
Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 286 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 $95 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 286 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (286)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $95 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 d
What you get
- Rare glimpse at Rio's Carnival backstage
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bilingual guide
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
• 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
Recorrido-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 15 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






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
- $95 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 100
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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Prices start at $95 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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 286 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?
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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 100 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?
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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?
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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 Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves, Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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