From glittering parades to street parties that never stop, here’s your insider guide to experiencing Rio Carnival at its most unforgettable (with help from Viva!)
Often dubbed the "world's best party", the Rio Carnival is, without a doubt, the most unmissable cultural event in South America's calendar. Every year, this legendary Rio de Janeiro festival transforms what is an already captivating city into a nonstop celebration of music, movement, colour, and culture. At Viva Expeditions, we've been helping travellers soak up the Carnival magic for years, and trust us, nothing compares to being there in person.
Whether you want to secure Rio Carnival tickets, join a group tour, or have a tailor-made itinerary that lands you in the right place at just the right time, we've got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know to experience Rio Carnival at its dazzling best.
Contents:
What Is The Rio Carnival All About?
How Many Days Is Rio Carnival?
What’s the Parade at the Sambadrome Like?
How Do I Get Rio Carnival Tickets?
Can You Join the Parade? Here’s How
What Are the Best Street Parties (Blocos)?
Where to Stay During Carnival Week
When Should I Book My Rio Carnival Trip?
Experience Rio Carnival with Viva Expeditions
Rio Carnival is Brazil at its most colourful and, if you've visited before, you know that's saying something. The bigger-than-life celebration takes over the city every February, bringing music, movement, and crowds to just about every corner. The roots of the festivities go back to old European traditions of feasting before Lent, but in Brazil, that idea evolved into something much bigger, more fun, and with infinitely more glitter.
Carnival is about samba, street parties, sequins, and that unmistakable buzz in the air. It's when Rio lets loose and invites the world to join in.
If you've never experienced the Rio Carnival before, prepare for one of the most exhilarating weeks of your life.
The core celebration starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Carnival Tuesday. That's five days of full-on energy and entertainment.
To truly enjoy it all, allow yourself at least a week in Rio. You'll want time for the Sambadrome, a few street parties (blocos), a cable car ride up Sugarloaf, and maybe a slow afternoon or two stretched out on the sand. Trust us, you'll need it.
And while the official dates are five days, the Carnival spirit kicks in much earlier. Rehearsals, parties, and pop-up blocos start taking over neighbourhoods weeks in advance. You'll feel the energy the moment you arrive.
Stay a whole week to balance parades, blocos, sightseeing, and relaxation on Rio's world-class beaches.
If Carnival had a main stage, it would be the Sambadrome. This is where Rio's top samba schools put on the biggest show of the year. Each night, they take turns parading through the arena with massive floats, incredible costumes, and hundreds of dancers moving to the beat of their own samba theme. The lights, the feathers, the rhythm ... it's loud, it's wild, and it's something you really have to see to believe.
The biggest parades of Carnival now happen across three nights—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—with the top-tier samba schools, known as the Special Group, taking over the Sambadrome. Each night, four schools perform, bringing their best costumes, dancers, and themed floats to the parade. In the past, these performances were packed into just Sunday and Monday, but the format has changed to give each school more space to shine—and give you more chances to catch the magic.
These are the most spectacular performances, with the most elaborate floats and fiercest competition. If you're picking just one night to go all in, make it one of these. They're the main event and the ones most people come to see.
You can buy Rio Carnival tickets to watch from the grandstands, or go one step further and march in the parade yourself (more on that in a moment).
There are a few ways to experience the parade at the Sambadrome, depending on whether you're after a close-up or a budget-friendly vibe. General grandstand tickets cost around USD 100 to 300, depending on the sector, though prices rise quickly as Carnival nears.
A standout option is Sector 9, known as the "tourist sector." These seats are already numbered, so you'll have a reserved spot and a bit more elbow room, which is priceless in the middle of a packed arena.
For a real treat, VIP boxes—also known as camarotes* and frisas—start at around USD 600 and can go even higher, depending on the exact location and added perks such as food, drinks, and covered seating.
At Viva, we take care of everything for you, just make sure you get in touch with us well in advance to give us time to reserve tickets early - so you can get the best options, skip the last‑minute stress, and head straight for a hassle‑free parade night. Just let us know your budget and style, and we'll sort the rest.
*What Is a Camarote?
Camarotes are the most exclusive VIP areas at the Sambadrome. They’re large, all-inclusive lounges that can hold a few hundred guests and come with everything from open bars and buffet dining to private bathrooms, DJs, and even massages. Some even have salons and live entertainment between parades. These are popular with wealthy locals and anyone looking to enjoy Carnival in comfort, with a high-energy party vibe throughout the night.
Then there are frisas, which are private boxes located right at trackside level. You’ll have a fantastic close-up view of the parade, with space to sit and move around. The standard frisa is open-air and doesn’t include extras like food or cover, while the frisa coberta (covered) offers a roof overhead and the option to include food and drinks. Frisas usually seat up to 12 people and are a great choice for smaller groups who want to be close to the action without the full-on VIP scene.
At Viva, we can help you choose the best fit, whether you’re after a high-energy camarote or a more private, front-row frisa experience.
Absolutely! You can join a samba school and actually parade through the Sambadrome in full costume. No dance experience is needed, just plenty of energy, confidence, and a decent level of fitness. You’ll be walking and dancing for about an hour under the hot lights, even at night, so it’s definitely a workout.
Each samba school offers a limited number of spots to the public, and they go quickly, often many months in advance. The costume, which you’ll need to purchase to take part, acts as your ticket into the parade. Once you’re confirmed, you’ll be matched with a school, given all the details, and ready to roll. At Viva, we can help organise this, but it’s something that needs to be arranged early. So if joining the parade is on your Carnival wish list, let us know as soon as you can.
The Sambadrome might be the main event, but the real heartbeat of Carnival is out on the streets. All over Rio, you'll find hundreds of blocos, which are open-air street parties filled with music, dancing, and crowds in costume. They take over roads, parks, and beachfronts; they are free, full of life, and honestly, some of the most fun you’ll have.
Each bloco has its own vibe. In Ipanema, the atmosphere is lively but laid-back, with a good mix of families, locals, and tourists. Copacabana goes bigger and louder, with packed crowds and plenty of action. Centro is wild and full on, home to some of the largest and best-known blocos in the city. And if you're after something more local, Botafogo has a fun, friendly scene that’s very popular with locals.
While the most famous blocos are legendary and constant, others pop up year to year. It's best to ask your hotel or guide for an updated schedule when you arrive in Rio.
Blocos bring the party to the streets of Rio with food, music, dancing, and costumes for all to enjoy.
Carnival season falls right in the middle of Rio's summer, so you'll want to pack light and keep it simple, as the days are hot and the nights are steamy.
Since you will be outside most of the day, pack loose, breathable clothes and sandals or trainers that can handle long walks and late nights. Book a hotel with a swimming pool, pack a hat and sunglasses for the daytime heat, and don't forget sunscreen. It's always worth having a waterproof pouch or a crossbody strap for your phone. You won't need much, but having a few of the right things will make all the difference. For your Carnival nights, head to Saara market on arrival and pick up some fun extras: glitter, sequins, a feathered headpiece, or anything that catches your eye.
Copacabana or Ipanema are the best and most obvious options. They're right in the middle of the action, close to the beach and blocos, and an easy ride to the Sambadrome. There's a great mix of hotels, restaurants and bars here, and you'll find plenty of fellow travellers around. These areas are also well-patrolled during Carnival, so they feel safe, even when things get hectic.
Viva's Insider Tip: Wherever you decide to stay, make sure it's near a subway station. Taxis and Ubers are almost impossible to find late at night, but the metro runs 24/7 during Carnival. It gets packed, but it's safe—and honestly, that 3am subway ride home with people drumming on the seats and dancing in costume is part of the whole experience!
You don't need to be on edge in Rio, but a bit of common sense goes a long way. The biggest thing to watch out for is pickpocketing, especially in large crowds and when using your phone. Leave the flashy stuff at the hotel, take only what you need, and keep a good grip on your drink. Most people feel totally fine, especially when sticking with friends or joining a guided group. Just stay aware and you'll be fine.
Flights, hotels, and parade tickets sell out months in advance, so the sooner you book, the better. Ideally, start planning 6–9 months in advance, especially if you want to stay in Copacabana or Ipanema and attend the big nights at the Sambadrome. The earlier you reach out, the more options we can offer.
If you wish to visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, we offer a special package:
If you want more time, just let us know. Our Brazil Specialists can customise any Brazil itinerary to include the Rio Carnival. We'll take care of the logistics, so all you have to focus on is having the time of your life.
> Check out our itinerary ideas that include Rio de Janeiro
Thinking of heading to Rio for Carnival next Year?
Reach out to Viva’s Destination Specialists today to start planning, and come experience carnival magic for yourself!
Laura PattaraLaura Pattara writes for Viva Expeditions with a special love for all things Latin America. She had guided overland tours across the continent, reached Machu Picchu five times on foot, and even dressed up as a giant toucan for Carnaval. With a degree in languages and two decades of global travel experience behind her, Laura has a long-standing love for the Andes, soaring condors, and a truly delicious empanada. |
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