TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
~2,000,000 per day in the streets
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Rio Carnival is the largest carnival on earth — a pre-Lenten explosion of samba, costumes, and music that takes over Rio de Janeiro for days each February or March, headlined by the spectacular samba-school parades in the purpose-built Sambadrome and fueled by hundreds of free street parties (blocos) across the city.
From the glittering competition of the top samba schools to dancing in the streets from Ipanema to Lapa, it's a bucket-list celebration set beneath Christ the Redeemer and Rio's iconic beaches and peaks.
Want to go? Turn Rio Carnival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The five days before Ash Wednesday (Feb or early March)
Admission
Street blocos free · Sambadrome parades ticketed
Parking
Use the metro and rideshare — streets close for blocos and the Sambadrome is on the metro.
Nearest airport
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão (GIG) international; Santos Dumont (SDU) domestic
Typical weather
Hot, humid Rio summer — 80s–90s °F; sun protection, light clothes, and hydration are essential.
Official website
Location
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where to stay
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Legendary beachfront hotel on Copacabana.
Hotel Fasano Rio
Chic hotel on Ipanema Beach.
Ipanema / Copacabana stays
Beach-neighborhood hotels near the blocos.
Where to eat & drink
Feijoada
Brazil's national black-bean-and-pork stew, a Saturday tradition.
Confeitaria Colombo
A grand belle-époque café downtown.
Boteco bar snacks
Coxinha, pão de queijo, and caipirinhas at street bars.
Nearby attractions
Christ the Redeemer
The iconic statue atop Corcovado.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Cable-car ascent for bay panoramas.
Copacabana & Ipanema
Rio's world-famous beaches.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + beach
- •Fly into GIG
- •Afternoon: Copacabana or Ipanema
- •Evening: a street bloco
2Blocos + views
- •Morning: Christ the Redeemer
- •Afternoon: neighborhood blocos
- •Evening: Lapa nightlife
3Sambadrome
- •Afternoon: rest
- •Night: the samba-school parades at the Sambadrome
4Sugarloaf + depart
- •Morning: Sugarloaf cable car
- •Head to GIG
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Buy Sambadrome tickets well in advance — they sell out.
- Do the free street blocos for the real Carnival spirit.
- Travel light in crowds and use the metro/rideshare.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rio Carnival?
The five days leading up to Ash Wednesday — usually February, sometimes early March.
Do you need tickets?
The street blocos are free; the Sambadrome samba-school parades require tickets, which sell out — buy early.
Is it safe?
Take normal big-city precautions — travel light, use rideshare/metro at night, and keep valuables secure in the crowds.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rio Carnival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.