Rio de Janeiro: Samba City Backstage Carnival Tour & Caipirinha

Summary

See costumes up close, meet samba makers, taste caipirinhas in Rio

You’ll wander through Samba City’s backstage in Rio de Janeiro with a local guide, see real Carnival costumes up close, meet artisans at work, taste a welcome caipirinha cocktail, and even get your own shot at samba steps with a passista. Expect to leave with glitter somewhere you didn’t expect—and maybe a new appreciation for what goes into “the greatest show on Earth.”

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell of glue and paint—way stronger than I expected, honestly. We’d barely stepped into Samba City in Rio de Janeiro when our guide, Luiza, waved us over to this massive float-in-progress. There were sequins everywhere. She grinned and told us how each piece had its own story—her uncle actually worked on one of the floats last year. I tried not to touch anything but you know how it is when everything’s shiny and covered in feathers.

I never realized just how many people are behind the scenes at Carnival. There were folks sewing, gluing, laughing with music playing somewhere in the background (I think it was Jorge Ben Jor?). Luiza explained that Grande Rio—the samba school we visited—won last year’s competition, so everyone seemed extra proud. Someone handed me a headdress to try on and I almost dropped it; those things are heavier than they look. My friend snapped a photo before I could fix it straight. So yeah, there’s probably evidence of my lopsided samba debut out there now.

The best part for me was when we got to try a few samba steps with one of the passistas. She moved like she was floating—I mostly shuffled around and tried not to step on anyone. We all laughed a lot (especially her). Afterward, we sipped caipirinhas—super sweet and cold—and listened to Luiza talk about how Carnival started as a street party for everyone, not just the performers. The whole thing felt way more personal than I’d expected. I still think about that moment under the tent, surrounded by color and noise and people who clearly love what they do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Backstage tour at Samba City

• Meet at Cidade do Samba
• Guided tour of Grande Rio factory
• View samba and carnival history panel
• Dress and photograph in costumes
• Enjoy welcome caipirinha drink
• Take samba class with Passista

Top questions

Where does the Samba City backstage tour start?

The tour meets inside Cidade do Samba (Samba City complex), under the smaller tent in the middle.

Is transportation included in this Rio Carnival backstage tour?

No transportation is included; guests need to arrive at Samba City on their own.

Can I join this tour if I use a wheelchair or stroller?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in strollers.

Do we get to try on real Carnival costumes during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have the chance to dress up in authentic parade costumes for photos.

Is there alcohol served during this experience?

Yes, you’re welcomed with a caipirinha cocktail (minimum drinking age is 18).

How do I get to Cidade do Samba by public transport?

You can take the VLT (tram) which stops right in front of Samba City’s main entrance.

Are children allowed on this backstage tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

What language does the guide speak during this tour?

The professional guide is bilingual (Portuguese/English).

Which samba school’s factory do we visit?

You’ll visit Grande Rio’s factory—the champion samba school from 2022.

What’s included

Your day includes entry into Samba City’s backstage areas with a bilingual local guide leading you through Grande Rio’s costume and float workshops; bottled water; an exhibition about samba history; time to dress up in parade costumes for photos; a welcome caipirinha cocktail; plus an interactive samba class with a passista—all before heading out on your own again after the experience ends.