The Experience
Often called Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvelous City) Rio de Janeiro is unmatched in its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between lush, green mountains and crystal-clear seas. And there is no better time to visit Rio than during Carnival, considered to be the largest in the world. With Discover Corps, you’ll go behind-the-scenes as an invited guest of a local Samba school to actually join in on the parade! Venture to local neighborhoods to experience blocos, or block parties, tour the Grande Rio Samba School and learn how to dance samba.
Over the course of seven days, we’ll also explore all that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Cruise high in a cable car to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), venture to Christo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer statue), and relax on the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. We’ll also dive into Brazilian culture with a private Brazilian cooking class & percussion workshop. Our boutique hotel located on the famous Copacabana Beach will put us in the center of all of the action.




An Experience Unlike Any Other
Dress up in costume and parade with a leading samba school. Rub shoulders with Rio’s leading samba schools. Uncover arguably the most beautiful city in the world. This is Discover Corps’ Carnival!
Rio’s Famous Carnival Festival
Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Carnival is an extraordinary, boisterous five-day celebration of singing, dancing, and community. This party begins on Friday and continues through Tuesday as millions of people take to the streets for impromptu Blocos (block parties) and pack the Sambodromo, home of the famous and fiercely competitive Samba Parade. You can expect to see larger than life floats, throngs of dancers and musicians numbering into the thousands, decadent food and drink, and richly textured costumes. As a Discover Corps guest, you will have the unique opportunity to experience Carnival like a local joining the parade alongside a local samba school and going out to the city’s vibrant block parties with your local guide.




Where You’ll Stay
Located in the heart of Copacabana, the Portobay Rio de Janeiro hotel boasts stylish accommodations, a beautiful waterfront setting, and easy access to the world-famous Copacabana Beach. Enjoy gorgeous views from your own private balcony and amenities including a rooftop pool with panoramic views, sauna, fitness center, and a spa. You also have access to the hotel’s exclusive guest-only beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Portobay also offers multiple onsite dining options including the full-service Restaurant La Finestra, poolside Bossa Lounge, and Bar Negroni. (Note: Hotel subject to change based on final availability).



Itinerary Overview
Land in Rio and settle into our oceanfront hotel in famous Copacabana Beach. The next three days will be spent exploring the famous sites of the city including the tropical Tijuca Forest, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Chris the Redeemer. Enjoy a cooking class one night and the start of the Carnival Festivities the next. As Carnival kicks into full gear, we’ll be immersed into neighborhood block parties as well as joining a local Samba school for a personalized costume



fitting (then join them in the parade that evening!). We’ll also tour the Grande Rio Samba school warehouse, learn to dance salsa and join an electrifying percussion workshop. Each night, enjoy the Carnival festivities from the exclusive Fresa Boxes located in the front rows. On Day 7, head home or continue on to our Iguazu Falls Extension.
Optional Post-Trip Extension
Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.
Traveler’s Journal

Jenny H.
West Olive, MI
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$5,695 Adult
Minimum age of 18 for this departure
Priority Registration Deadline 7/15/2023 Prices will increase after that. Registration closes on 8/31/2023.
- Double Occupancy Price.
- Single Room Supplement = $1195. You are required to pay this SRS fee if we are unable to find you a suitable roommate.
- Please note: Due to the high demand during this period, the trip fee will be non-refundable starting September 1, 2023. Please consider travel insurance
What’s Included:
- 6 nights lodging at the 4-star Portobay Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana Beach
- All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer
- 14 meals throughout the trip including soft drinks & some alcoholic beverages
- A schedule of exclusive Carnival activities as well as seeing all of Rio’s iconic sites
- Tickets & exclusive “fresa box” access to the Carnival parade
- A bilingual, licensed guide that will be by your side through the entire journey
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
- Most alcoholic beverages
- 2 lunches & 1 dinner
- International airfare
Dates
Our intimate, small-group festival departures consist of like-minded travelers. Questions? Schedule a personal travel consultation with one of our expert Travel Specialists.
2024 Festival Date
February 9-15, 2024 Limited to 16 travelers!
Want to learn more?
Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.