Caipirinhas, Costumes & Samba Carnival Kickoff

Welcome to Lapa: Rio's Bohemian Heart

Arrive in the lively neighborhood of Lapa, known for its buzzing samba clubs, historic streets, and dynamic nightlife. It’s the perfect start to your Carnival adventure, with artistic energy and lively crowds waiting just outside your accommodation.

Settle In & Explore

From 3:00 PM  Check into your accommodation and start soaking in the local vibes. Marvel at colorful street art, browse quirky antique stores, and enjoy funky bars and charming cafés, all set in Lapa’s beautiful historic buildings.

Group Welcome & Orientation

6:00 PM  Meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting. Review your Carnival schedule and get insider tips for making the most of your stay.

Caipirinhas & Samba Class

Kick off the evening by toasting with your first caipirinha, Brazil's legendary cocktail. Then, loosen up at a vibrant group samba class—no experience needed, just bring your best moves and enthusiasm!

Carnival Makeover

Get Carnival-ready with a professional face-paint session. Whether you want sparkles, feathers, or wild colors, it’s your time to shine.

Dive into Lapa’s Street Parties

Follow your tour leader straight into the heart of Lapa’s famous street parties. The music, costumes, and contagious energy promise an unforgettable introduction to Rio’s nightlife.

Pro Tip: Pack your wildest costumes—anything goes in Carnival! Local shops offer plenty of options if you want to up your party game.

Guide: Included for the day

Carnival Choices & Sambadrome Showdown

Choose Your Rhythm: Carnival Street Party, Beach, or City Tour

Morning (after breakfast):

Start your day with a group breakfast where your tour leader will walk you through the day’s exhilarating options and answer your burning questions.

Carnival Bloco Bash:

Join the Essential Experience group and dive into Rio’s legendary bloco street party. Get swept up in vibrant music, joyous crowds, and over-the-top costumes—every block buzzes with infectious Carnival energy.

Flamengo Beach Escape:

Prefer to unwind? Join a relaxing walk to Flamengo Beach. Feel the sun on your skin, enjoy the company of new friends, and soak in stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain from the sand.

Take It Easy:

If you’d rather recharge, simply relax and soak up the buzzing atmosphere in preparation for the night ahead.

Get Glam for the Main Event

Afternoon: Return to your accommodation to prepare for a show-stopping evening. Our professional makeup artist is on hand to get you Carnival-ready with dazzling face and body art. Strike a pose for vibrant photos to capture your unique look!

The Spectacle of the Sambadrome Parade

Evening: Head to the world-famous Sambadrome, the heart of Rio’s Carnival. Watch in awe as samba schools parade with jaw-dropping floats, glittering costumes, and booming percussion. Lose yourself in the exhilarating crowd—this is Carnival at its most electrifying!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Bloco Street Party (Santa Teresa) & Sunset Boat Party Cruise

• Morning: Fuel up with breakfast before heading out with your Tour Leader to one of Rio's legendary blocos (street parties), today setting the vibe in the artistic, hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Your guide will highlight the best street parties daily, giving you the option to join the group, explore solo, or take a well-deserved sleep-in to save your energy for the night ahead!

• Afternoon: The group reconvenes at the hotel for a scenic walk down to Marina da Glória. Here, we board a magnificent schooner for a 5-hour cruise across spectacular Guanabara Bay. Kick things off with an open bar during the first hour of boarding, then hit the dance floor as our DJ spins, or relax in the chill-out area.

• Sunset & Evening: We return just after sunset, offering unforgettable, panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer illuminated against the night sky. Head back to the hotel to refresh before your Tour Leader takes the group out to experience the absolute best of Rio’s nocturnal Carnival scene.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Bloco Street Party, Beach Vibes & Sunset Drinks in Ipanema

• Morning Options: After breakfast, connect with your Tour Leader to map out your day. You can head out for another energetic morning bloco, enjoy a leisurely local brunch, or opt for a local excursion:

  • Optional Tour (Paid Locally): Pacified Favela & Samba History (3 Hours). Join an experienced local guide to climb to the top of a vibrant favela for breathtaking alternative views of Rio. Walk down through the narrow, bustling streets, learn about the origins of Rio's legendary Samba schools, and wrap up with a refreshing, icy açaí bowl from a local vendor.

• Afternoon: Get ready for one of the absolute highlights of Rio Carnival! This afternoon we join the massive beach bloco in Ipanema, an iconic street party that brings together hundreds of thousands of revelers right along the Atlantic coast.

• Sunset & Evening: At the end of an incredible day, we head to Arpoador Rock to sip a cold drink (straight out of a coconut!) and watch the sun dip behind the dramatic Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) mountains. Enjoy spectacular views stretching from Copacabana to Leblon. Afterward, head back to base to recharge or join your Tour Leader for another unforgettable night out on the town.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Final Bloco Bash & Carnival Farewell Party

Morning: Bloco Street Party Adventure

Morning  Kick off your last Carnival day in Rio with another legendary bloco street party! Throw on your boldest costume (and a swimsuit underneath), slather on sunscreen, and get swept into the unstoppable rhythm, colorful crowds, and contagious energy of Carnival’s heart.

Afternoon: Copacabana Beach Chill

After Bloco, Early Afternoon,   After the revelry, it’s time to switch gears and recharge at the iconic Copacabana Beach. Relax on the warm sand, swim in shimmering waves, or simply people-watch—it’s all about soaking up the Rio sun and those final festive vibes.

Evening: Rest or Prepare for the Finale

Return to your accommodation to unwind and freshen up. Choose to rest after an action-packed Carnival, or rally for the biggest night yet!

Night: Grand Carnival Finale

Evening Till Late    Your final night in Rio is set to be unforgettable! Start with a mouthwatering. Then, rejoin your fellow Carnival crew for a huge farewell party—your last dance, last caipirinha, and last taste of Rio’s world-famous celebration. We’re sending you off with a bang!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Morning: Farewell Breakfast & Check-Out

Morning, Check-Out by 11:00 AM (sometimes midday, to be confirmed)

Wake up and enjoy a final breakfast, reflecting on your unforgettable Carnival experience. Make sure your belongings are packed and ready, as accommodation check-out is scheduled for 11:00 AM (or possibly midday—your tour leader will let you know the exact time).

Midday: Leisure Time in Rio

After checking out, the rest of your day is your own! Whether you have extra hours to explore more of Rio, grab some last-minute souvenirs, trace your favorite steps along the beach, or simply savor your last moments in this magical city, let the memories linger.

Departure: Bon Voyage!

As you say goodbye to Rio and your fellow travelers, carry with you the wild spirit and vivid memories of Carnival. Safe travels on your onward journey—until the next adventure!

Meals: Breakfast