Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition

Outty Ranking 66 4.6 · 21 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $95
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition worth booking?

Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition is a 5-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $95 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (21)
Duration
5 hours
From
$95 per person

Come and visit one of the most traditional courts in Rio de Janeiro. Samba is a musical genre considered one of the main manifestations of Carioca and Brazilian culture. This tour offers the opportunity to watch closely

What you get

    About this experience

    Come and visit one of the most traditional courts in Rio de Janeiro. Samba is a musical genre considered one of the main manifestations of Carioca and Brazilian culture. This tour offers the opportunity to watch closely the rehearsals of the biggest Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. In Rio de Janeiro, the samba school party starts long before the carnival. Rehearsals for the parade at the Sambadrome for groups A, B and Especial take place from the middle of the year and the school courts open the doors for revelers of all ages to heat up the tambourines. The court rehearsals bring together young people, the community, tourists and celebrities in crowded parties, where the battery queens and school muses tend to be a fixed presence.

    What's included

    Included

    • Samba School admission
    • Transportation in a car licensed by the tourism office
    • Professional bilingual tour guide
    • Samba Show

    Not included

    • Food and Drinks
    • Private transportation

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quadra Do Salgueiro

      Departure from the hotel or apartment, to participate in the samba rehearsals of the Samba Schools of the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro, with their drums and live percussionists, dancers, samba dancers, Mestre-Sala and Porta-Bandeira, ala das baianas and active participation with community members throughout the rehearsal, dancing and singing. A unique emotion for you to take home. Quadra do Salgueiro has acoustic treatment, own air conditioning and central air conditioning system, providing the visitor with comfort.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rio de Janeiro

    Meeting point

    Rio de Janeiro

    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

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    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
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    RIO PASSEIOS EXPERIENCE

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The tour is not private, but shared, and the guide will speak in English, Spanish and Portuguese
    • We are not responsible for items lost on our buses or vans.
    • We do the tour, rain or shine. The day of the tour is chosen by the customer, therefore no refund will be generated in case of bad weather. We will do the tour rain or shine.
    • Pick-ups in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio are not included.
    • On days with a higher flow of tourists or in the presence of especially heavy traffic conditions, we can adopt the use of specific meeting points for picking up customers. This choice is made to ensure a more efficient organization of the tour, reducing the waiting times and inconveniences caused by traffic. Therefore, we invite our customers to read this note carefully to be informed and prepared.
    • The time indicated at the time of booking is only indicative. The day before the tour, we will contact you via WhatsApp or via the booking platform to confirm the exact time of pickup.

    Photos

    Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 2Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 3Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 4Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 5Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 6Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    21 verified traveler reviews for Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    A7509NYandrewl · February 2025

    Waited over an hour at Copacabana Palace and was classified as a no-show. Told to take uber!

    I waited over an hour in front of the Copacabana Palace and no guide went around asking for me. Initially the shuttle was over an hour late. They classified me as a no-show despite me waiting over an hour starting 10 minutes before the scheduled shuttle pickup. They wanted me uber to the school when I picked them because of its shuttle. My internet and WhatsApp was inconsistent but they rely on WhatsApp. So do not pick this Sambo School tour.

    Response from the operator: Hello, We regret that you had this perception of the experience. **We reached out via WhatsApp** to provide all necessary details regarding the pickup. Our team follows the scheduled logistics, and we always do our best to assist passengers in case of any issues. We remain committed to improving our services and are available for any further clarifications.

    via Tripadvisor

    Alex B · January 2025

    Cool but not for everyone

    First of all, the guide turned up an hour late, apparently an admin miss communication (I actually asked for a refund on the proviso that I assumed he wasn’t turning up). Eventually he did and then we embarked on a round of picking everyone up. When we arrived he had problems to pay for everyone’s tickets….unlucky and we ended waiting an hour. Once inside it looked very much like a university talent show, rather than anything else… If you are going for a wild adventure and don’t mind chaos you will definitely enjoy it; if on the other hand, you are the type of person who books in advance, expects a table and some good ish service, this is not for you. Brazilians are super nice and kind, cariocas live life and nothing is stressful….yet organising stuff (anything!) is not something they are known for “Deja conmigo” (live it with me), is a bit of a curse…..

    via Tripadvisor

    731anaclaudiac · August 2024

    Furiosa Battery

    A very good experience, get to know the backstage of a samba school, and safely, quiet place, nice people, translated and Guide, I liked

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    brunolY1337NM · January 2024

    Top Brazilian music and dance show. If

    A crazy simple and musical atmosphere. We feel very good there even for a European because the Brazilians are very cordial.

    Response from the operator: We are very happy to hear that you had a great time in Rio. Guide is truly an amazing guide and she would like to know that you enjoyed the tour. Thanks for your feedback! Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you visit Rio

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    S8381VZniting · January 2024

    Another Great Experience....

    Flawless pickup, a friendly guide (always a phone call away!), and Salgueiro's ensaio was pure samba energy. And when my agreed-upon pickup point seemed a bit too far after midnight, guess what? My fantastic tour guide and our awesome driver they dropped me off closer to home!! Great Experience !! ✨

    Response from the operator: We are very happy to hear that you had a great time in Rio. Guide is truly an amazing guide and she would like to know that you enjoyed the tour. Thanks for your feedback! Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you visit Rio

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by RIO PASSEIOS EXPERIENCE, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3.

    See everything RIO PASSEIOS EXPERIENCE runs

    Why this scores 66

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)74
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)82
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition cost?

    +

    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 Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition take?

    +

    Plan for about 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 Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 21 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 Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition?

    +

    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 Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition?

    +

    Around 7 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Guided Tour to Salgueiro Square with SAMBA Exhibition start and how do I get there?

    +

    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, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves. 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.

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