Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The only backstage tour of the Carioca Carnival, the most famous carnival in the world!
When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour introduces you to the artistry and imagination of Carnival and allows you to discover the backstage of The greatest show on Earth!
Have an unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working and the preparations for the parade, which is also a competition.
During the tour, you will be able to witness the process of construction and production of floats and more than 3000 costumes for the show. This visit includes a guided tour to the factory of the 2022th Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio.
Including an exhibition about the history of Samba and Carnival, the tour provides a chance to dress up in authentic parade costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink! Come visit us!
Available options
Expérience-Carnaval Experience
Recorrido- Carnaval Experience
Carnaval Experience - Visit Samba city and behind the scene of rio's carnival
Recorrido-Carnaval Experience
What's included
Rare glimpse at Rio's Carnival backstage
Bottled water
Professional guide
Alcoholic Beverages
Bilingual guide
Detailed itinerary
1
• Bilingual guide
•
Guided tour to the Grande Rio samba factory – one of the main Samba Schools of the city of Rio de Janeiro
•
Presentation of the explanatory panel: some of the history of samba and the carnival parades
•
Getting in the mood: costume layout to dress and photograph
•
Samba Flavor: welcoming caipirinhas
• Samba Class with a Passista!
The Tour does not includes transportation.
We will meet in the Cidade do Samba (Inside the Samba City complex under the smaller tent in the middle of it).
To get here:
There is a VLT (tram) station in front of the main entrance of the City of Samba.
If You came by UBER or Taxi just ask for the Cidade do Samba.
Viva o Carnaval!!
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
119 reviews
5★
91
4★
13
3★
6
2★
2
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.7
142 reviews
5★
119
4★
14
3★
4
2★
1
1★
4
Important information
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Dress code is smart casual
Meeting point
Samba City is a big complex of warehouses with brown color located 100 meters from AquaRio. Please enter from the main entrance on Binário do Porto avenue. We will meet inside the Samba City under the smaller tent in the middle of it - look for guid with Carnaval Experience colorful T-shiert.
Important notes
• For any assistance on the day of your tour, please reach out to us via WhatsApp at: +55 21 96765-9549
• Meeting Point: Under the smaller tent in the Samba City square, look for our guide and staff, who will be wearing colorful Carnaval Experience shirts.
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Top Attractions
Christ the Redeemer
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
R$84 (including train ticket)
Sugarloaf Mountain
A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.
Nature
2-3 hours
R$88 (round-trip cable car)
Copacabana Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
Beach
Half day or full day
Free
Tijuca National Park
The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Nature
Half day or full day
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Teresa
A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Feijoada
A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.
Dinner
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Pão de Queijo
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Snack
Vegetarian, but contains dairy.
Moqueca
A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.
Açaí
A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.
Dessert/Drink
Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tijuca National Park
Surfing in Arpoador
Paragliding in Pedra Bonita
Beach lounging in Ipanema
Spa treatments in Copacabana
Yoga in Botafogo
Visiting museums in Centro
Attending a samba show
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.
25-30°C
77-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time Zone
GMT-3 (Brasília Time)
Electricity
110V/220VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
- • Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
- Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
By train
Central do Brasil
By bus
Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Copacabana
Ipanema
Santa Teresa
Lapa
Botafogo
Day trips
Petrópolis
65 km (40 miles) • Full day
A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.
Paraty
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.
Búzios
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Festivals
Carnival • February/March (dates vary)
Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary)
New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31
Pro tips
- Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
- Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
- Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
- Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
