Follow the seductive sound of samba as it winds you down through lush mountains, into the caipirinha-soaked festivities of Carnaval, along the crowded streets of historic Centro, to the sunbaked, sandy beaches of Ipanema. With contributions by specialists and in-the-know locals - including insider tips on gay and lesbian nightlife - it's no wonder that this is the best-selling guide to the sexiest city in the Americas.