day discus search. I imagine this is okay.

By Peter29 on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 11:50 pm: Edit

LA,

That report is amazing.

I wish I would spend enough time to put together a report like this about Germany.

I did have two good FAQ's for my favourite FKK's, but those disappeared with a hard drive crash.

You deserve a medal for that!

By Laguy on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:19 pm: Edit

Peter,

Thanks. Maybe my guide along with some of the Rio guides will get you to consider a trip to Brazil sometime. Then again, I can't say the FKK's aren't a real attraction also; next time I'm in Germany I will try to spend a bit more time exploring them BUT I will leave it to you, not me, to provide the 411 on the FKK scene. I'm about guided out at this point.

By Laguy on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 06:55 pm: Edit

I thought I should tag on a few items for those who will be using the guide.

(1) I just read Moondog's report that Bomboa closed. I don't know if it is re-opening somewhere else but I assume for now it is kaput. I never really liked the place but others did.

(2) There have been some price creep since the April 2005 version of the guide. Tivoly raised their price to R$190 per hour from R$170. Some of the casas have also raised their prices slightly, e.g., R$10 increases at Privê do Hector - R. Pascoal Paes, 483 x R. Bartolomeu Feio, 483 – Brooklin, and one or two others. Most though seem to be charging about what is reported above.

(3) Antares now charges R$150 per hour, with a promo rate of R$130 before 5 p.m. (no coupon needed). The promo rate requires cash, not credit cards. I'm not sure about the R$150 rate, whether it is cash only. Recent visits to Antares (after not visiting it for perhaps eight months) suggest it is going strong with attractive talent with good attitudes. However, more exploration is needed :-)

(4) I inadvertently (maybe subconsciously) left out the following discussion (cut and pasted from the 2004 version) in the revised 2005 guide above. So here goes:

Seven, Eight or Nine Floors of Whores

In my earlier guide to Rio, I included a review of Vila Mimosa with some references to Fellini. Bottom line though is I liked the place, probably leading many to question my sanity. Well, LAguy has sadly finally found his limit. In an area of Centro, not too far from the Teatro Orion, there is a building with about eight floors, each of which has garotas waiting for customers. Unlike some of the lower end massage places in Rio, e.g., Rua Carioca, 59, these do not appear to be separate businesses on different floors, although it is possible they are. Rather you have garotas hanging out on the stairway, in the corridors, and everywhere. Many of them will turn your stomach, or at least qualify for an extensive photo shoot by the infamous Masterbates (note to Masterbates: if you ever do make it to Sao Paulo and visit this place, please take photos only for personal use. Do not post them here!). A few of the many garotas are doable if your dick hasn't totally shriveled up from looked at the more grotesque ones. Prices are in the R$10 to R$20 range; I paid R$15 for a session and wondered whether this was the special inflated gringo price (probably not, but it was a thought).

The scary part is as I was walking up and down the stairs (the elevator didn't seem to be working) some of the garotas would grab me and wouldn't let go, literally. I suggest if you are going there, go with a couple of other hombres to offer some protection against such things getting out of hand (as it almost did when one of the ugliest garotas I have ever seen grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go). Also, watch your pockets, don't wear a watch, and so forth.

I have one caveat to add to the above. I went there on a weekend; I can't remember whether it was a Saturday or Sunday. I suspect things may be different on other days, although I can't say whether they would be better (more garotas) or worse (more garotas). It is conceivable on a different day I would like the place more, but even with my high tolerance for places like this, I doubt it.

Directions: This rather hideous place is located at Rua Barao de Limeira, 134. To get there you could walk along Avenida Ipiranga away from Praca Republica and towards Ave. Sao Joao. Make a left on Ave. Sao Joao and walk perhaps three blocks until you reach Rua Barao de Limeria which is off to the right at a 45 degree angle (or something like that) to Ave. Sao Joao. Within maybe two blocks you will hit Rua Barao de Limeria on the right-hand side. It looks like an old office building but it should be obvious you are in the right place once you enter.

By Moondog on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 06:08 am: Edit

LAGuy,

Thanks for the updates. I hope you will be in town on the 28th. A bunch of us are having a get together at Cafe Gauguin that night.

Moondog

By Stayawayjoe on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 12:22 pm: Edit

Damn, your restaurant recommendations are setting me back beaucoup dinheiros. And loving it, as Maxwell Smart might say.

By Laguy on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 01:58 pm: Edit

At the time I wrote the guide I hadn't yet sampled it, but Fasano is now my favorite. However, it is probably also the most expensive of the bunch.

By Laguy on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 02:51 pm: Edit

Stayawayjoe: I'm curious which restaurants you sampled and which ones you liked. Let us know. Also, any you would add to the list?

By Stayawayjoe on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 08:37 am: Edit

So far I went to Gero and Amadeus, both excellent. I think I may hit Massimo´s tonight.

By Azguy on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 04:19 pm: Edit

HELP!! I have a good friend that was diverted to Sao Paulo for a couple of days due to an airline strike I think he said (poor guy). Anyway, he is a great guy and knows no Portuguese. I sent him LAguy's TP (thanks LA guy), but it would be really great if someone could show him around Monday. Are there any CH members that can help in Sao Paulo? If not, is there someone like Don and/or Ken in Sao Paulo? thanks for any help guys. AZ

By Laguy on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 12:04 am: Edit

As indicated in a chat post, I doubt there is anyone like Don or Ken in SP given that SP is not for the most part a tourist destination.

One thing I should mention. A while back there were some law enforcement related problems that caused Cafe Millenium, Connection, and Bomboa to close (I believe Romanza also). I believe Bomboa may still be closed (after re-opening briefly) and I suspect, but don't know, that Millenium and Connection may be open again. In any event, your friend should probably check the throwaway tourist magazine available at hotels that goes by the name "Magazine" to see which of these particular places are currently advertising, since these advertise when they are open (unlike many of the other places listed in my guide). This of course assumes he is interested in visiting one or more of them.

Incidentally, I suspect his best shot at finding an English speaking garota would be Cafe Photo, although this also would be one of the most expensive places to visit. There are far fewer English speaking GDPs in Sao Paulo than Rio in my experience.

By Kojak on Saturday, July 29, 2006 - 11:57 am: Edit

Laguy - I went to Clinica Kin Lin on Rua Caramuru 310 (Praca da Arvore) and they had 8 girls. I picked a girl from Bahia and she was just ok. The place is nice and comfortable. The first five girls were ugly and the last three were doable. It was $100R for a hour and $70R for half hour. The place on 246 and 704 (Clinica Tokio). The place on 246 is out of business with a for rent sign.

By Laguy on Saturday, July 29, 2006 - 12:51 pm: Edit

Kojak: Thanks for the info. I have been to some of the very inexpensive casas on Rua Caramuru ($R20 for half hour), but not to Clinica Kin Lin. I'll check it out and if get around to updating the Sao Paulo guide, I'll add it. Incidentally, for others who may be interested, the location is not too far from Clinica Antares (same metro station).

By Laguy on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 02:15 pm: Edit

I thought this would be an appropriate place to add a little bit of information. Perhaps one of these days I will get around to updating the guide.

First, owing to a new sign ordinance in Sao Paulo, many of the bars that used to have signs in front no longer do. Although I don't know the precise details of the ordinance, it applies to all businesses, not just those we are particularly interested in. The reason I note this is because I went to a couple of low end P4P bars, and from afar I was sure they had been closed since there were no signs out front. It was only after arriving at the door I realized the only thing that had changed was that the sign had been removed.

Taxi fare from GRU to the Jardims area, is now about R$87, using the taxi stand just outside the arrival building. I suspect, but don't really know, the return should be a bit cheaper (and fixed fare) if you use a regular (not luxury) taxi.

Since the guide was published above, Cafe Millenium and Connection seem to have bit the dust, although if I am wrong about this, someone else please so indicate. Tivoly is probably still open, although that needs to be confirmed. However, although Tivoly used to be well worth the 170 per hour fixed fee per session (with no additional entrance charge), the last time I was there, perhaps a year ago, it had gone up to 240 and is probably even more now.

Prive do Hector, listed above in the Brooklin prive/casa section, had to move owing to some problems with the government. However, it probably was a reasonably amicable move as there was notice from the government they no longer wanted the prive in that location, and I note Hector seems to have re-located to another location in Brooklin, as well as having a second location. I would suggest checking www.gpguia.net before going to any of the casas I listed to make sure they are still open (and also to discover new one's such as Hector's new location). The great majority of the casas I listed still seem to be open.

One of these days I'll add a few casas and massage parlors I have visited to the list above. But I need to get more organized to do this.

Another hotel to consider is the Maksoud Plaza. It used to be one of the best hotels in Sao Paulo but has gotten a bit run down, although still reasonably okay. If you try to book at the hotel, the rates are quite high. But using Expedia or some of the other travel sites you can get reasonably good rates if you pay in advance. There is also the advantage that you will be paying in dollars without losing money on foreign exchange fees, foreign transaction tag-ons, and so forth. I haven't brought a girl into the hotel, but have been told there is no problem, both by a bellman, and by one of the girls working in a nearby casa. However, this does not address whether they charge an add-on fee when a girl is brought up; someone should try to find out and post this information.

One small advantage of staying at the Maksoud is it entitles you to take the Diner's Card shuttle to and from GRU for free, with no intervening stops. I don't bother on the way in, since I don't even know where the shuttle stops at the airport, but it runs either every hour or half hour from the Maksoud, thereby saving you the taxi fare to the airport (hence the reason I can't tell you what the taxi fare is).

Finally, it looks like U.S. commercial imperialism is going strong. I never thought I would see the day, but I have recently seen two Starbucks in Sao Paulo, one apparently the first in Brasil, where Brasileiros now get in long lines to purchase grossly overpriced coffee. Seven reais plus change for a medium latte. Or, three reais less than it costs to get laid in some places in Brasil.

By Zoner on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 02:55 am: Edit

LAguy, an excellent guide, one of the best reports I’ve read. The 2004 Annual Best Guide Winner award was very deserving. I started looking at the guide during my 3rd week in sampa when I was beginning to run out of places to visit. Wished I had read it sooner.

Some updates:
In the Prives aka Casas section of the guide, Praca Do Arvore Area, Rua Caramuru 246 was closed when I visited, no longer a p4p casa. Rua Guarau 161 also closed.

Liberdade casas: Av Liberdade 486 (cross street Lg Polvora)
apt 405: price went up to 25 30min, 35 dupla, 50 hr. Viewed 2 garotas weekday midafternoon. Didnt see any I liked so they told me to go to 410.
apt 410: same price as 405. 2 garotas, none doable.
apt 503: 2 garotas, 1 skinny, 1 fat.

By Laguy on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 12:03 pm: Edit

Thanks Zoner, both for your compliment and your "hard work" exploring and posting about various places in Brazil many of which don't get much coverage here.

If I ever get the time and motivation to update the SP guide I'll likely pm you to get some help making sure the facts are all correct, assuming that is okay..

By Zoner on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 03:54 am: Edit

Went to some of the neighborhood p4p bars listed in the Some Strays in Centro section of the guide:
Antonio Carlos 405, 8 garotas, friday 9:45p.
Rua da Consolacao 2388, 5 garotas, friday 9:30p.
Several doors north of 2388 there's another bar Adeuso(sp?), 7 garotas.
Few blks north found 2 more:
Consolacao 1918. 8 garotas, friday 11:15p.
Consolacao 1936. Luna Drinks. 3 garotas. Picked up their flyer & on the back advertised its sister club(?) Cafe Brazil, Av Santo Amaro 5358, em frente ao Clube Do Banespa.

In Pinheiros, on my way to a casa spotted Bar Le Duc, cover 5 com 1 cerveja, 10 garotas, 2 doable if I was drunk. 40 30min including onsite room. Cardeal Arcoverde 3077, cross st Matosi (Reboucas).

LAguy, sure, if I could be of any assitance...

I think Sampa casa scene is underrated. It's bigger & better than in BsAs, Medellin, Lima, SJ, Panama, Guatemala, etc. The low-price Sampa casa meninas I found were better looking than 95% of the high-price boate gdps. Of course I had to go to 80-90 casas to search for 'em.

LAguy, since your guide was helpful on my 1st Sampa trip, if you like to know where I found the meninas send me a pm.

By Bobcat on Saturday, August 16, 2008 - 09:53 pm: Edit

Last time I was in SP I stayed in a blue tree hotel by the tranamerica convention center which was painfully far from everything. My favorite places were Millenium and Connection. Any suggestion about medinum range hotels nearer to these clubs?

By Mitchc on Sunday, August 17, 2008 - 05:59 pm: Edit

Nothing located very close to Connections and Millenium is closed last I heard. Staying in Jardins is always pretty convenient. Try one of the Parthenon Hotels. Moema is also a good place to stay but with all the club closings, I'm not really sure if Moema would be good anymore.

By Bluestraveller on Sunday, August 17, 2008 - 08:37 pm: Edit

I can recommend the Blue Tree Towers Anália Franco which is about a mile from Connection. Very convenient and also very near a very large shopping mall.

By Laguy on Monday, August 18, 2008 - 07:44 am: Edit

I also heard Millenium has closed. Connection is still open, but somehwat different than before (see Bwana Dik's and Blues Travellers' recent comments in the Connection thread (which can be reached through TreeView on the left). Connection is no longer a fixed price place, but rather one where you negotiate with the girls; it appears to be much more expensive this way than before, when I guess you could have called it a budget high-end place.

By Bwana_dik on Monday, August 18, 2008 - 03:15 pm: Edit

BTW, Bluestraveller and I got a better rate through Amerioca Travel (Don and Ken) at Blue Tree Towers Anália Franco than I was able to find on the net. The rate they got me included breakfast, which was a pretty decent cold buffet of pastries, meats, cheeses, yogurt, juice, and cereals.

By Laguy on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 11:35 am: Edit

One of these days I'll probably revise the guide. Although much of Sao Paulo is the same as in 2005, prices are definitely higher, and some of the higher-end places many liked no longer exist.

The one problem I have in doing a revision is I don't really frequent the more expensive clubs anymore, and have basically settled into visiting a few places; I therefore don't really have new information about most of the places I reported on earlier.

Accordingly, those of you who have recent updated information could help me along if you would pm me with what you have (e.g., new prices, places that no longer exist, and so forth). To help me keep track of things, it would be good if you could put "SP GUIDE" in the subject line.

TIA

By Jamesm2003 on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 11:25 pm: Edit

There doesn't seem to be much on Sao Paulo since mid-2008. I'm going there May 4, 2009 for a couple of days. Can anyone tell me what p4p means? what is the currency exchange these days? where's a good place currently for girls there and what price to expect?? Thanks in advance for anyone who comments.

By Hunterman on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 11:20 am: Edit

p4p = pay for play

By Johnnyroc on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 08:14 pm: Edit

i can arrange for you to get 1.50 R per dollar if you want. 2g min

(Message edited by johnnyroc on May 03, 2009)

By Roadglide on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 11:03 pm: Edit

It's running about 2.1 to the dollar right now. Here is a web site you may want to bookmark for the future. http://www.xe.com/ucc/

By Johnnyroc on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 04:57 am: Edit

i was joking.....

By Greenlight on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 08:44 am: Edit

this is an excellent report!
on another note: the www.gpguia.net website comes up "forbidden." is there another link, or resource?

thanks.

By Laguy on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 04:41 pm: Edit

Thanks Greenlight. Yes, unfortunately gpguia cannot be accessed from the U.S. anymore, only from Brasil, Argentina, and I imagine a few other countries.

Although a fair amount of the guide is still accurate (although prices are pretty much higher across the board) there have been some changes. Until I revise the guide (which I may or may not do in the future) I would suggest confirming the information before acting on it. Once you are in Brasil one way to do this would be to consult gpguia for the latest on pricing and which places no longer exist.

By Isawal on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 11:30 am: Edit

Hey LAguy

Well someone told me to read this report. He (you) told me it was the best guide posted. Insightful and brilliantly written with wit and intelligence.

THanks for a great read but don't you think its time for you to do your mongering duty and do an update? Please.

By Laguy on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 01:44 pm: Edit

NO I DIDN'T!!! Well, I did tell you to read the guide, but I did not tell you it was the best guide posted. Am I gonna have to start cutting and pasting from our Skype chats to vindicate myself???

As to an update, I haven't seen a lot of interest. In fact, a couple of times I posted a call for people to send me updated info on Sao Paulo, including any discrepancies between the info in my guide and current pricing, etc. so that I could incorporate any new information into a revised guide. Got zip for a response, and frankly also haven't accumulated a whole lot of new information from my own experiences, so I decided to concentrate on other things.

By Isawal on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 04:17 am: Edit

So your guide isn't Insightful and brilliantly written with wit and intelligence...right?

Now I am confused.

By Laguy on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 11:24 am: Edit

I didn't tell you it was the best guide posted here. There are plenty of other guides here that are at least as good. I don't want anyone here to think I believe otherwise.

Although I don't remember this specifically, perhaps I told you it was the best guide I posted (relative, e.g., to the Rio guide I once posted) and that is the cause of the confusion.

By Isawal on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 11:28 am: Edit

Actually LAguy I was just joking with you it was a fun read. Thx

By Laguy on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 05:07 pm: Edit

I just ran across (actually found the link on another board) this cool map which shows alot of P4P locations on a Sao Paulo map. It doesn't cover casas/prives, but includes a number of massage places, many of which really are just casas/prives. It also includes a fair number of the clubs.

http://www.isaw-db.com/map_sap.html

The map is particularly helpful when used alongside www.gpguia.net.

By Laguy on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 06:34 pm: Edit

Here is another map link I swiped that does show alot of casas/prives in Sao Paulo.

http://maps.google.com/?q=http://bitchmaps.com/kmz/sp.kmz

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