Rio Carnival Experience

Intrepid Travel · 6 days
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
Rio Carnival Experience
6 Days
From AUD $4640
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(10 reviews)

Rio Carnival Experience

Rio Carnival Experience

Intrepid Travel · 6 days
Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take centre-stage in this epic annual event and let the rhythm of Rio take over. Don an elaborate costume and samba your way through the non-stop action on this six-day adventure as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth.

Highlights

  • Perfect your samba steps at a local club and learn how to blend in with the Carioca crowds, a great introduction for your first night in this pulsating city.
  • Witness a parade of elaborate floats and costumes as samba dancers show off their moves in the Sambadrome – a party that stretches well into the early hours.
  • Get to know the rhythms of Rio on a city tour of the top sites. See Christ the Redeemer up close and soak up sweet views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
  • Be a part of the biggest stage in the world – don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
  • Experience the best of Carnival under the safe and knowledgeable guidance of your expert leader. They’re on hand to make sure you have a hassle-free, fun-filled adventure!

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Private bus,Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Finishes

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Festivals and Events

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Bem-vindo! Welcome to Brazil. The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio', and we tend to agree! In this vibrant city – set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado – it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents (known as Cariocas), especially during Carnival. Your adventure kicks off at 4 pm with an important welcome meeting – afterward, head out for an included dinner with the group to try out some of Carioca's specialties before making your way to a local samba club for a fun initiation on this popular dance. During Carnival, Rio pulsates to the rhythm of samba. You won't need to be an expert Samba dancer to make the most of your time in Rio but knowing one or two samba steps will help you blend in with the local Carioca crowds.

Included Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Welcome dinner
  • Rio de Janeiro - Samba Club visit
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Today, your local leader will take you on a guided tour around two of the most emblematic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. It wouldn’t be a trip to Rio without visiting Christ the Redeemer – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Head to Corcovado Mountain to take in the sweeping views of Rio from the 710-metre-high peak and gaze up at the iconic statue from its base. Next, head to Sugarloaf, another mountain that juts out over Guanabara Bay. Its name comes from the mountain’s resemblance to a traditional sugarloaf – a tall cone of refined sugar that was popular in the Caribbean and Brazil until the late 19th century. This evening, enjoy time to yourself to explore the nightlife of Rio – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations if you want to try some classic Brazilian fare like feijoada or barbeque for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car (entrance)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
This morning your leader will take you to a local bloco. Blocos are the true expression of Carnival in Rio. Simply put, they are street parties, unlike any party you’ve been to before! Each bloco is themed, with DJs or bands playing all day and people of all ages and walks of life dressing up to join the party every day throughout the Carnival. Your local leader will be at hand throughout the visit to help you make the most of this experience. Today's afternoon and evening is free for you to explore Rio at your own pace, or perhaps head to the beach for a swim. If you’re looking for an active adventure that takes you off the beaten track, ask your leader about one of the incredible hiking trails – a climb up the nearby Morro Dois Irmaos provides arguably the best view over Rio.

Included Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Bloco experience

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a sleep in this morning, or perhaps grab a traditional acai bowl for a morning boost. Later, meet with your leader and head to the main event of the week – the parade in the Sambadrome. Here, more than 100 of the top samba schools in Brazil parade their fantastic floats and costumes in an annual competition for the title of Rio Carnival Samba Parade Champions. Witness an exhilarating display of dance and design as the dedicated performers samba down the runway, showing off their skills and you'll have a prime spot in Sector 11 where you’ll get a close-up view of the parade and the chance to snap great photos. The rhythm of Rio’s Sambadrome celebrations pulses into the early hours of the morning – feel free to party all night or return to the hotel with your leader – the night is yours!

Included Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Sambodrome (Seating in sector 11)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Rio de Janeiro
Make the most of a free morning to recover from the craziness of the Sambadrome – you may want to go for a refreshing dip at one of Rio’s many beautiful beaches or simply relax at the hotel. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway – a once in a lifetime experience! Each Samba School has around 4000 dancers, split into twenty-five ‘alas’ or wings, each wing telling part of the overall story or theme of the school. You’ll get to join one of these ‘alas’ and spend 30-40 minutes celebrating within the Sambadrome. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to samba, just use your utmost enthusiasm to jump, bounce and dance around. Soak up the energy and make the most of every moment as you play a part in the biggest stage in the world. Afterward, you’re welcome to head back to the hotel with the leader, who will be able to recommend places to go for a final cold caipirinha or group dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Join the Parade with costume (855 USD)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Rio de Janeiro
Today is the final day of your Rio Carnival trip and there are no activities included. The trip finishes after breakfast and you can check out of the hotel any time before midday.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,640
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take centre-stage in this epic annual event and let the rhythm of Rio take over. Don an elaborate costume and samba your way through the non-stop action on this six-day adventure as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Feb 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Sophie
Traveled, February 2024

02/17/2024

The carnaval experience in Rio was unmatched, our guide Lola was full of knowledge and pride for her home and it made the experience 100x better. I can’t wait to go back

5.0
Dominique
Traveled, February 2024

02/26/2024

I highly recommend this tour especially for those experiencing this Brazilian holiday for the first time and if you don't speak Portuguese. The local guides provided context on the Blocos, the Sambadromo competitions and Rio as a whole that I wouldn't have gotten independently. Seeing Rio during this time of year is truly an experience that words and pictures cannot capture. Vicente was an awesome guide who further enhanced this experience for me.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989