Rio de Janeiro Guide

Rio de Janeiro Carnival Tours

Experience Rio's world-famous Carnival, from samba school parades to street parties, discovering the spectacular festival that defines Brazil

18+ tours
From $150
Variable - hours to days
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Tours

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the world's most famous carnival celebration, where spectacular samba school parades, vibrant street parties, and infectious rhythms create an unforgettable festival experience that makes Carnival tours essential during Carnival season! Carnival tours take you into the heart of Rio's Carnival, from attending spectacular Sambadrome parades to joining vibrant street blocos, from experiencing samba schools to understanding Carnival traditions, and from witnessing the spectacle to discovering why Rio's Carnival is considered the world's greatest celebration. Experience the energy of Rio's Carnival, see spectacular samba school parades, join street celebrations, and discover why Carnival tours offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that showcase Rio at its most vibrant. Whether you're seeking Sambadrome seats, street blocos, or comprehensive Carnival experiences, Carnival tours provide spectacular journeys during the world's most famous carnival. From parades to parties, from samba to spectacle, Carnival tours ensure you experience the incredible celebration that is Rio's Carnival!

Featured Carnival Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for carnival tours in Rio de Janeiro

Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School
From $31
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

We will visit the City of Samba, a large complex of barracks that are destined for the Samba Schools of the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro and where the giant floats and colorful costumes are built. Next, we will enter the Scholars of the Grande Rio see the secrets that are revealed only during the Carnival parade: How is made the production of floats and costumes. You will understand the concepts and work involved during the design process. In the colorful showroom, we will learn more about the emergence of samba, its customs, and the origin of samba school parades. Let's pick one of the many legitimate carnival costumes to wear and photograph. Then we will have a dance class where we will learn some samba steps. To end the tour we will try a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of cachaça and lemon.

4.7(3)
2h
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Carnaval Experience - Behind the Scenes of Rios Carnival in the City of Samba
From $96
Free Cancellation

Experience the creation of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival from an insider’s perspective: visit the City of Samba, enter the Grande Rio’s Samba Factory, learn about the history of Samba and Carnival parades, understand the production of floats and costumes, and feel the samba fever with an authentic carnival costume, a samba class, and a Brazilian welcome drink!

4.3(34)
2h
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Cidade do Samba Behind-the-Scenes Carnival Tour in Rio de Janeiro
From $83.64
Free Cancellation

Psst — over here. Get a good peek into Rio's Carnival on this half-day tour behind the scenes of the behemoth celebration. Travel to Cidade do Samba, where the best samba schools build and store their grandiose floats, sparkling costumes and feathered headdresses. Take a guided tour of the warehouse of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, a highly ranked samba school, and then try on some of those snazzy costumes. You’ll gain in-depth insight into Carnival culture, and toast your inside-access visit with a caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail.

3.8(5)
3h 30m
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Experience DE carnival in a cabin in the maquis DE Sapucaí
From $55.25
New

Our experience goes beyond DE attending the technical trials of the Rio DE Janeiro samba schools for the Carnival DE 2025. We offer comfort and convenience in a two-story, covered, air-conditioned cabin, providing a privileged view of the parades. Unlike other options, our service includes: Exclusive cabin with own bathrooms, space for DE scans and concert area with local samba groups. Varied gastronomy with food and beverage options for all tastes. Transportation included to ensure convenience and safety. Experienced and trained Guide to enrich your experience and remove doubts. A unique experience to enjoy samba with comfort, fun and no worries!

6h
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Rio Carnival Experience at Backstage of Carnaval Factory (Pick-up included)
From $128
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Find out more about the Rio carnival visiting areas that the public is's normally allowed to visit. Dress up in costumes, learn the basics of samba from dancers and the history of samba, see floats, taste a caipirinha and other essentials of this celebration. After pickup at your place, your guide takes you to explore the Carnaval Factory for a behind-the-scenes look. In this warehouse, see how the showy costumes worn in the parades are made. Admire the details of the floats that parade through the sambadrome. Then, head to the exhibition hall to learn about the history of samba and Rio's carnival, which has been celebrated for over a century. During the visit, feel the atmosphere of union and emotion that is felt during Carnival. Continue to the backstage dressing rooms, where you will have the opportunity to try on some costumes. To end this experience, a professional dancer will give a brief samba class. Finally, enjoy a delicious caipirinha before being dropped at your place.

4.9(12)
3h
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Rio Carnival Parade from a Prime Box – With Shuttle, Tour Guide, Food & Drink
From $1,450
Free Cancellation

Experience the Rio Carnival from a prime spot at the Sambadrome, guided by an expert dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the night. Enjoy exclusive access to one of the best camarotes — elevated private boxes that offer privileged views just meters from the parade. In this space, you'll have access to a range of amenities, including a Food Court, Self-service Beers, Premium Spirits, a Beauty Center, and a Relaxation Space and live shows. We take care of all the logistics, from hotel pick-up to transport to the venue, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festivities. Pick-up times are generally between 19:00 and 20:00, with exact times confirmed the day before the parade. The parades begin at 21:30 and last approximately 5 to 6 hours, with hotel pick-up scheduled around 7:00 p.m or so. For your convenience, there are two return options: an early pick-up at 1:30 a.m. after the second parade or a final pick-up around 5:00 a.m. when the event concludes.

5.0(23)
12h
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Rio Carnival Rehearsal: Samba School, Culture, Traditional Music & Dancing
From $109
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

What do you do in Rio in the months leading up to the official carnival parades? To prepare for the showy carnival parades in February, samba schools need a long preparation that starts in June. Get the feeling of Carnival by taking a guided tour of an exciting rehearsal experiencing the passion that unites all Brazilians. Immerse yourself in one of the most interactive Brazilian cultural expressions with dancing, singing and cheering alongside fans at one of the samba schools warehouses the night away. Before rehearsal, assimilate into the samba and carnaval culture by joining workshops taking the first steps in the samba dance from professional dancers, and even learn a little how to play the main carnaval instruments from talented musicians. After the workshops, enjoy the official rehearsal on the court putting into practice what you learned with dancers, drummers and flag bearers. In addition, learn about the history of samba and the school's community, and its main projects.

4.8(6)
5h
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Rio de Janeiro Costume Experience in the Carnival Parade & Transfer
From $287

The Carnival Parade Special Group School is a fierce competition between Samba Schools that have spent the entire year preparing themselves for this battle of performances. We offer the unique opportunity to participate in this competition by dressing-up in an authentic and tailor-made costume made by a Samba School. We help you put on the costume to walk down the Sambodromo and experience the true energy of the carnival. When the performance is finished, we take you back to your hotel. Keep in mind that the Carnival season changes every year. Roundtrip transfer and costume included. Tickets to watch the Carnival Parade are not included.

5.0(1)
4h
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VIP Carnival Experience Camarote Parade at Marques
From $1,200
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Experience the magic of Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Carnival with the TOUR Camarote Desfile na Marquês de Sapucaí 2026! Enjoy 10 unforgettable hours immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, the grand stage of Brazil’s most iconic celebration. From the comfort and exclusivity of a VIP camarote, feel the rhythm of the drums, the sparkle of the costumes, and the passion of the samba schools as they parade down the avenue in a dazzling display of color and culture. Savor delicious drinks and food while dancing to the contagious beats that make Rio’s Carnival the greatest show on Earth. Every moment is filled with joy, excitement, and the true spirit of Brazil. Live this once-in-a-lifetime experience and be part of the rhythm, energy, and emotion that make the Carnaval do Rio an unforgettable celebration of life and culture.

10h
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Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more
From $400.1
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Private guide and pick-up to Carnaval Experience (Samba City). When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour will introduce you to the artistry and imagination involved in the creation of Carnival and allow you to discover the behind-the-scenes of the greatest Carnival in the world! You will Have a unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working, and the preparations for the parade. During the tour, you will witness the construction and production process of more than 3000 costumes and floats for the Carnival parade. This experience includes a guided tour to the warehouse of the 2022 Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio, including exhibition about the history of Samba and the Carnival. This tour also provides a chance to dress up in authentic carnival costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink.

4.8(8)
1h 40m
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 Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival
From $159
👤Private Tour

A perfectly organized Carnival Samba Experience in Rio. Begin with a visit to the Carnival production area, where you’ll see stunning floats and costumes up close. Enjoy a samba class with a professional dancer, followed by a traditional feijoada lunch with caipirinhas. The experience is accompanied by live samba music, making it a true celebration of Rio’s vibrant culture.

5.0(2)
7h
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Private Passion & Culture Fun: Football, Carnival Tour and More!
From $200.27
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This super exciting 7- tour with our fun tour guide explores the world of every Brazilian´s true passions: football, carnival and caipirinha! You will have the time of your life on this passionate adventure visiting the Maracanã stadium and its cool historical tour including a visit to the field and changing rooms, the Sambadrome parade venue where carnival happens, followed by the amazing tour at the Samba city, and learn about the history and making of our much-loved carnival !! And speaking of passion, why not try a typical feijoada for lunch? The final stop is at Bohemian Lapa, where you will have a cachaça tasting and learn about the process of our typical Brazilian alcoholic drink. To end the tour, we suggest a drop-off in a cool local nightclub!

5.0(2)
7h
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Rio 2026 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer (Peer Sectors)
From $1,400

Get into the rhythm of Brazilian Carnival with our exclusive tour for the parade at Marquês de Sapucaí in 2026! Enjoy worry-free transportation to the heart of the party, where you will witness the grandeur of the floats and feel the unique vibe of the samba schools. With immersive experiences and expert guides, this is your chance to experience the true essence of Carnival. Book now and get ready for a journey that will stay with you forever!

10h
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Parade in Rio Carnival with Costume and Roundtrip Transfer
From $893.8
👤Private TourNew

Join the world’s biggest Carnival Parade in Rio de Janeiro! This spectacular event is a thrilling competition between Samba Schools, each showcasing a year’s worth of preparation, passion, and performance. We offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of the parade—wearing an authentic, tailor-made costume crafted by a Samba School. Our team assists you in getting ready, and then you’ll march through the Sambadrome, feeling the electric energy of Carnival from the inside. After the parade, we’ll take you back to your hotel. If your luggage allows, you can even take your dazzling costume home as a unique souvenir. Please note that Carnival dates vary each year, so plan accordingly for this unforgettable experience.

4h
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Parade at Rio Carnival with Fantasia and Hotel Transportation
From $894.39
👤Private TourNew

Join the largest carnival celebration in the world! The Rio Carnival Parade is a stunning competition, where the Samba Schools present an entire year of creativity and dedication through music, choreographies and vibrant fantasies. With this unforgettable experience, you will not just be a spectator — you will shine on the avenue. You will wear an authentic and handmade fantasy, created by a Samba School, and parade through the iconic Marquis de Sapucaí, dancing alongside experienced members. Our staff will be available to help you prepare and ensure that you feel fully immersed in the energy and excitement of the event. After the parade, we will offer transport back to your hotel. And if there's room in your suitcase, your fantasy can come back with you as a special souvenir of that magical night. Don’t forget — Carnival dates change every year, so check in advance when planning your adventure!

4h
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Why Choose Carnival Tours in Rio de Janeiro?

World's Greatest Carnival

Experience the world's most famous carnival!

Spectacular Parades

See spectacular samba school parades.

Vibrant Celebration

Join street blocos and Carnival parties.

Iconic Festival

Discover why Carnival is Brazil's greatest celebration.

Types of Carnival Tours in Rio de Janeiro

Sambadrome Tours

Tours attending samba school parades at Sambadrome.

SambadromeParadesSpectacularIconicMust-see

Street Bloco Tours

Tours joining vibrant street Carnival blocos.

Street blocosVibrantInteractiveLocalFun

Comprehensive Carnival Tours

Full Carnival experiences covering multiple aspects.

Multiple experiencesCompleteComprehensiveFull dayFestival

Carnival Season Tours

Multi-day tours during Carnival season.

Multi-daySeason-longCompleteComprehensiveFestival

What to Expect on Your Carnival Tour

Duration

Carnival tours: Varies from 4 hours to multi-day during Carnival season.

Spectacular Parades

Attend samba school parades at Sambadrome.

Street Celebration

Join vibrant street blocos and parties.

Carnival Spirit

Experience infectious energy of Carnival.

Cultural Context

Learn about Carnival traditions and significance.

Photography

Excellent opportunities for spectacular Carnival photographs.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Carnival tours showcase world's greatest celebration

2

Book Carnival tours well in advance - extremely popular

3

Sambadrome parades absolutely spectacular

4

Street blocos vibrant and interactive

5

Carnival tours highlight Rio at its most vibrant

6

Camera essential - absolutely spectacular celebration

7

Carnival tours once-in-a-lifetime experience

8

Carnival tours essential during Carnival season

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:When is Carnival?

A: Rio Carnival celebrated annually in February or March, typically four days before Ash Wednesday marking beginning of Lent! Carnival dates vary each year. Absolutely spectacular - world's most famous carnival. Dates change annually. Essential to check exact dates. Must-experience - incredible celebration. World-famous festival. Dates February or March!

Q:How much do Carnival tours cost?

A: Carnival tours vary widely: Street bloco tours: $50-100 per person. Sambadrome tickets: $150-500+ per person depending on section and day. Comprehensive Carnival tours: $200-800+ per person. Multi-day Carnival tours: $500-2,000+ per person. Prices significantly higher than regular tours due to demand. Book well in advance. Tours expensive but spectacular. Carnival tours premium pricing!

Q:What are Sambadrome parades?

A: Sambadrome parades are spectacular Carnival competition where samba schools compete with elaborate floats, costumes, samba rhythms, and thousands of performers creating absolutely spectacular celebration considered highlight of Rio Carnival! Most spectacular Carnival event. Elaborate floats impressive. Costumes absolutely stunning. Competitions world-class. Essential for Carnival experience. Must-see - spectacular parades. World's greatest carnival parades. Absolute Carnival highlight!

Q:What are street blocos?

A: Street blocos are vibrant neighborhood Carnival street parties with music, dancing, and celebration spreading throughout Rio creating spontaneous joyful celebrations joining thousands of revelers in streets! Blocos absolutely vibrant. Streets come alive. Music and dancing throughout. Participation encouraged. Essential Carnival experience. Must-experience - street celebration. Vibrant neighborhood parties. Absolute Carnival fun!

Q:Should I book in advance?

A: Absolutely! Book Carnival tours and Sambadrome tickets months in advance - extremely popular with limited availability! Carnival attracts millions. Advanced booking essential. Sambadrome sells out. Tours book quickly. Book 3-6 months ahead minimum. Essential to book early. Advanced booking critical. Book well in advance!

Q:What should I bring?

A: Essential items: Camera, comfortable clothing, water, and energy! Camera essential - spectacular celebration to photograph. Comfortable clothing for walking and dancing. Water for hydration - Carnival physically demanding. Prepare for long days. Festive spirit important. Essential gear for Carnival. Comfortable but festive clothing!

Q:Are tours suitable for families?

A: Carnival tours can be family-friendly, but crowds, noise, and late hours may challenge families with young children! Sambadrome parades family-friendly with seats. Street blocos can be overwhelming for children. Consider carefully for families. Some children may enjoy spectacle. Late hours concern for families. Family-friendly with considerations. Consider children's ages and endurance!

Q:Why is Rio Carnival famous?

A: Rio Carnival famous for being world's most spectacular carnival celebration, samba school parades, vibrant street blocos, samba rhythms, elaborate costumes, and being considered world's greatest festival creating absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience! Absolutely spectacular - world's greatest carnival. Parades incredible. Street celebration vibrant. Essential festival experience. Must-experience - incredible celebration. World-famous festival. Greatest carnival on earth. Absolute celebration highlight!

Don't Miss the Perfect Rio de Janeiro Experience

Book your carnival tours today - 18+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Rio de Janeiro?

Iconic Christ the Redeemer statue

Beautiful beaches from Copacabana to Ipanema

Dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain views

Vibrant carnival culture and samba

Rich Brazilian culture and traditions

Perfect blend of natural beauty and urban life

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Rio de Janeiro enjoys a tropical climate with hot, humid weather year-round. Average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C).

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Peak Season

December to March brings peak tourist season with hot weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

June to August offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cooler temperatures.

Plan Your Rio de Janeiro Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation including metro and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring beaches, and organized tours include transportation.

Car Rental Deals in Rio de Janeiro

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Rio de Janeiro adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Rio de Janeiro

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