There is nothing in the world like the Rio Carnival. Madre Gras of New Orleans is fun but not even a "carnival," more like drunken brawl. Beware of their drink, the "hurricane." It will blow you away. The same pretty much goes for the one in Sydney and the one in Munich too. And yes, I've been to them all. Rio Carnival has samba like no other place. Samba is its heart and its soul. The Schools of Samba work hard and long all year long perfecting their customs and their samba dance. The schools range from the up to date modern glittering of light 14 time winner, Beija-Flor (my favorite) to the deep African rooted traditionalists of Manguaria. IMPORTANT: don't wear fancy watches, jewelry or carry anything loose. There are thieves all over Rio and they are very good at what they do. And don't bother whining to the police. read more

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The Rio Carnival is very very intense but worth the effort. My review below is based on my trip to Carnival 2020 and recommends how I traveled and changes I would make. Please note I didn't travel as part of a Tour group. Instead I went with Dancers for the International Samba Congress so this was not a trip for everyone- but its perfect if you want to be in a carnival parade. 1) learn some Portuguese. Only 5% of the people speak English and while I know some Spanish, it was not nearly enough. You really need to learn basic manners, numbers up to 20 and basic questions like "where is the bathroom, excuse me, sorry and may I have this one or that one..." 2) flying to Rio I recommend Copa Airline. Comfortable seats and very good meals with an entree like chicken and rice and a snack like an empanada. And personal entertainment consoles and nice staff. 3) Rent an apartment in Ipanema, Copacabana or Flamingo close to a Metro Station. They have doormen and usually there restaurants and markets within a block or two. 4) eat at little fast food cafes for breakfast and lunch for croquettes, empanadas, kibe or bread and egg sandwiches. Go to a buffet for dinner and you can keep your food cost to $15-$20 a day easily. 4) use Uber - or if you know Portuguese or Spanish take Metro and you will be safe. 5)Go to at least 1 Samba school rehearsal like Mangueira's, the week before Carnival. The rehearsals are going to be at the base of a favela so don't go by yourself, don't walk around- go right in - then at the end get a snack- call uber get in the ride after matching the license plate and go right home. The ticket will be about $8.00 in US dollars. The energy, music and show will be fantastic. Be prepared to be there for 2-3 hours. You will either stand or dance the whole time and you can be there until the sun rises. 6) get VIP tickets for Sunday or Monday night to see the Parades at the Sambadrome, if you are a party animal and want a wild night with all you can eat food and drink. Tickets are expensive like $500+ USA. Or 7) Get covered box tickets for Sunday or Monday if you want an experience more like a great box for 12 at the Hollywood Bowl- guaranteed seats with great views and lines for bathrooms and concessions. Tickets are expensive $400+. 8) order stadium reserved seat tickets ( Section 9) to be with the crowd but have a designated place to sit (remember this Parade goes tor 8 hours) 10) take in the tourist sites- they are all beautiful and well worth it! 11) I would not recommend going to a Favela. Yes I went to a conference in Canta Gallo which is a favela above Copacabana/Ipanema Communities. It was organized by fantastic talented people who grew up in Canta Gallo. My experience was wonderful- But- We accessed our conference location via elevator which closed down at night time. Because of this we had to walk out of the community which is a really steep long trek. And it was really uncomfortable! Do not go as a lark. Sure most people are perfectly fine but, we saw police with guns and residents with their guns. This is not a place after nightfall to play with. There are daytime Favela tours- maybe it's a way to support the local businesses and if so- go but keep your eyes open and be aware. read more

I went to the Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 3/1/2014. It was my first time there. I had a great time and watched the parade from 9:00 p.m. to 3:15 a.m. Everyone should see Carnival in Rio at least once in their life. read more

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1 of the best carnivals ever experienced, Highly recommended