
Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School worth booking?
Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School is a 2-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $33 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $33 per person
We will visit the City of Samba, a large complex of barracks that are destined for the Samba Schools of the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro and where the giant floats and colorful costumes are built. Next, we will enter the Scholars of the Grande Rio see the secrets that are revealed only during the Carnival parade: How is made the production of floats and costumes. You will understand the concepts and work involved during the design process. In the colorful showroom, we will learn more about the emergence of samba, its customs, and the origin of samba school parades. Let's pick one of the many legitimate carnival costumes to wear and photograph. Then we will have a dance class where we will learn some samba steps. To end the tour we will try a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of cachaça and lemon.
What you get
About this experience
We will visit the City of Samba, a large complex of barracks that are destined for the Samba Schools of the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro and where the giant floats and colorful costumes are built. Next, we will enter the Scholars of the Grande Rio see the secrets that are revealed only during the Carnival parade: How is made the production of floats and costumes. You will understand the concepts and work involved during the design process. In the colorful showroom, we will learn more about the emergence of samba, its customs, and the origin of samba school parades. Let's pick one of the many legitimate carnival costumes to wear and photograph. Then we will have a dance class where we will learn some samba steps. To end the tour we will try a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of cachaça and lemon.
What's included
Included
- IN / OUT Transfers (According to the selected option)
- Entrance Ticket
- Bilingual Guide
Not included
- Food & Drinks
What you'll see and do
Cidade Do Samba
Cidade do Samba
120 minutes here · Admission included
Centro
Centro do Rio de Janeiro
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
With Transfer
With Transfer Pickup included
Without Transfer
Without Transfer
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tangol
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun experience
A fun day learning about Carnaval. We saw the warehouse, heard about the samba school and their winning year, tried on costumes, learned a little samba and just had a fun time understanding the history and fun (and competition) of this Rio Institution. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Carnaval…behind the scene.
You learn behind the scene facts of Carnaval and how it happens. Interesting to know, it’s only a 70 minute experience for each float.
via Viator
Lively and informative .
Learning the history and the process that goes into the carnival is very interesting. The activities are fun and engaging. .
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 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
- $33 to $208
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tangol, who run 256 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.
See everything Tangol runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School cost?
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Prices start at $33 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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3 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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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Around 1 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School 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 Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. 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.
What is included in Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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Included: IN / OUT Transfers (According to the selected option); Entrance Ticket; and Bilingual Guide. Not included: Food & Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 149 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English 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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School 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 Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including With Transfer, Without Transfer. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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