Rio Samba Experience
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Want to feel the real rhythm of Brazil? Head straight for the money shot with a trip to the famous local Salgueiro Samba School. Sip a caipirinha to get you in the mood, then watch as Samba pros rehearse for Carnival. Nab a dance lesson, learn to play Samba percussion, and dance the night away in this VIP, behind-the-scenes look at Samba, just like the locals do.
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Highlights
- Enjoy a VIP viewing of an official Samba rehearsal at the Salgueiro Samba School
- Discover the history and cultural significance of Samba in Rio at the local Samba school
- Sip an iconic Caipirinha as you're welcomed into the world of Samba
- Take part in a Samba percussion workshop, where you'll learn to play the main Samba instrument
- Learn the basic Samba steps in a dance class that'll make you feel more Brazilian with every beat
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Meeting point:
Copacabana Palace Hotel, Avenida Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22021-001.
- Starting time: 8.00 PM
- Ending point:
Copacabana Palace Hotel, Avenida Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22021-001.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, entrance to the Salgueiro Samba School, caipirinha, Samba percussion lesson, Samba dance lesson, transportation to/from the Samba school.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, additional drinks, food, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Are you ready for a heavy dose of Samba?!
In preparation for Carnival, this Rio tour will give you VIP access to the Salgueiro Samba School as they go through their rehearsals before the big event! It's a behind-the-scenes Rio tour of pretty sweet proportions.
On this truly unique local Rio experience, you're going to get an awesome taste of what true locals get up to on the weekends. This tour is what people who live and love Samba do for entertainment on the weekends - they come together to dance, drink, and socialise around their love and passion - and of course, to get a bit of practice in to ensure they are ready for the main event in March.
We welcome you to this unique insight into the world of Samba, and give a huge thank you to the Salgueiro Samba School for inviting us to experience something typically only experienced by true local Carioca.
Meet up at the iconic Copacabana Palace and jet off to the Samba school. During your journey, your local guide will give you the lowdown on the history of Carnival and its importance to locals here in Rio and throughout Brazil.
When you arrive at the school, your Samba experience will start off on a high note, with a welcoming caipirinha and an introduction to some of the professional Samba dancers at the school. By now, you'll be in the dancing mood, so it's time to pick up the beat!
When the music starts, it's time to get in the groove. Get to know the music, the instruments, and the moves for Samba with an introduction to playing percussion and dancing along with the inviting rhythms. Hit the dance floor and try out your new moves alongside the pros!
It's a bit of a late night (well not for Rio), but trust us - it's worth it! We normally expect to return to the Copacabana Palace Hotel around 2am, so be sure that you're full of energy and excitement before heading out!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, entrance to the Salgueiro Samba School, caipirinha, Samba percussion lesson, Samba dance lesson, transportation to/from the Samba school.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, additional drinks, food, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
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Local contact
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