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 as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth. Witness the festivities reach their dizzying climax, join the conga line with the locals, move and shake among the drum-fuelled street fiestas and revel in the magic celebration of life. With a mix of festival-specific activities and iconic Carnival experiences – you don’t want to miss the party of a lifetime.
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.
- Leave the guidebook at home and 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
Product Code: 1922
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private bus,Metro
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGSR
Starts: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Finishes: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3995 (CAD 666 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Sophie - Traveled, February 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Dominique - Traveled, February 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Jessica - Traveled, February 2024
My experience with the Rio Carnaval tour was absolutely amazing! From the vibrant atmosphere to the beautiful people I met along the way, it exceeded all my expectations. Aline, our tour guide, played a pivotal role in making this journey unforgettable. Despite battling sickness for most of the tour, Aline's kindness and patience never wavered. Her caring demeanor and attention to detail ensured that I still got to experience all the tourist sights I had hoped to see. Aline's dedication to ensuring everyone's comfort and enjoyment truly sets her apart. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Rio Carnaval. And if you have the chance, do yourself a favor and request Aline as your guide – she's simply the best! Thank you, Aline, for making my Rio Carnaval experience one for the books!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, February 2023
This trip exceeded my expectations - Rio was the most beautiful city, and seeing it in it's prime through carnaval was just amazing! Although a relaxed pace with lots of free time, it felt like you were in the heartbeat of the city.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Nathalie - Traveled, February 2023
Included activities were great; however, they were way too few and far between. I felt we constantly had free time with no (optional) activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2023
Luvena - Traveled, February 2023
The Rio Carnival Tour with Intrepid was amazing due in large part to the local guides in Rio. I would definitely recommend the tour for those who want to experience Carnaval. Its a trip of a lifetime. Again the local tour guides were excellent. However, Intrepid Head Office needs to re-evaluate their systems , the itinerary inclusions and pricing for a better overall customer experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2023
Jasmine - Traveled, February 2023
I would definitely recommend! However you are paying more than what you get but in return you get a group of amazing people and safety. The carnival day itself I cannot fault we had amazing seats! The block event day was a waste it was just a walk over the road and we were left to it which made it feel like “where is our money going” I would still say 100% go with intrepid but just be mindful of that. Would definitely go again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Lee - Traveled, February 2023
I have been a loyal customer with Intrepid for before it was Intrepid back in 2001 when it was Gurba. And this has to be one of the best trips. Without any doubt what made this so good was the guide. He really looked after all of us, took us to some really fun places, had great recommendations of what to do with our free time and great restaurants to go to in the evenings and they all exceeded our expectations. We had one of the most memorable moments of our lives on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2023
Sally - Traveled, February 2023
Excellent trip met some amazing people, fell in love with Brazil and this was all thanks to our amazing tour guide Aline. Thank you x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
Kimberly - Traveled, February 2023
So fun! Carnaval was so much more than I expected. I am glad I took this trip with a guide. I can’t speak Portuguese and Spanish wasn’t that helpful. This was 100% worth it and my guide Guilherme was so helpful! He made the trip fantastic, I felt so safe!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2023
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