At Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, it was common to come across fully made-up men who had traded their Havaianas for high heels. Though some were experienced cross dressers and drag queens, others saw the holiday as an opportunity to get in touch with their more feminine sides. Costumes ranged from the elaborate (Sambadrome-style feathers, stilettos, fake lashes) to the scrappy (tiny skirt, hastily smeared lipstick).

Regardless of the intensity of their get-ups, you had to give it up to the cross dressers of Rio Carnival. I certainly couldn't do a bloco in heels that high. The photo gallery below showcases ten of the hottest drag queen costumes that I encountered.

Gallery: The hottest drag queens at Rio Carnival

Check out Gadling's full range of Rio Carnival 2012 coverage here.