Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience
5.0(2)Rio de Janeiro3h 30min
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(1)
+12 photos
At a glance
Duration
3h 30min
Price from
$387 / person
Location
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
Languages
DE, EN, IT, FR
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Expresso Tour
Description
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.
Out at sunset: the 3:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:03 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.
Tour Options
Up to 4 pax - private group
Private: In This option the tour and pickup will be 100% private and you can choose one of many different languages we offers.
Pickup included
Itinerary
Cidade Do Samba
Admission included60 min
Follow your guide on walking tour of the inner workings of Rio's Carnival parade with this attraction ticket. Take your picture wearing wild costumes, dance in a Samba workshop, and have a cocktail.
Discover what goes on backstage at Rio's Carnival with this guided walking tour. Watch as preparations are made for the world's most famous parade with this attraction ticket. Wear some authentic costumes and take a Samba workshop before savoring a cocktail.
Be greeted by your guide at Samba City and begin your behind-the-scenes tour. See the carnival factory and find out how the floats and costumes are produced for the parade. Uncover the history of Samba and hear the story of Rio's carnival.
Try on some authentic carnival costumes and get some stunning glam shots.
Participate in a Samba workshop with a professional dancer from a Samba school. Finish your tour by sipping on a delicious caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.
What's included
Included
Professional guide
Private tour
Entrance fee
Private transportation
Rare glimpse into Rio's Carnival backstage
Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup Locations & Times
Locais de embarque
O serviço de busca está disponível nos seguintes bairros do Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Centro da Cidade
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience take?
Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience lasts about 3h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience cost?
Prices start at $387 per person for this Rio de Janeiro experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Can I cancel Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Locais de embarque
O serviço de busca está disponível nos seguintes bairros do Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Centro da Cidade
Pickup points include Motel Comodoro, Shelton Hotel.
What languages is Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Expresso Tour.
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
luismS1426WX
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
10/10 AMAZING Experience BEST GUIDE
Matheus is definitely the BEST guide to take you around Rio, he’s knowledgeable on everything and provides you with comfort so you feel like a local. Just a great guy overall and makes the experience 10x better!! I wouldn’t hesitate to book with this man, he’s the best of the best! Thanks Matheus
Operator response
Thank you so much for your amazing review! It was truly a pleasure having you with me and showing you around Rio. I’m very happy to hear that you felt comfortable and had the opportunity to experience the city like a local.
Your kind words mean a lot to me, and I’m glad I could make your experience even more special. Thank you for choosing us and for your trust!
I hope to welcome you back to Rio de Janeiro someday. You’ll always be very welcome! 🇧🇷🌴
All the best,
Expresso Tour
M
Michaela_M
June 3, 2026 · via Viator
Very interesting.
The duration was a bit shorter than expected, but it was very exciting and pleasant. The pickup from the hotel was definitely the best idea; especially the tour guide Mateus made the journey easier for me, so that the pickup was already a wonderful journey through the history of Rio. His friendly demeanor and wonderful English really motivated me positively on the way to the event.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your kind review!
We are delighted to hear that, even though the tour was a bit shorter than expected, you found it exciting and enjoyable. It is especially rewarding to know that the hotel pickup turned out to be such a positive part of your experience.
We will be happy to pass your compliments on to Mateus. He always strives to make our guests feel comfortable from the very beginning and to share interesting insights about Rio’s history and culture along the way. We are glad that his friendly personality and excellent English helped make the journey to the activity both informative and enjoyable.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Rio in the future!
Compare similar tours in Rio de Janeiro
Lowest price: Cidade do Samba Behind-the-Scenes Carnival Tour in Rio de Janeiro — $74
Best rated: Rio Carnival Backstage Experience with Samba at Carnaval Factory — 4.9 (27 reviews)
Shortest: Carnaval Experience - Behind the Scenes of Rios Carnival in the City of Samba — 2 hours
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Rio Carnival Behind the Scenes: Costume & Samba Experience
