Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)
Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)
6 Days Starting and ending in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24473
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro with the "Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)" tour. Revel in one of the world's biggest parties, the Rio Carnival, while staying in a centrally located hostel. Witness the breathtaking scenery of Rio, from the iconic Christ the Redeemer to the stunning views atop Sugar Loaf Mountain. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Sambadrome with reserved seats in section 11, and dance the night away at exclusive G Adventures parties. With local support handling all the details, enjoy a hassle-free adventure filled with street parties, cultural tours, and unforgettable moments.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Arrive at any time and settle into a dorm in a hostel, located within walking distance to street parties, the beach, and public transportation. Later, meet some of your fellow G Adventures travellers during a welcome meeting at the hostel. Afterwards, there will be an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
Additional Information: On Day 1, upon arrival at your hostel, there will be note at the reception letting you know the time of the Welcome Meeting at which you will receive the welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
We have reserved 6-bed dormitory rooms at a hostel, located within walking distance to street parties, the beach, and public transportation. Please note that the dorms are mixed gender but we will do our best to separate the rooms by gender for people not travelling together.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a city tour that visits some of the city's best features including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Admire the cityscape from different viewpoints and be sure to snap a few photos. After, you will have a few hours free to get ready for the huge private G party on Copacabana beach, be sure to put on some purple flair.
ACTIVITY: There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.
ACTIVITY: Take Carnival to the next level with a party on Copacabana beach with all your new G Adventures friends. We have organized a private party at a beach bar with music blaring, sun shining and tons of fun to be had.
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to explore the city. You can go to the beach, try hang gliding, or head out on a favela tour. G Adventures staff will keep the group updated and in the know regarding the hottest Carnival street parties — opt in at any time.
Possible street parties you can attend over the next three days with your CEO using your included subway pass are, Bloco "Cordao de Boitatá", Bloco "Sargento Pimienta", and Bloco "Banda do Peru Pelado" in Copacabana.
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: In the morning, use your free time to hit the beach. Later, opt to join the various street parties in the area with your CEO and members of the group using your public transportation/subway pass. Afterwards, there will be more time for optional activities in the area on your own.
Day 4: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day exploring on your own or choose to attend another section of street parties with your CEO and group. In the evening, head to the Sambadrome to watch the parade from section 11, dance with friends and admire the flashy costumes passing by.
Take it slow today because the parade literally lasts all night. This evening between 6-7:30, transfer to the Sambodrome where we have reserved seats in section 11. G Adventures representatives will accompany you throughout the evening, and after the Parade you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Samba schools are associations of people from the same neighbourhood or community (favela) who get together on a regular basis for samba meetings and rehearsals. Samba schools provide valuable jobs to the community in the production of costumes and floats. Each year, schools choose a different theme and may take to the parade from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and 6 to 8 floats. They have to make it through the runway in a period from 60-80 minutes, which means each member will spend only about 25-30 minutes inside the Sambodrome.
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY In the morning enjoy free time to explore on your own, partake in optional activities, or attend more street parties for Carnival with your CEO.
ACTIVITY: The Samba Schools Parade is something that everybody has to experience at least once. Watch the parade from inside the Sambadrome, marvelling at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of this incredible competition. Cheer on a favourite samba school as their floats make their way past you down the samba runway in an unbelievable parade of colour, movement and sound that lasts all night. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth.
Day 5: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free day to relax and recover from a late night out. Afternoon and evening street parties are ongoing for the brave and strong.
Possible street parties you can attend over the next three days with your CEO using your included subway pass are, Bloco "Cordao de Boitatá", Bloco "Sargento Pimienta", and Bloco "Banda do Peru Pelado" in Copacabana.
If you are feeling up to if after a morning of rest, there will be an opportunity to attend one final Bloco this evening with your CEO and group to revel in the loud, chaotic, colourful atmosphere that is Carnival!
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a relaxing day to recover from the all-night party.
Day 6: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group
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First Night Out Moment
Connect With New Friends
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Discover Moment
Rio de Janeiro
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City Tour
Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day)
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Christ Redeemer Visit
Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
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Sugar Loaf Mountain Visit
Visit Sugar Loaf Mountain
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Purple Costume Party
Attend a G purple costume party
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Subway Pass
3-day subway pass to attend the different street parties of Carnival with your CEO
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Carnival Festivities
Participate in Carnival festivities
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Sambadrome Tickets
Sambadrome tickets in section 11
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options
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Single Supplement
Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip
Accommodation
Hostel (5 nts, multi-share).
Transport
Public bus, private van, taxi, Subway
Meals Included
5 breakfasts
Group Size
The G staff to traveller ratio of a small group, but it's a party, so the more the merrier! G party with around 100+ like-minded G travellers.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Public bus, private van, taxi, Subway
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Important Notes
Costumes are a big part of Carnival in Rio, and we have found it is more fun to participate in the craziness. We suggest all of our travellers bring something purple for their own costume to wear to the Sambodrome. A purple wig, a funny hat, something silly. We also suggest bringing other bits and pieces for funny costumes, but remember -- it gets very hot in Rio, so take that into consideration when choosing what you bring.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos, and an expedition team aboard the M/V Explorer. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G Adventures leader, a driver and a cook, who are a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting.
About Accommodation
Our accommodation is located in Santa Teresa in central Rio, close to the centre. The hostel is very close to a metro station (Gloria) and also within walking distance to multiple supermarkets, banks and drugstores. Lapa is also nearby, know for its many street parties during Carnival.
Our travellers will share 6-, 8-, and 9-bed dormitories with other G Adventures travellers. While these are mixed-sex dorms, we will try to separate male and female travellers who are not travelling together into separate rooms.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Rio Carnival tour?
The accommodation provided during the Rio Carnival tour is a hostel with multi-share dormitory rooms. The dorms are mixed gender, but efforts will be made to separate the rooms by gender for people not traveling together.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day of the tour, you will arrive at any time and settle into your hostel. Later, you will meet some of your fellow G Adventures travelers during a welcome meeting at the hostel. There will also be an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
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What can I expect during the city tour on the second day?
During the city tour on the second day, you will visit some of Rio de Janeiro's best features, including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. You will admire the cityscape from different viewpoints and have the opportunity to take photos. After the tour, you will have a few hours free to get ready for a huge private G party on Copacabana beach.
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What is the Sambadrome experience like?
The Sambadrome experience involves watching the Samba Schools Parade from reserved seats in section 11. You will marvel at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of the parade. The parade lasts all night, and G Adventures representatives will accompany you throughout the evening. After the parade, you will transfer back to your hotel.
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Are there any free days during the tour?
Yes, there are free days during the tour. On the third day, you have the entire day to explore the city on your own, go to the beach, try hang gliding, or head out on a favela tour. On the fifth day, you have a free day to relax and recover from the previous night's activities, with the option to attend more street parties in the afternoon and evening.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
CEOs and G Adventures staff are available to offer assistance and support throughout the tour. They will keep the group updated on the hottest Carnival street parties and accompany you during activities such as the Sambadrome parade.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes public bus, private van, taxi, and subway. A 3-day subway pass is included to attend different street parties of Carnival with your CEO.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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