Enter Grande Rio’s workshop and discover how Carnival comes to life
A cultural immersion in Cidade do Samba offering an inside look at a samba school’s work. The official tour visits Acadêmicos do Grande Rio’s workshop and combines history, costume and float creation, trying on costumes, samba and a welcome caipirinha.
History and context
Before you go, I want to tell you why it is worth it
Carnaval Experience is a cultural tourism programme run by the NGO Pimpolhos da Grande Rio in partnership with its parent samba school, Acadêmicos do Grande Rio. It operates throughout the year and shows the creative and human process behind the parade, beyond the spectacle of Carnival itself.
The experience
What you will experience here
The official Regular Tour includes approximately 30 minutes on a guided workshop visit, 20 minutes of an exhibition about samba and parades, 20 minutes to try on costumes and take photos, 10 minutes for a welcome caipirinha and a 10-minute samba lesson with a samba dancer. Private and Premium options are also available, subject to availability.
👀 What you will find
Samba school workshop, history, costumes, samba and a close look at the work behind the parade.
❤️ Ideal for
Families and travellers who want to understand Carnival beyond the Sambadrome.
🗺️ Combine it with
AquaRio, Yup Star and Boulevard Olímpico.
✨ Do not leave without...
Behind the scenes of Carnival, costumes, samba school history and an introduction to Cidade do Samba. The experience is cultural and participatory, rather than simply a costume exhibition.
🎒 Before you go
This experience runs at scheduled times, so booking is advisable. It is very close to AquaRio and makes an ideal first stop before exploring the Port Area.
🧭 How I would do it
My plan: Carnaval Experience first, followed by AquaRio, Mural Etnias, Museu do Amanhã and the rest of Porto Maravilha.
⚠️ Important information
🎭 OFFICIAL PARTNER · 5% DISCOUNT when purchasing through Ernestinho’s link. The discount is applied through the partner link; if the system requests a coupon, use FC5QUN. Free cancellation up to 48 hours beforehand under the conditions published by Carnaval Experience.
📍 Address
Cidade do Samba — Rua Rivadávia Corrêa, 60, Santo Cristo / Gamboa, Port Area.
🕐 Opening hours
General opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 08:00–18:00. Regular Tour: Portuguese/Spanish at 09:30; English/Portuguese at 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00; English/French at 11:00; English/Spanish at 16:30. Confirm the time when booking, as operations may change.
🎟️ Prices
Regular Tour from R$55 on the official website. Ernestinho is an official partner: purchase through our link to receive a 5% discount applied through the partner link.
👨👩👧 Recommended age
Suitable for all ages. Children aged 0–5 enter free; ages 6–11 qualify for a half-price category under the official rules.
⏱️ Duration
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for the Regular Tour.
📅 Booking
Advance booking recommended. Purchase through Ernestinho’s official partner link: https://ingressos.carnavalexperience.com.br?ac=UUV6C5E3SX
♿ Accessibility
The organiser reports accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs. People sensitive to strong smells or with respiratory conditions should enquire before purchasing, because industrial chemicals are used in the workshop.
🚇 How to get there
Cidade do Samba VLT stop is opposite the main entrance. Search for Carnaval Experience or Cidade do Samba in your ride-hailing app. Parking at Rua Rivadávia Corrêa, 60 is paid and is not operated by Carnaval Experience.
💡
Ernestinho’s tip
Wear closed-toe shoes and join in: try on a costume and take the samba class. Photography of preparations may be restricted; always follow your guide’s instructions.
⭐ Highlights
Enter a real samba school workshop, see how Carnival is created up close, try on a costume and learn samba steps with a samba dancer.
Ernestinho’s service
Check availability and options
Message me for times, prices, shared services and private options with transport and a guide.
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