Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience map

Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience

from US $

Experience Rio's biggest party with the best group of people ever! Dance the night away and see the sights and sounds of this truly epic annual event. From the street parties to the immense Sambadrome parade, this is something not to be missed. In between the parties, explore the fantastic city of Rio and soak up the sun on the famous Copacabana beach.

  • Service Level Standard
  • Travel Style Classic
  • Physical Grading 1 - Easy
  • Group Size Small Group
Revel in one of the biggest parties on earth, witness the spectacular scenery of Rio, experience the craziness of the Sambadrome, relax knowing you have fantastic Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) taking care of all the details
Brief Itinerary
Accommodation Hotel in Copacabana (5 nts).

Hotel is located in the popular Copacabana neighbourhood. Close walking distance to the beach, shops, restaurants and most importantly close to the festivities.

Whats included in this tour

Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro. Arrival transfer. Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day). Christ the Redeemer visit. Sugarloaf Mountain visit. Travel There Co beach party (purple costumes). Carnival festivities. Sambadrome tickets in section 5. Carnival parade. Experience Carnival with other Travel There Co travellers. CEOs and Travel There Co Staff available to offer assistance and support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals Included

5 breakfasts

Group Leader

A team of Chief Experience Officers (CEO).

Group Leader Description

All Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Transport Public bus, private van, taxi.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience

Days:Rio de Janeiro toRio de Janeiro

What's Included

Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro. Arrival transfer. Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day). Christ the Redeemer visit. Sugarloaf Mountain visit. Travel There Co beach party (purple costumes). Carnival festivities. Sambadrome tickets in section 5. Carnival parade. Experience Carnival with other Travel There Co travellers. CEOs and Travel There Co Staff available to offer assistance and support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Itinerary

Day1Rio de Janeiro

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

On Day 1, upon arrival at your hotel, there will be note at the reception letting you know the time of the Welcome Meeting, at which you will receive the welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
Arrival Airport Transfer
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport -Rio de Janeiro

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Free Time
Rio de Janeiro

There are no planned activities today. Either explore the city or soak up some sun on the beach. (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)

 

Day2Rio de Janeiro

Get an introduction to the city's iconic sights including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer on an included guided tour. In the evening, get ready for the huge private G party on Copacabana beach, be sure to put on some purple flair.

This massive city gets as many as five million international tourists every year to sip caipirinhas on the beach, dance the samba in the city’s streets, and ascend Corcovado Mountain to see the truly monumental Christ the Redeemer up close. Experience Rio at its finest, full of energy during this crazy, colourful, epic party. Get into the Carnival spirit with a private beach party. Make sure you find something purple to wear!

Rio de Janeiro City Tour
4h-5h
Rio de Janeiro

There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.

Purple Beach Party
Rio de Janeiro

Take Carnival to the next level with a party on Copacabana beach with all your new G Adventures friends. We have organized a private party at a beach bar with music blaring, sun shining and tons of fun to be had.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day3Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy free time in this vibrant city, get out and explore. Opt to take a favela tour or soak up some sun on the famous Copacabana beach. In the evenings dance in the streets with the locals and other G travellers.

Many visitors head to the famous Copacabana beach, although the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon can be less crowded and are equally well equipped with vendors selling food, jewellery, sarongs, and anything else you might want. Opt to enjoy some of the Carnival street parties in the evening.

Free Time
Rio de Janeiro
full_day

Hit the beach or opt to take some optional excursions. (or similar)

Optional Activities - Day3
Favela Tour
3h-4h
Rio de Janeiro
110.00BRL per person

includes transfer and guide - 3 hours. Offered weekdays from 10am to 2pm and weekends starting at 12noon.

Optional Activities - Day3
Rio Hang Gliding
Rio de Janeiro
750.00BRL per person

Glide like a bird on this exhilarating and inspiring air adventure. Get all the guidance you need to go airborne with your instructor, and take to the skies for an unbeatable experience and amazing views of this incredibly picturesque city. Careful – you may become addicted to the freedom of flying!

Optional Activities - Day3
Rio Football Game
Rio de Janeiro
150.00BRL per person

If it's a game day, catch a football match (or some call it soccer). Watch the local cheers for their team and join in the celebrations.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day4Rio de Janeiro

Head out to the Sambadrome to watch the parade. Marvel at the sights and sounds of Carnival and dance the night away with new friends.

Take it slow today because the parade literally lasts all night. This evening between 6-7:30 we transfer to the Sambodrome where we have reserved seats in section 5. 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.

Carnival Parade
Rio de Janeiro

The Samba Schools Parade is something that everybody has to experience at least once. We watch the parade from inside the Sambadrome, marvelling at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of this incredible competition. Cheer on a favourite samba school as their floats make their way past you down the samba runway in an unbelievable parade of colour, movement and sound that lasts all night. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day5Rio de Janeiro

Free day to relax and recover from the night before. Afternoon and evening street parties are ongoing for those who still haven't had enough of Carnival.

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.

Free Time
Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a relaxing day to recover from the all-night party. (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day6Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Highlights

Revel in one of the biggest parties on earth, witness the spectacular scenery of Rio, experience the craziness of the Sambadrome, relax knowing you have fantastic Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) taking care of all the details

Dossier Disclaimer

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

Group Leader Description

All Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

G party with around 80 like minded G travellers.

Meals Included

5 breakfasts

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Travel There Co you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Transport

Public bus, private van, taxi.

About our Transportation

Local Flights

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotel in Copacabana (5 nts).

About Accommodation

Hotel is located in the popular Copacabana neighbourhood. Close walking distance to the beach, shops, restaurants and most importantly close to the festivities.

Joining Hotel

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the Travel There Co App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through Travel There Co in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Our driver will be waiting for you with a Travel There Co sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, please call our Travel There Co Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Travel There Co Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 5252 3602
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380

After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0337
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 9 11 3425 0337

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Purple Costume Party:
• Purple costume (For purple costume party)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Aboard the expedition ship Explorer laundry facilities are provided at a charge. Aboard the Amazon Explorer laundry facilities are provided free of charge for each passenger once a week.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

BRAZIL VISA
Some nationalities need a tourist visa in order to enter Brazil. Please contact your local Brazilian Embassy to find out if you need to apply for one and for further details. If you are required to have a visa you will need to get one before entering Brazil, otherwise you will be refused entry.

Processing fees and time frames depend on each country, but can take 2 weeks or longer, so we advise you to apply for it as early as possible.

You can apply for Brazil's e-visa here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Brazil-eVisa/

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

USD $36

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, and local guide(s) at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. At the end of each trip if you felt your Travel There Co CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Rio de Janeiro
- Favela Tour (110BRL per person)
- Rio Hang Gliding (750BRL per person)
- Rio Football Game (150-200BRL per person)

Health

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. <a href="/travel-resources/safety/">Read more about travel safety</a> for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Trip Specific Safety

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they engage in any form of paid sex work.

A Word of Warning

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. Travel There Co can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into Travel There Co’ itineraries globally.
Travel There Co is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Travel There Co Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with <a href="https://www.planeterra.org">Planeterra Foundation</a>.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

Local Dress

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Travel There Co trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@travelthereco.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from Travel There Co, subscribe at <a href="https://www.travelthereco.com/newsletters/">www.travelthereco.com/newsletters/</a>

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for <a href="http://letsgo.travelthereco.com/Planeterra-Consumers_Planeterra-Newsletter-Signup-Page.html">Planeterra's monthly news</a> to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a Travel There Co tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Hotel in Copacabana (5 nts).

Hotel is located in the popular Copacabana neighbourhood. Close walking distance to the beach, shops, restaurants and most importantly close to the festivities.

Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Seats Available Seats Available Price Per Traveller