Come and experience the biggest party in the world and take centre stage in the Sambadrome parades on a luxury holiday to Rio Carnival.
It’s a riot of colour and sound with some amazing sights to behold in the most beautiful city in the world, our ultimate Rio Carnival Experience holiday is a dream trip for many. The celebration which takes place annually just before Lent is one of the great festivals in the world and we want to show you how to experience it in style. Our Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience includes five nights at the famous Belmond Copacabana Palace, with private guided tours of the city’s iconic sights and a panoramic helicopter flight. Carnival is all about the party so we’ve included tickets to the glamourous Magic Ball, covered box seating at the Sambadrome and a once in a lifetime chance to take part in the Sambadrome parades, in full costume and make-up, parading on a float, a truly unforgettable moment.
Trip Highlights
Stay in the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace for five nights.
Visit Rio's highlights; Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Enjoy Rio’s free street parties and the glamorous Magic Ball with open bar and buffet.
Watch the Sambadrome parades from a luxury covered box.
Dance on a float in the Samba school parade in front of 80,000 people.
Take a helicopter flight for stunning views of Rio’s landscapes and beaches.
When to go
Rio Carnival is held annually before Lent, typically in February or early March. The festival starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and runs through the following Tuesday, making it a vibrant five-day celebration filled with parades, street parties, and cultural events. The timing aligns with the Christian calendar, marking a final festive period before the fasting season of Lent begins.
Next Rio Carnival dates for the coming five years:
- 2026: February 13–17
- 2027: February 5–9
- 2028: February 25–29
- 2029: February 10–14
- 2030: March 1–5
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Not only did we get to enjoy watching the carnival all night long, but to actually experience joining one of the participating samba schools was an experience that can't be topped! It's definitely a highlight of all my travel adventures thus far.
– Humboldt Client
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive into Rio de Janeiro where your private guide will be waiting for you and transfer you to your hotel where you will stay for the next five nights in the most iconic hotel in Latin America.
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This morning your guide will collect you for a private morning tour to Corcovado, the famous mountain on which the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands.
In the afternoon there are various blocos (free street parties) which take place throughout the city. These are free to attend, just simply turn up and get involved.
In the evening, the most glamourous ball takes place during carnival, the Magic Ball. An open bar and buffet is included at the ball and you will be seated in the Golden room, the most sought after area to be situated.
Today is free for you to relax after a late night at the Magic Ball.
In the evening, a private guide will transfer you to the Sambadrome to watch the spectacular parades. You will be located in a camarote, a covered box in Sector 5, which is the best way to see the parades in style.
Stay at the parades for as long as you wish and when you would like to return to your hotel, your guide will be waiting to take you back the Copacabana Palace.
After a late night at the Sambadrome, today is free for you to relax and catch up on some sleep.
Tonight will be a once in a lifetime experience. You will be taken to one of the top Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro to collect a spectacular costume. The costume will be fitted and adjusted for your frame and your will have your make-up specially done. Your guide will take you to the Sambadrome where you will perform in the Sambadrome parades, performing on one of the floats in front of the 80,000 strong crowd.
Another lazy morning is the order of the day after another late night.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to Rio de Janeiro’s other iconic mountain, Sugar Loaf. During your visit you will board a helicopter at Urca for a 20-minute flight around the city to see the incredible landscapes and endless beaches for which the city is famous.
Why Travel with Us
A truly personalised service
We offer a truly personalised service providing a more authentic, caring experience. As a family-run business, we like to treat our guests like an extended part of our family rather than just clients.
Tried and tested expert knowledge
Our team have visited and experienced every region we sell. We design your holiday using this first-hand knowledge, ensuring you have the benefit of our specialist’s depth of experience.
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We believe that luxury travel can be a force for good, creating transformative experiences that give back; enriching lives, uplifting local economies, and preserving the planet’s most precious places.
Don’t just take our word for it
At Humboldt we go the extra mile and pay attention to the smaller details so that your trip is individually crafted with care.
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