Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience

Arrive at any time and take advantage of your included arrival transfer. This evening, meet your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and orientation walk around the neighbourhood.

On Day 1, upon arrival at your hotel, you will find a note at reception with the time of your Welcome Meeting with your CEO and group. During this meeting, your CEO will provide you with a welcome package containing detailed itinerary information, documentation/vouchers, pick-up times for all included activities, and contact details for any questions you may have.

Enjoy free time to experience Rio your way, whether relaxing on the beach, playing a game of volleyball, or joining an optional favela tour. Later, step behind the scenes of one of Brazil's biggest celebrations with a visit to the barracão of Académicos do Grande Rio. Discover the stories, traditions, and artistry that bring Rio's legendary Carnival to life. Many visitors head to the famous Copacabana beach, although the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon can be less crowded and are equally as alluring.

Please note that the activities on Days 2 and 3 may be switched depending on scheduling. All included experiences will still take place as planned.

• Vidigal Favela Experience: Meet your local guide at your hotel and travel by private transfer to Vidigal. Explore the community on foot, from the Quiosque do Arvrão lookout through winding alleys, stairways and streets. Visit Sitiê Ecological Park and meet community leaders before stopping at Brota, a local coworking space and community hub. Browse products from local artisans at Terra Fértil, then join a local artist for a passinho workshop. Learn the history and steps of this dance style born in Rio’s favelas before putting your moves to the test in a friendly battle. This G Adventures and Planeterra supported initiative supports the local favela community by connecting residents with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to grow their business.

Explore two sides of Rio today, from the creative charm of Santa Teresa to the vibrant energy of Carnival. Wander the cobbled streets of this bohemian hilltop neighbourhood with your CEO, discovering colourful architecture, local art, and the iconic Selarón Steps before stepping into the rhythm of a "Bloco" street party. Follow the music, costumes, and crowds as cariocas celebrate the "people's Carnival" in true Rio style. Known as blocos, these free outdoor parties are a central part of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Blocos are known for their loud music and performers. There can be marching bands, stilt walkers, theme inspired costumes and lots of fun! The parties take place all over the different neighbourhoods within the city. Each night during Carnival there are more than 300 different parties to choose from. You will be able to use your included subway pass to go to the different street parties with your CEO as your guide.

Please note that the activities on Days 2 and 3 may be switched depending on scheduling. All included experiences will still take place as planned.

Discover Rio's most iconic sights on a guided tour, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to relax and recharge before an unforgettable evening at the Sambadrome. Experience the energy and spectacle of Carnival as dazzling samba schools, vibrant costumes, and infectious rhythms bring Brazil's biggest celebration to life. This evening between 6-7:30 we transfer to the Sambodrome for the big spectacle. Your CEOs will accompany you throughout the evening and after the parade you'll transfer back to your hotel. Samba Schools is an association of people from the same neighbourhood or community (favela) who get together on a regular basis for samba meetings and rehearsals. Samba Schools provide valuable jobs to the community in the production of costumes and floats. Each year, schools choose a different theme and may take to the parade from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and 6 to 8 floats. They have to make it through the runway in a period from 60-80 minutes, which means each member will spend only about 25-30 minutes inside the Sambodrome.

Your parade ticket is digital and comes to you through the Quentro app. The app is your entry to the Sambadrome, so you'll need it working on your phone on parade night. Please set it up before you travel. For more details, please see the Important notes section of the FAQs.

Enjoy a free morning to relax and recharge after the excitement of the previous night's Carnival celebrations. For those eager to keep the festivities going, Rio's lively street parties continue throughout the afternoon and evening. As your adventure draws to a close, gather with your fellow travellers to watch the sunset over Rio. With golden skies, great company, and a week of unforgettable experiences behind you, it's the perfect way to celebrate an incredible journey. After an all-night samba party, relax and enjoy the sun and surf of the city. Take a book to Copacabana beach, shop along the main streets of Ipanema and Leblon, try some Brazilian beef at a churrascaria, or just sleep in and get some rest. In the afternoon, there will be the option to meet up with your CEO and group and use your included subway pass to attend one more Bloco. Soak in your last day in the charged atmosphere of Carnival.

Depart at any time.