
Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more worth booking?
Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more is a 1.7-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from R$2,100 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (8)
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- From
- R$2,100 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Private tour
- Alcoholic beverages
- Rare glimpse into Rio's Carnival backstage
- Private Bilingual guide
What you'll see and do
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. Duration of tour in the city of Samba - 120 minutes.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Up to 4 pax - private group
Private - Up to 4 participants: In This option the tour and pickup will be 100% private and you can choose one of many different languages we offers. Pickup included
Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Samba & more
Private - Up to 14 pax: In This option the tour and pickup will be 100% private and you can choose one of many different languages we offers. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, he, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Carnaval Experience
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Acessível para carrinhos de bebê Bebês devem permanecer no colo
- This tour operates normally on a rainy or sunny day
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Dress code is smart casual
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- No charge for children under 5 years old
- Not recommended for travelers with severe breathing problems
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
They don't care about the public
The show is Excellent, but, I went to grandstand 9, numbered, much more expensive it is extremely uncomfortable, neither attendees found our place, you are placed overcrowded you can not move, you sit on the hot cement, with the knee of the back on your back and the back of the front on your knee , if it rains gathers water in the cement, you can not sit, in short they do not care about the comfort of the public, in that aspect they are a DASASTRE with capital , unpleasant, it is hell to attend this beautiful show this way. I have also attended the Frisas, also overcrowded, without seeing anything because you stand behind another person who, being taller, you see nothing. I'll insist: THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PUBLIC!!! When there is a phrase that says “Here the king is you” lol, the king is the money for them!!!
Response from the operator: Gracias por tu comentario. Entendemos tu frustración con la experiencia en el Sambódromo, pero nuestro tour fue en la Ciudad del Samba. Parece haber una confusión, ya que son experiencias diferentes. ¡Saludos!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Definitely recommended - Pink is Samba
Highly recommended! Our guide Rosa explained the history of Carnaval to us super great. With her you can feel the samba, the carnaval - she is Rio. The fact that we were allowed to put on the Carnaval clothes and original Samba dancers came was party.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Interesting behind-the-scenes tour of the Brazilian carnival - recommended especially in the case of poor betting
The tour backstage provides very interesting insights into the elaborate creation and production of the wagons and costumes by the offering Samba school. The guided tour takes place in English and takes about 1-2 hours. It includes a walking tour, a video with explanations in German, a costume, a short samba dance performance with opportunity for a photo shoot and a caipirinha and optionally the purchase of carnival items.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Um tour incrivel
It was amazing! We had the whole tour in English, which facilitated understanding for my Norwegian family. It was a unique experience, we will never forget.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Fabulous Family Experience!!
What a special experience!! We did the private carnaval experience with pickup. Eneida picked us up at our hotel on time and had such a great energy as our guide for the entire tour. I was worried at first about doing this event after Carnaval was over since there'd be no rehearsals going on, but it ended up being extra special that way. We were able to take photos/videos since there was no longer secrecy around the floats and costumes, and my daughters had a fabulous time learning about the floats, trying on costumes, dancing, and learning about how all the costumes go from prototype to creation. This was an unforgettable experience and made so memorable by Eneida and her team. Highly recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- R$2,100 to R$3,000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more cost?
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Prices start at R$2,100 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more take?
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Plan for about 1.7 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 8 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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Around 3 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 1.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Professional guide; Private tour; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 267 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Hebrew 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more 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 Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Drink, Samba & more?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Up to 4 pax - private group, Private Carnaval Experience with Pickup: Carnival backstage, Samba & more. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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