Changes

There are three main levels of punting, not including escort agencies, clip-joints and streetwalkers.

* '''Termas.''' These are the top level. They are similar to a luxury spa, with added punting facilities (though not to be confused with German FKKs). Mostly you will pay an entrance fee, get changed and leave your belongings in a locker, then take as long as you like to relax in the bars, saunas, restaurant and sometimes see a show while checking out the ladies that are available. With food and drink you can generally pay-as-you-go or run up a tab (to reassure yourself against mistakes that might sometimes happen, some people feel that paying cash can simplify things). When you choose a girl, you will often have the option of different levels of en-suite facilities and agree how many hours to engage her at the set rates. One of the most famous, easily accessible and quite spectacular of the Rio termas is Four-by-Four. You can find a guide to locating it at: https://www.ukpunting.com/index.php?topic=241606.0 or just ask any taxi (it's in Centro, walking distance from Uruguiana Metro).

* ''''Trash' places''' (so-called). These can be exceedingly good fun and cost next to nothing. They cater to short time punts, between ten and twenty minutes. Unlike the more expensive places, not all the girls in trash venues will be beautiful, yet you can find gems that are equal in looks to the top places if you search hard. Most are situated centrally, with a stair that has knock-shops leading off on each floor. There is never any pressure, but the scantily-clad women on the stairs may try to entice you by fondling your ass or balls as you explore the options on each level. The cabins where the action will take place after you choose are often not the best (some are, but most have very basic worn mattress and a sheet). The women however are usually very clean and shower properly between every customer. (Brazilians are almost obsessive about hygiene and washing.) The most famous trash venue was ''Vila Mimosa'', an escort run village to the West of Rio's central district, with dozens upon dozens of bars with escorts, cheap beer and loud music. Brazilians, especially Cariocas (residents of Rio de Janeiro) love to party, and if the girls aren't with a customer many of them might be shaking their dancing asses off or doing their best to flirt seductively. (Note that women in Brazil, including prostitutes, have equal standing to men and sexism is openly prohibited: Brazilian men are mostly dominant by their game.) Vila Mimosa got so much publicity that instead of being a locals-only place it is almost a tourist attraction and prices have rocketed, often charging as much for 15 minutes as you would pay for an hour in a very civilised downtown casa. It is worth trying to negotiate in most cases. Mimosa, in spite of its run-down appearance, is generally safe and it has private security (in other words, it is unwise to step out of line). In Sao Paulo, at least one main walk-up ('trash place') is in a central area next to Luz station. The area is known as 'Crackolandia' due the number of drug addicts and special care should be taken at all times. In Rio, all the main walk-ups are either in Centro or North Centro and generally considered safe. Belo Horizonte, a city further north, has a street not far from the bus station where many large, old hotels (with private security) have been converted into multi-storey trash venues.

* ''''Vila Mimosa''' A small village-like community of p4p workers, p4p-run and with its own security. It used to be a fun cheap haven until prices crept up to clinica level (clinicas being better value). Many of the rooms are ramshackle but the sheer quantity available (together with blaring music and cheap beer from each of the many p4p bars), 7 days and almost 24hrs is unique. Accessible most easily by bus, it's a block north of Praça da Bandeira on Sotero dos Reis. Alternatively the Metro stop Sao Cristovao is a short walk away, or almost any taxi driver knows it. Vila Mimosa is safe (please respoect locals), but the area immediately around it suggests normal caution.

== Transport ==

Brazil is an enormous country, roughly the size of the USA. '''Internal flights''' can sometimes be picked up quite cheaply. Brazilians think nothing of overnight (or 24h or more) bus journeys. '''Intercity buses''' are fairly comfortable on the whole and the ones running between Rio and Sao Paulo have deep recliner options. Trains are almost non-existent other than one or two scenic lines. Driving is not particularly recommended unless you are very familiar with the country... the big cities are more complex than London or L.A. to negotiate in and out of. Carjackling is not unknown. Roads vary from excellent to very poor.

'''Sao Paulo''' has three airports. The main one is Guarulhos (GRU) use for most international flights and the most developed. Beware that if you get a flight to Viracopos or Congonhas airport, the connections into the city are much poorer (Viracopos will take quite a while from downtown SP). Sao Paulo is the biggest city in the southern hemisphere. It has a highly developed but very complex transport system. As for Rio, get a card that covers all forms of public transport including the suburban train: it saves money (built in discounts with some multiple journeys), saves hassle and saves time. Taxis/Ubers are inexpensive but may be hard to find in rush hour (in rush hour, the metro, however crowded, is often quicker) and given the large distances crossing the city can eventually end up expensive.