Samba Soul Tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Samba Soul Tour

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 10 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $70
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Samba Soul Tour worth booking?

Samba Soul Tour is a 4-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $70 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (10)
Duration
4 hours
From
$70 per person

Let's walk through the history of Samba, following the steps of this rhythm symbol of Rio cultural identity, icon of local african heritage and afro-brazilian resistance. Visiting the main cultural spots in Cinelandia and the Mauá Square, we talk about how the Portuguese culture developed carnival as a political party and samba as a afro-brazilian identity. Walk with us through the Portuary Zone to see the biggest open-air street art gallery and learn about cultural resistance at Pedra do Sal, icon of africanity in Rio. Let yourself vibrate with Carnival magic doing some steps and taking pictures with the colorful costumes at City of Samba, headquarters of the Samba Schools. The main idea is that you enjoy the stories that made Samba the soul of our lovely city. We want you to feel safe, confident and relaxed while we are going through the downtown area of the marvelous city.

What you get

    About this experience

    Let's walk through the history of Samba, following the steps of this rhythm symbol of Rio cultural identity, icon of local african heritage and afro-brazilian resistance. Visiting the main cultural spots in Cinelandia and the Mauá Square, we talk about how the Portuguese culture developed carnival as a political party and samba as a afro-brazilian identity. Walk with us through the Portuary Zone to see the biggest open-air street art gallery and learn about cultural resistance at Pedra do Sal, icon of africanity in Rio. Let yourself vibrate with Carnival magic doing some steps and taking pictures with the colorful costumes at City of Samba, headquarters of the Samba Schools. The main idea is that you enjoy the stories that made Samba the soul of our lovely city. We want you to feel safe, confident and relaxed while we are going through the downtown area of the marvelous city.

    What's included

    Included

    • TRAM tickets
    • City of Samba tickets

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Private transportation

    What you'll see and do

    1. Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR

      Meeting point for the group. We went up to the museum terrace to have a panoramic view of Praça Mauá and Guanabara Bay. The museum is closed on Mondays.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Maua Square

      Plaza Mauá marks the beginning of Avenida Rio Branco avenue and also of the Port Region. From 1910 on, with the inauguration of Porto do Rio ("Rio's Port"), it began an important place to welcome ships and brought tourists to the city. Around the square there are important buildings, such as the Rio Art Museum (MAR) and the Museum of Tomorrow, as well as the Night building, the first skyscraper of the city, built in 1930.

      30 minutes here

    3. Boulevard Olimpico

      On the VLT (Tram) trip from Plaza Mauá to Samba City, we can see the old docks and the street art gallery on Olympic Boulevard.

      30 minutes here

    4. Cidade Do Samba

      Following the same exploratory tour, the Carnival Experience, promoted by Grande Rio Samba School, opens the workshop for visitors who want to know a little more about the creation and production of the parade, long before it takes place at Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. This unique experience shows how the allegories and customs of the school are produced, the carnivalesque designs, how the customs and the assembly of the big cars are done by hand, and shows up close the hard work of the professionals involved in the production of a parade

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Pedra do Sal

      Pedra do Sal, at Conceição hill, makes part of the region historically known as small Africa, that stretched from around Plaza Mauá to Cidade Nova. On the backyard, it has happened the rural samba, played with the hands, with tambourine, plate and knifes; and dancing with tap dancing, sieved and "umbigadas". It was there that was born the urban carioca samba, that came from "popular samba" and old ranches of the carnival.

      20 minutes here

    6. We finish our tour celebrating black women and their role in samba music and afro Brazilian dance. At Largo da Prainha, you can grab a snack and some refreshments and get in the mood to join Pedra do Sal "roda de samba", living an authentic experience of Rio.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rio de Janeiro

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    There are many bars, taxis and ubers in this area. VLT Station: Museum Stop

    Options you can book

    • Samba Soul Tour 5h

      Duration: 5 hours

    • Samba Soul Tour 4h

      Duration: 4 hours Basic Tour: Praça Mauá, Largo da Prainha, Pedra do Sal, Cidade do Samba

    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, Fri
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alma Carioca Turismo

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Rio ́s Art Museum (MAR) is our meeting point, Samba Soul Tour in Rio de JaneiroMaua Square, Samba Soul Tour in Rio de JaneiroRio ́s Art Museum (MAR), Samba Soul Tour in Rio de JaneiroSamba Soul Tour in Rio de Janeiro, photo 5Mauá Square, Samba Soul Tour in Rio de JaneiroLet ́s board on the VLT tram and discover Rio downtown, Samba Soul Tour in Rio de Janeiro

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Samba Soul Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    lisalisa6000 · March 2020

    Full of Soul!

    This tour definitely lives up to its name—it is full of soul! The guide, Celi, was very welcoming and knowledgeable. She provided loads of unique information about Brazilian music and culture that went beyond what is the norm on a typical tour. I would highly recommend the Samba Soul tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    Martin_A · February 2020

    Discovery of Samba and Rio.

    The entire tour was a discovery of things beyond samba itself, such as the social, economic and political aspects that started samba and continue to this day. It's a tour worth doing to give you a lot of context and history of samba, including the city of Rio.

    via Viator

    LarryK · February 2020

    Highly Recommend

    This was one of the best tours I have done. Celine, my guide was a delight to be with. She thoroughly explained the not only the history of samba but also a brief history of Brasil. Once we reached the samba school we joined others on a behind the scene look at how the floats and costumes are made. Some special surprises were included but you will have to go on the tour yourself to find out. I highly recommend. Also a big thank-you to Celine for making the tour wonderful!

    via Viator

    corinnoverboard · December 2019

    Samba Tour with Fabiana

    This was a fun and informative tour. Fabiana is awesome and clearly has a lot of passion for educating visitors about the history of the people and traditions.

    via Tripadvisor

    Nacho A · November 2019

    Amazing.

    A 10. Very good service. And excellent information the guides very good and clear with everything that was reported

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Fri
    Price range
    $70 to $80
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 68

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)29
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Samba Soul Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Samba Soul Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $70 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 Samba Soul Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 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 Samba Soul Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 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 Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    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 Samba Soul Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    Around 4 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Samba Soul Tour 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    Included: TRAM tickets; and City of Samba tickets. Not included: Lunch; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Samba Soul Tour offered in?

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    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 Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    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 Samba Soul Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Samba Soul Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Samba Soul Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Samba Soul Tour 5h, Samba Soul Tour 4h. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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