Brazil · COPACABANA & IPANEMA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying out next month: 15 copacabana & ipanema tours that earn their slot, each with a price, a traveller verdict and the one detail to check before you pay.
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!”
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!”
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!”
Private transfer from Rio GIG or SDU to Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon. Meet-and-greet sign, AC car, luggage help, local tips.
“Amazing driver. Comfortable car. Prompt service. Great communication. Everything you’re looking for in a ride service. I would book them any time I’m in Rio. We had a round trip airport transfer and both trips were perfect.”
E-bike ride from Rio’s Afro-Brazilian landmarks to Ipanema, guided by Bruno, with beach views, polaroid, and coconut water.
“Bruno is a gem. He took us to see parts of Brazilian Afro culture that I hadn’t seen in my 3 trips to Rio and was overall so kind. He was fun to hang around for a few hours, and I would recommend this tour.”
One hour samba class in Copacabana to learn real steps, meet people, and get coached by pros for $35, no partner needed.
“Where to find the studio, as it is on the 6th floor of a mixed working office block on a main road through a doorway.”
Sunrise stand-up paddle on Copacabana Beach. Learn SUP basics, paddle to the best viewing spot, and get included photos and video.
“Fue una gran experiencia, lo único que pienso de puede mejorar es la puntualidad para comenzar la actividad ya que el amanecer estaba por salir y aún seguíamos en tierra.”
Small-group surf lesson at Arpoador, Ipanema. Learn paddle, pop up, and safety with trilingual coaching, all gear included.
“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”
Private Rio half-day with Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Ipanema, Arpoador views, Dois Irmãos park, and Copacabana Fort.
“I never got to go on the experience. The driver sent an email the day before and I didn’t get it because I had 2 tours to do and I was not checking my app. So I read it the day of the tour and sent info and they never picked me and my cousin. So, we paid trip advisor and went and they picked us up. Most of my tours in Brazil with viator was good, but this particular one. Horrible!”
Copacabana and Ipanema surf lessons with local instructors, gear included, safety coaching, and optional photos and videos in Rio.
“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”
Copacabana by foot with 7 tastings, chilled coconut water, and stops tied to Bossa Nova and Brazil’s history, led by small-group guides.
“Totally enjoyed the walking food tour! I was the only person signed up that day, and really got a VIP tour experience! Guide Yuri was wonderful and knowledgeable about the local food and eateries. It was a great way to get to know a country’s food, culture and language! The dishes we sampled were delicious and it was fun learning about the history of some of the dishes. After the tour, Yuri provided a list of the eateries we visited and the dishes we tried. And was also kind enough to send along recommendations of other places to eat and explore as well. All in all, it was a wonderful…”
Learn 6 Brazilian drinks in Ipanema, taste along the way, then head to the beach at sunset for saved cocktails and cheers.
“This was a nice little experience. We enjoyed learning how to make several drinks, and sampled several snacks. Not incredibly fancy but a nice way to spend an evening.”
Surf lessons at Arpoador (Posto 7), Ipanema: 1h10 with gear and safety training for beginners, from $39.43 per person.
“It was kind of a rough day for waves but the instructors were so patient and nice. We had a blast trying it out!”
Yoga and sound healing at Ipanema Park, with ocean views, Hatha to Restorative styles, and calming instrument sessions led by Yuri.
“La sesión de yoga y las indicaciones de Yuri me ayudaron”
Walk Ipanema and Copacabana with a small guide, tasting Brazil with coconut water and Bossa Nova stories, plus Copacabana Fort entry.
“La guida è stata bravissima e gentilissima, il tour è interessante, ma a mio parere un po' troppo costoso.”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and start there.
