Samba Spirit & Lapa Nightlife Kickoff

Welcome to Lapa—Rio’s Bohemian Heart. 

Arrive in the lively neighborhood of Lapa, where your accommodation plants you right in the center of Rio’s Carnival magic. Immerse yourself in colorful streets brimming with samba clubs, historic theaters, cool bars, and quirky antique shops—all waiting to be explored!

Trip Briefing & Caipirinha Kickoff (6:00 PM)

Meet your fellow travelers and tour leader for a group briefing, where the excitement begins to build! Celebrate your arrival with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail as you get the inside scoop on all the epic events lined up for your stay.

Samba Into the Party Spirit (6:30 PM)

Jump straight into the festivities with a group samba dance class led by a local pro. This is your chance to loosen up, learn the moves, and get into the Carnival groove!

Carnival Face Painting Extravaganza (7:30 PM)

Let our professional makeup artist transform you with vibrant face paint, helping you embrace the full Carnival spirit. It’s the perfect finishing touch before the street party begins!

Night Out in Lapa’s Legendary Streets (8:00 PM–Late)

Experience Rio’s pulsing nightlife as your tour leader guides you through Lapa’s best bloco parties and street celebrations. Let the music guide you, and get ready to dance the night away in Brazil’s most famous party district!

Extra Options:

Arrive a day early for extra exploring and a chance to recharge before the festivities.

Don’t forget to pack your wildest costumes—Carnival is all about dressing up!

Itinerary subject to exciting twists—Rio always has surprises up its sleeve!

Guide: Included for the day

Iconic Sights & Carnival Parade Magic

Morning Briefing & Breakfast (8:00 AM)

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a quick briefing from your tour leader, who'll lay out the day’s exciting plans and answer all your Carnival questions.

Rio’s Iconic City Tour Adventure (9:00 AM)

Climb aboard for a scenic drive through lush Tijuca National Park toward Corcovado Mountain, home of the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue. Marvel at breathtaking panoramas before heading to the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa—brimful of historic mansions, chic art galleries, and its renowned vintage trams.

Mosaic Magic at Selaron Steps (12:00 PM)

Snap vibrant photos at the legendary Selaron Steps in Lapa, their dazzling tiles made famous by Snoop Dogg’s hit “Beautiful.”

Awe-Inspiring Sugarloaf Mountain (2:00 PM)

Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, soaking up jaw-dropping views of Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge, and iconic cityscapes from 295 m above sea level.

Afternoon Downtime & Carnival Prep (5:00 PM)

After a whirlwind city tour, return to your accommodation for some rest—or start getting ready for a truly unforgettable night! Our makeup artist will be on hand to give your look an epic Carnival upgrade, and a photographer will capture your transformation.

The World-Famous Sambadrome Parade (Evening—8:00 PM till late)

Step into the grandstands of the Sambadrome and watch Rio’s finest samba schools parade in a spectacle of outrageous floats, glittering costumes, beats, and boundless energy. Bask in the Carnival madness, surrounded by thousands of exuberant revelers—tonight, you’re truly part of the Rio rhythm!

Meals: Breakfast

 Bloco Street Party, Group Lunch & Sunset Boat Party Cruise

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast before heading out with your Tour Leader to a vibrant morning bloco (street party) in the artistic, hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. If you prefer to sleep in and save your energy for the big night ahead, you are welcome to relax at the hotel and join the group later.

• Afternoon: We meet back up and stroll down toward Marina da Glória, stopping along the way to enjoy a delicious included local lunch. Afterward, we board a magnificent schooner boat for a 5-hour party cruise across Guanabara Bay. Take advantage of the open bar during our first hour of boarding, then hit the onboard dance floor or kick back in the chill-out lounge as we cruise the coast.

• Sunset & Evening: We return to the marina just after sunset, giving you a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer glowing against the night sky. Head back to the hotel to refresh before your Tour Leader takes the group out to experience Rio’s unbeatable weekend Carnival nightlife.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Morning Favela Tour & Sunset Drinks in Ipanema

• Morning: After breakfast, we head out for an eye-opening 3-hour guided Favela Tour. Your local guide will take you to the top of a pacified favela for breathtaking alternative views of Rio, followed by a walk down through its vibrant, narrow streets. You'll learn firsthand about the local community and the historic roots of Rio's legendary Samba schools, wrapping up with a chance to grab a refreshing, icy açaí bowl from a neighborhood vendor.

• Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace, hit the local beaches, or track down another high-energy street party with recommendations from your Tour Leader.

• Sunset & Evening: To close out a perfect day, the group gathers at Arpoador Rock to sip a cold drink (straight out of a coconut if you like!) and watch a spectacular sunset over the Dois Irmãos mountains, with sweeping views stretching from Copacabana to Leblon. Afterward, head back to base to recharge or head out into the city for one final night of Carnival festivities with your guide.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Carnival Grand Finale & Beach Farewell

Bloco Street Party: Morning Carnival Immersion (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Kick off your final morning in Rio with another exhilarating bloco street party! Wear your brightest costume, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to lose yourself in the music, parades, and joyful chaos of Carnival’s legendary street celebrations.

Sun, Sea & Sand at Copacabana Beach (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

After the morning’s wild festivities, it’s time to relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach. Cool off in the sea, sunbathe with the striking Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance, or simply soak up the vibrant beach vibe with new friends. Don’t forget your swimsuit—today is all about unwinding in style!

Downtime & Preparation for the Big Farewell (5:00 PM PM)

Return to your accommodation for some much-needed downtime. Take a nap, refresh yourself, and get ready to celebrate the grand finale of your Rio Carnival adventure!

Farewell Churrasco Feast & Last Night Party (8:00 PM–Late)

Tonight marks the grand finale! Gather with your group for an all-you-can-eat Brazilian Churrasco BBQ dinner—feast on perfectly grilled meats and traditional sides, returning to the buffet as many times as your Carnival heart desires. Afterwards, your tour leader will take you out for one last adventure: a final, unforgettable night amid Rio’s electric Carnival nightlife. Go out with a bang and celebrate new friendships and memories made!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Final Farewell: Check-Out & Send-Off (By 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM)

All good things must come to an end! Enjoy your last morning in Rio, savor a farewell breakfast, and take your time packing up. Double-check your check-out time, which is usually 11:00 AM or sometimes midday—your tour leader will confirm the exact details.

Free to Roam: Last Explorations on Foot

Once you’ve checked out, the rest of your day is yours to spend as you wish. Take a final stroll through Rio’s colorful streets, revisit Lapa or Copacabana, or simply relax at a café with a fresh juice. With Carnival traffic clogging the city, walking is the best way to soak up those last unforgettable Rio moments.

Wishing You Wonderful Travels!

As your Rio Carnival adventure draws to a close, we wish you safe and happy travels wherever you’re off to next. Thanks for joining this spectacular celebration—take the spirit of Carnival with you

Meals: Breakfast