Rio Carnival

From Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro

Tour Overview

Soak up the energy of Brazil’s most iconic festival with this unforgettable Rio Carnival package.

Held from approximately 13–21 February 2026, Carnival is a dazzling celebration of music, dance and culture. The highlight? The legendary Samba Parade, where Rio’s top samba schools compete in a 90-minute explosion of rhythm and colour at the Sambodromo. Watch the spectacle from the grandstands or—with a little advance planning—dress up and take part in the parade yourself. Each samba school brings its own style, flair and incredible costumes, making this one of the greatest shows on earth.

This independent itinerary includes hand-picked accommodation, Carnival tickets, and a city tour with a local English-speaking guide—so you can experience the best of Rio with ease.

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Attend the colourful Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Mingle with the crowds and join the Brazilians and Cariocas (the people of Rio) in the world’s biggest party.

Visit one of the most beautiful tropical city in the world, stay at Copacabana beach area, and explore the beaches in your free time. Stroll, people watch, rent a bike...Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are always fun!

Enjoy a visit to the famous icon of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, with fabulous views from Corcovado hill, then take a cable car up Sugar loaf Mountain for more amazing vistas from a different angle.

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Day 1

Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Rio, the city that is home to the world’s most famous Carnival celebrations!  The city is located on the Baia de Guanabara and the Atlantic Ocean. From the airport you will be transferred to your hotel in Copacabana Beach where you’ll stay right on Atlantica Avenue, Rio’s most famous beach strip. Today is an arrival day, so you’re free to kick it back on the Copacabana and check out your local surroundings.

Day 2

Rio De Janeiro

With an early start, today you will join a city tour exclusively designed for our guests for taking in all of Rio’s famous sights, including Corcovado, to get up close to the Christ the Redeemer statue. The next stop is Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will board a cable car to the top of Urca Hill, with spectacular views of Rio’s famous beaches, bays, hills, and the city. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ for lunch and continue exploring more of the city including to Saint Benedict Monastery, Praça Maua, Duque de Caxias Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Pass by Flamengo and Botafogo beaches on your way back to your hotel.

Day 3

Rio De Janeiro - Carnival Celebrations

Today you will be collected from your hotel for a group transfer to the Samadrome, the venue for the Carnival parade.

The highlight of the Rio Carnival is undoubtedly the Samba Parade, also known as the Samba Schools Parade—a truly unique event in the world. The Rio Samba Parade represents a fierce competition among the city's samba schools.

Experiencing the Samba Parade is a must for everyone at least once in their lifetime. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, mingle with the crowds, and join the Brazilians and Cariocas (the people of Rio) in the world's largest celebration.

Day 4

Rio de Janeiro - Free Day

Famed for its breathtaking setting, Rio is undoubtedly one of the most attractive cities in the world. Enjoy your day at leisure by exploring some of its remarkable sites or take the opportunity to relax on one of Rio’s famous beaches such as Ipanema or Copacabana.

Day 5

Depart Rio

You will be transferred to the airport to depart for your next destination.

Accommodation

Standard accommodation
Upgrade to superior or deluxe accommodation

Food

Breakfast daily, and other meals as outlined in the included sightseeing tours

Fees & Services

Private Airport Transfers
Return Shuttles from Samadrome
Carnival Maine Parade-Grandstand Section 9 ticket (other seats available on request)
Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in the itinerary
Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance

Witness the Rio Carnival Parade, watch the fierce samba competition!
Explore Brazilian Beaches and Historical Sites
Take a cable car up sugarloaf mountain for amazing vistas!
See the famous Christ Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro

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Duration

5 days

Price from

$3,134 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on standard accomodation

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