Join the world's greatest party on the streets of Rio de Janeiro
February 27 - March 4, 2025
Take center-stage in this epic annual event and let the rhythm of Rio take over. Don an elaborate costume and samba your way through the non-stop action as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth. Witness the festivities reach their dizzying climax, join the conga line with the locals, move and shake among the drum-fueled street fiestas and revel in the magic celebration of life. With a mix of festival-specific activities and iconic Carnival experiences – you don’t want to miss the party of a lifetime.
Accommodation
5 nights Windsor Plaza Copacabana or Americas Copacabana Hotel
Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Welcome dinner
Rio de Janeiro - Samba Club visit
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
Rio de Janeiro - Bloco experience
Rio de Janeiro - Sambodrome (Seating in sector 11)
Perfect your samba steps at a local club and learn how to blend in with the Carioca crowds, a great introduction for your first night in this pulsating city.
Witness a parade of elaborate floats and costumes as samba dancers show off their moves in the Sambadrome – a party that stretches well into the early hours.
Leave the guidebook at home and get to know the rhythms of Rio on a city tour of the top sites. See Christ the Redeemer up close and soak up sweet views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Be a part of the biggest stage in the world – don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Experience the best of Carnival under the safe and knowledgeable guidance of your expert leader. They’re on hand to make sure you have a hassle-free, fun-filled adventure!
Is this trip right for you?
Carnival in Rio is a busy, hectic and chaotic time, which is all part of the fun; however, this means there can be long queues and delays when joining included and optional activities. The concept of personal space may also be quite different to what you’re used to at home – particularly at crowded street parties.
While one of Intrepid’s local leaders will be with you throughout the entire trip to help you understand the fantastic happenings around you, plenty of patience and flexibility will help you make the most of the Carnival experience.
Cost
$3545 per person for double occupancy room ; Deposit $400 per person
Single occupancy is not available for this trip
Only 12 spots available
If you submit for a double occupancy with no roommate, you will be roommate matched
Itinerary
Day 1 Rio de Janeiro
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Brazil. The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio', and we tend to agree! In this vibrant city – set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado – it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents (known as Cariocas), especially during Carnival. Your adventure kicks off at 4 pm with an important welcome meeting – afterward, head out for an included dinner with the group to try out some of Carioca's specialties before making your way to a local Samba club for a fun initiation on this popular dance. During Carnival, Rio pulsates to the rhythm of Samba. You won't need to be an expert Samba dancer to make the most of your time in Rio but knowing one or two Samba steps will help you blend in with the local Carioca crowds. Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Welcome dinner
Rio de Janeiro - Samba Club visit
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least XX days prior to travel.
Day 2 Rio de Janeiro
Today your local leader will take you on a guided tour around two of the most emblematic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. It wouldn’t be a trip to Rio without visiting Christ the Redeemer – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Head to Corcovado Mountain to take in the sweeping views of Rio from the 710-metre-high peak and gaze up at the iconic statue from its base. Next, head to Sugarloaf, another mountain that juts out over Guanabara Bay. Its name comes from the mountain’s resemblance to a traditional sugarloaf – a tall cone of refined sugar that was popular in the Caribbean and Brazil until the late 19th century. This evening, enjoy time to yourself to explore the nightlife of Rio – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations if you want to try some classic Brazilian fare like feijoada or barbeque for dinner. Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3 Rio de Janeiro
This morning your leader will take you to a local bloco. Blocos are the true expression of Carnival in Rio, simply put, they are street parties, unlike any party you’ve been to before! Each bloco is themed, with DJs or bands playing all day and people of all ages and walks of life dressing up to join the party every day throughout the Carnival. Your local leader will be at hand throughout the visit to help you make the most of this experience. Today's afternoon and evening is free for you to explore Rio at your own pace, or perhaps head to the beach for a swim. If you’re looking for an active adventure that takes you off the beaten track, ask your leader about one of the incredible hiking trails – a climb up the nearby Morro Dois Irmaos provides arguably the best view over Rio. Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Bloco experience
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4 Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a sleep in this morning, or perhaps grab a traditional acai bowl for a morning boost. Later, meet with your leader and head to the main event of the week – the parade in the Sambadrome. Here, more than 100 of the top samba schools in Brazil parade their fantastic floats and costumes in an annual competition for the title of Rio Carnival Samba Parade Champions. Witness an exhilarating display of dance and design as the dedicated performers samba down the runway, showing off their skills and you'll have a prime spot in Sector 11 where you’ll get a close-up view of the parade and the chance to snap great photos. The rhythm of Rio’s Sambadrome celebrations pulses into the early hours of the morning – feel free to party all night or return to the hotel with your leader – the night is yours! Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Sambodrome (Seating in sector 11)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information You’ll take the metro from the hotel to the Sambadrome with your leader and the rest of the group but will have the option to either leave with the leader and group and head back to the hotel in the evening or stay later if you wish.
Day 5 Rio de Janeiro
Make the most of a free morning to recover from the craziness of the Sambadrome – you may want to go for a refreshing dip at one of Rio’s many beautiful beaches or simply relax at the hotel. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway – a once in a lifetime experience! Each Samba School has around 4000 dancers, split into twenty-five ‘alas’ or wings, each wing telling part of the overall story or theme of the school. You’ll get to join one of these ‘alas’ and spend 30-40 minutes celebrating within the Sambadrome. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to samba, just use your utmost enthusiasm to jump, bounce and dance around. Soak up the energy and make the most of every moment as you play a part in the biggest stage in the world. Afterward, you’re welcome to head back to the hotel with the leader, who will be able to recommend places to go for a final cold caipirinha or group dinner. Optional Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Join the Parade with costume - USD $600
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Joining the parade is a popular activity and you will need to book it in advance. It is a once in a lifetime experience, but it will be very hot and you need to be physically fit to partake.
We will purchase the costume & shoes for you to confirm your spot in the Parade. The price above includes the costume and shoes. Please provide your shoe & clothing size at the time of booking this optional activity. Refer to rio-carnival.net/costume-sizes.php for costume sizing. We suggest ordering one shoe size larger than usual as the shoes are often very tight. Once the costume and shoes are purchased, they can't be returned or refunded.
The spectator's ticket for today's Parade is not included.
Day 6 Rio de Janeiro
Today is the final day of your Rio Carnival trip and there are no activities included. The trip finishes after breakfast and you can check out of the hotel any time before midday. Meals Included
Breakfast
Specifications
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
While there will be one leader for every 16 travelers, there may be more than 50 travelers joining you on this experience.
The order and days of the activities may change depending on availability.
Rates are priced based upon double occupancy rooms. If you are a solo traveler, you will be paired in a room with another solo traveler and charged the double occupancy rate unless you request your own room for an additional cost.
Price does not include flights. You are responsible for arranging your own flights. Please provide flight confirmation information once purchased.
Deposits $400 per person. Balance is dues 60 days prior to travel.
Travel Insurance is not included but required 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 $200,000 is required. Good Life Travel by Danielle will recommend a comprehensive AIG Travel insurance plan or a Chubb Insurance plan. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
An eVisa for US Citizens to enter Brazil is required. The cost of the Visa and meeting the requirements is at your own expense. For Visa assistance click here.
Pre tour hotel nights in Rio de Janeiro or Post tour hotel nights are not included. Contact our travel agent, Danielle, if you would like to add hotel nights to your package.
All travelers must have received a full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days before the start of the tour. A scan of your COVID 19 vaccine card or documentation from your physician or pharmacy are required to be uploaded in the system prior to travel. In addition, vaccines are required to enter the country. You will be asked by the airline to upload proof prior to travel.
Deposit Requirements
Deposits $400 per person. Balance is dues 60 days prior to travel. The deposit will be processed for the minimum amount required to secure the booking unless otherwise indicated by the traveler or if within the 60 days prior to travel. Naturally, you can give us a call with any questions.
Memories last forever, saving for them shouldn't. Pay Monthly to Finance your vacation. It's quick and easy to apply. Submit a request below and you will receive a text to your smart phone from Uplift with the finance application. If approved you can pay monthly for your trip in 24 easy payments. Our partner, Uplift, offers access to low interest rates. There are no unexpected charges and no pre-payment penalties. If interested you can receive a decision in less than one minute on your device.
Based on your total trip cost of $12,000, your estimated payments are:
First payment of $549.14 due today followed by 24 equal monthly payments of $549.14 beginning next month.
To provide this estimated monthly pricing, Uplift uses a sample APR of 13.88%. Your actual loan APR will be determined with your application and will determine final monthly payment amount. No late fees and no penalty for early repayment.
The total estimated finance charges are $1,728.50
If you would like to receive a text message or email from Uplift to check your rate and submit your pre-approval request, click below. Data and message rates may apply. Checking your rate will NOT impact your credit score.
