Ipanema really is the gay and lesbian central of Rio de Janeiro - especially for the South. It has miles of stunning beach line where the sun starts in the East and doesn't leave the beach until it sets behind the mountains in the west.

Ipanema's gay beach is easily recognisable by the rainbow flags framing the section of the beach, the boys in small trunks and groups of girls huddled under umbrellas.

The area is excellent for shopping, drinking and partying with some excellent hotels and apartment complexes in the area.

Every New Year people will head to the beach all in white to celebrate, and at Carnival there is a five-day weekend party to celebrate.

Such a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere Ipanema is the Soho gay village of south Rio de Janeiro. The best club is either Galleria or Le Boy but the street parties are worth waiting for when people across Rio descends on the small district.

It's hard to imagine there is homphobia in the country in Ipanema - in fact it seems much more tolerant than many European countries.

Easy to get to by Metro, Taxi or bus - it is much cheaper if there is two or more to travel by taxi. However you will need to know the destination or at least show it to the driver. Few taxi drivers speak English - but if you speak Spanish you should get by.