Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

Outty Ranking 77 4.6 · 288 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $31
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Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 288 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail worth booking?

Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail is a 1.5-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $31 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 288 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (288)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$31 per person

The only backstage tour of the Carioca Carnival, the most famous carnival in the world! When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour introduces you to the artistry and imagination of Carnival and allows you to discover the backstage of The greatest show on Earth! Have an unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working and the preparations for the parade, which is also a competition. During the tour, you will be able to witness the process of construction and production of floats and more than 3000 costumes for the show. This visit includes a guided tour to the factory of the 2022th Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio. Including an exhibition about the history of Samba and Carnival, the tour provides a chance to dress up in authentic parade costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink! Come visit us!

What you get

    About this experience

    The only backstage tour of the Carioca Carnival, the most famous carnival in the world! When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour introduces you to the artistry and imagination of Carnival and allows you to discover the backstage of The greatest show on Earth! Have an unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working and the preparations for the parade, which is also a competition. During the tour, you will be able to witness the process of construction and production of floats and more than 3000 costumes for the show. This visit includes a guided tour to the factory of the 2022th Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio. Including an exhibition about the history of Samba and Carnival, the tour provides a chance to dress up in authentic parade costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink! Come visit us!

    What's included

    Included

    • Rare glimpse at Rio's Carnival backstage
    • Bottled water
    • Professional guide
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Bilingual guide

    What you'll see and do

    1. • Bilingual guide • Guided tour to the Grande Rio samba factory – one of the main Samba Schools of the city of Rio de Janeiro  • Presentation of the explanatory panel: some of the history of samba and the carnival parades • Getting in the mood: costume layout to dress and photograph • Samba Flavor: welcoming caipirinhas • Samba Class with a Passista! The Tour does not includes transportation.  We will meet in the Cidade do Samba (Inside the Samba City complex under the smaller tent in the middle of it). To get here: There is a VLT (tram) station in front of the main entrance of the City of Samba. If You came by UBER or Taxi just ask for the Cidade do Samba. Viva o Carnaval!!

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rio de Janeiro

    The meeting point for the tour is at the Cidade do Samba Square. Upon arrival, look for the Carnaval Experience team, located either in the square or in front of the Grande Rio warehouse, easily recognizable by their colorful shirts. If you need any assistance, just approach one of our team members.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The meeting point for the tour is at the Cidade do Samba Square. Upon arrival, look for the Carnaval Experience team, located either in the square or in front of the Grande Rio warehouse, easily recognizable by their colorful shirts. If you need any assistance, just approach one of our team members.

    Options you can book

    • Tour - Carnaval Experience

    • Recorrido -Carnaval Experience

    • Carnaval Experience - Visit Samba city and behind the scene of rio's carnival

    • Expérience-Carnaval Experience

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Carnaval Experience

    Know before you go

    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
    • Dress code is smart casual

    Photos

    Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 2Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 3Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 4Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 5Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 6Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail in Rio de Janeiro, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 288 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    288 verified traveler reviews for Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    234
    4 star
    29
    3 star
    11
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    11
    Sort
    Lesley_S · October 2026

    Brilliant

    This experience is a great way to spend a couple of hours to see the behind the scenes of the Rio Carnival, making the floats and the costumes and the chance to dress in the costumes made it a fun experience

    via Viator

    Tiffiney_T · September 2026

    Wow! What an experience!

    Inez was an amazing guide. She was kind, knowledgeable and pleasant. This experience was the best ending to a week in Rio. Learning the culture, history and experiencing samba, dressing in costumes and learning the behind the scenes hard work that goes into the production of Carnaval. It was one of a kind experience! Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    via Viator

    Jacquita_P · August 2026

    Carnival experience is fire!

    Lydia was our guide and she is fire for Carnival! So passionate, knowledgeable and fun! Made the experience epic! Must do when in Rio!

    via Viator

    RWalker415 · August 2026

    Fantastic Overall of Carnival, the Costumes, and the Floats

    Carnival Experience was well-organized, with our group seeing the factory where they disassemble last year's floats and build new ones, seeing and trying one elaborate costumes, and hearing the way the parade entries compete for the top prizes. You can easily enough take a taxi or Uber to and from the location (from Copacabana, our cost was $12-13 USD each way).

    via Tripadvisor

    Kenny_O · June 2026

    Lydia rocked as our guide

    Lydia was the bomb she was so passionate and an excellent guide. She loves what she does and was a great guide

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $31 to $150
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    101
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 77

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)85
    Booking momentum (14% weight)82
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)40
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.

    How much does Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail cost?

    +

    Prices start at $31 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.

    Is Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 288 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

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    Around 101 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

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    Included: Rare glimpse at Rio's Carnival backstage; Bottled water; Professional guide; Alcoholic beverages; and Bilingual guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

    +

    The meeting point for the tour is at the Cidade do Samba Square. Upon arrival, look for the Carnaval Experience team, located either in the square or in front of the Grande Rio warehouse. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rio de Janeiro. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

    +

    Across 288 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including Tour - Carnaval Experience, Recorrido -Carnaval Experience, Carnaval Experience - Visit Samba city and behind the scene of rio's carnival, Expérience-Carnaval Experience. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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