Brazil · CARNIVAL & SAMBA
Carnival is one week; samba is all year. These 15 cover beginner lessons in Ipanema, the workshops at Samba City where the floats are built, and the school rehearsals out in the north zone from August. Prices, timings and which run outside February.
Beginner samba lesson in Ipanema with Carla, Ranaa or Gaby. Fun 1 hour, small group, costumes, and photo recap. $25.
“Gaby was an incredible instructor and really brought the positive energy to this samba class! I would highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!”
4-hour Lapa pub crawl with cachaça tasting, free caipirinha, live samba, photo stops, and a nightclub DJ set for $33.
“The guide Eric (!) was fabulous. We had so much fun and he took care of everything 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Highly recommend this tour”
Backstage at Rio Carnival City of Samba with Grande Rio, costume try-ons, samba workshop, and a caipirinha cocktail.
“This was such a fun activity! The guides went out of their way to entertain and everyone on the tour, no matter their age, had a great time!”
Rio Samba Bus is a one-day hop-on hop-off ride with MPB and samba audio, 24 stops at major sights, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views.
“pratique si vous voulez avoir un aperçu de rio ..”
Backstage Rio Carnaval tour at Samba City with caipirinha, costume try-on, and samba class at the Grande Rio factory. 90 min.
“Using the lift instead if the stairs and watching the construction work. Not many completed floats to see. I thought it was boring. However the other 30 participants seemed to have a great time.”
One-hour Copacabana samba class in Rio. Beginner friendly, bilingual coach, water and toilet. Learn moves, meet people, get Rio nightlife tips.
“The instructor was through in our improvement so we felt we were learning something new! And at the end of the lesson we took some photos with our national flags and with some classic carnival costumes! It's a must activity for a tourist!”
Ginga Tropical brings Rio Carnival to Teatro Fashion Mall with a samba class, folklore dances, and a photo moment. Starts 9:25 PM.
“Very nice and interactive show. I didn't get bored and enjoyed it.”
Ginga Tropical brings 1.5 hours of Brazilian samba, folklore dance, and audience participation to Rio, with a live bar and carnival finale.
“This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever been to in my life. The Show was great. Just absolutely amazing!!”
Pedra do Sal samba night in Rio with an English local guide, one welcome drink, and the story of Little Africa.
“Yan was a great guide! Very prepared, great english, lots of insights about the history of Pedra do Sal. We had a lot of fun until 2 am :)) Overall a great experience to enjoy the true spirit of Brazil, samba, Caipirinha, alongside the best guide ever!”
Learn samba in Ipanema for all levels, then try carnival costumes and get photos and videos sent after your class.
“We went with friends to try samba for the first time, it was super nice and sweaty ahah and Carla is amazing!”
Learn samba basics near Ipanema, then head to a lively Lapa nightclub with fast-pass entry and a guide who handles the logistics.
“It was a wonderfull evening that started with one hour of learning the basic steps and continued with a visit in a samba club. The guide took care of every thing keeping us happy. Good job. Highly recommended.”
Private 30-minute helicopter tour over Rio for four, with Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Sugarloaf and Niteroi in one flight.
“Great memorie, great service and impressive views. On top of this take in consideration the price which is more than affordable.”
A speedy half-day Rio tour with hotel pickup and A/C transit, covering Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps, the Cathedral, plus Maracanã and Sambadrome.
“So before they schedule the tour, make sure that the weather is firm or will be firm, because they do not cancel the tour and go with rain, without having any empathy with who is there doing the tour. Why with the bad weather gets all awful, this was my experience and based on it, do not recommend.Auto-translated”
Learn samba basics in a 1-hour class, then head to a Rio club or street party for live music and guided dancing for about 4 hours.
“I recently attended a samba class, and it was an absolute blast! The dancers were incredibly skilled and brought so much energy and passion to their moves, making it easy to get into the rhythm. The instructor broke down the steps well, ensuring everyone could follow along, regardless of skill level. After in-class introduction we went to a vibrant club with colorful lights and upbeat music, which added to the festive atmosphere. It felt like being part of a lively samba party! Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to enjoy a fun, energetic experience, this class is a must-try.”
$12 Rio combo at Pura Vida Hostel: learn caipirinha, take a 1 hour samba class, then enjoy 2 drinks and a Gabriela shot.
“I've always wanted to know how to dance samba. The teacher is professional and knows a lot abt it, and besides, it's pretty nice, and she's always smiling. The Caipirinha Workshop was also so cool that I've done it twice! Also, Atlas (the WS intructor) is super helpful and has a great energy! I felt very welcomed at Pura Vida hostel and def wanna go back!”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and start there.
