Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes - Samba, Costumes & Carnival Experience

Go behind the scenes of the world's most famous Carnival with this Rio Carnival Experience, an immersive tour of Samba City and the Grande Rio Samba Factory that reveals how Rio's spectacular parades are created.

Designed for travelers from the United States and Canada looking for unique things to do in Rio de Janeiro, this experience lets you discover Brazilian culture beyond Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

The experience takes you inside Cidade do Samba (Samba City), the large complex where Rio de Janeiro's leading samba schools work year-round to create the enormous floats and elaborate costumes seen during Carnival.

Step inside the Grande Rio Samba Factory and discover what normally remains hidden behind the spectacle. Learn how Carnival floats are designed and built, how costumes are created and how thousands of artists, performers, choreographers, producers and craftspeople work together to prepare for the annual parade.

You'll also explore a colorful exhibition dedicated to the history of samba and Rio Carnival, featuring images and videos that explain the origins and evolution of one of Brazil's most celebrated cultural traditions.

Then it's time to become part of the experience yourself. Choose from a selection of authentic Rio Carnival costumes, dress up and take memorable photos inside the samba factory.

Continue with a fun beginner samba class, where an expert will teach you some basic steps and introduce you to the rhythm at the heart of Rio Carnival.

Finish the experience with an included Brazilian welcome drink. Adults can enjoy a traditional caipirinha, while juice and water are also available.

Rio Carnival is more than a once-a-year celebration. Thousands of professionals work throughout the year to bring the event to life, including musicians, dancers, choreographers, samba masters, designers, artisans and producers.

The Carnaval Experience is also a socially based tourism project connected to Pimpolhos da Grande Rio, a youth samba school and NGO that promotes education and social inclusion through Carnival culture.

If you're searching for unique things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Rio Carnival tours, Brazilian cultural experiences or what to do in Rio outside Carnival season, this behind-the-scenes experience offers a fascinating and interactive look at one of Brazil's greatest traditions.

WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?

Go behind the scenes of Rio Carnival

Enter the famous Samba City

Visit the Grande Rio Samba Factory

See how elaborate Carnival floats and costumes are created

Learn about the history of samba and Rio Carnival

Dress in authentic Carnival costumes

Take memorable photos wearing traditional costumes

Join a beginner samba class

Enjoy a caipirinha, juice or water

Experience Rio Carnival even outside Carnival season

Support a cultural experience connected to a social and educational project

Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Rio hotels

Perfect for travelers looking for authentic Brazilian culture in Rio de Janeiro

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Available Monday through Saturday

Scheduled start times: 9:45 AM and 3:45 PM

Exact pickup time must be confirmed with the tour operator

Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon

Pickup is not available from hostels or B&Bs

Admission to Samba City and the Grande Rio Samba Factory is included

Carnival costumes are provided to wear and photograph during the experience

A beginner samba lesson is included

Welcome drink options include caipirinha, juice or water

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Children under 5 are complimentary provided they do not occupy a separate seat

The experience operates rain or shine

The local specialized guide accompanies guests at the attraction

Confirmation is received at the time of booking

Your hotel name must be provided to arrange pickup