Explore Rio’s Samba history, visit cultural spots, and dance in colorful costumes. Discover the soul of the city on this vibrant tour.
Explore Rio’s Samba history, visit cultural spots, and dance in colorful costumes. Discover the soul of the city on this vibrant tour.
- Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR - This is the designated meeting spot for the group. The group ascended to the museum’s terrace to enjoy a panoramic view of Praça Mauá and Guanabara Bay. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.
- Maua Square - Praça Mauá signifies the start of Avenida Rio Branco and the Port Region. Since 1910, with the opening…
- Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR - This is the designated meeting spot for the group. The group ascended to the museum’s terrace to enjoy a panoramic view of Praça Mauá and Guanabara Bay. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.
- Maua Square - Praça Mauá signifies the start of Avenida Rio Branco and the Port Region. Since 1910, with the opening of Porto do Rio, it has become a significant location for welcoming ships and tourists to the city. Surrounding the square are notable buildings, including the Rio Art Museum (MAR) and the Museum of Tomorrow, as well as the Night building, the city’s first skyscraper, constructed in 1930.
- Boulevard Olimpico - During the VLT (Tram) journey from Praça Mauá to Samba City, passengers can view the historic docks and the street art gallery along Olympic Boulevard.
- Cidade Do Samba - Continuing the exploratory tour, the Carnival Experience, organized by Grande Rio Samba School, invites visitors to explore the workshop and learn about the creation and production of the parade, well before it occurs at Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. This exceptional experience reveals how the school’s allegories and costumes are crafted, the carnival designs, and the meticulous hand-assembly of the grand floats, showcasing the dedication of the professionals involved in parade production.
- Pedra do Sal - Located on Conceição Hill, Pedra do Sal is part of the area historically known as Little Africa, which extended from Praça Mauá to Cidade Nova. In its backyard, rural samba was performed using hands, tambourines, plates, and knives, accompanied by tap dancing, sieved, and “umbigadas.” It is here that urban carioca samba, derived from “popular samba” and old carnival ranches, was born.
- Estátua de Mercedes Baptista - The tour concludes with a celebration of black women and their contributions to samba music and Afro-Brazilian dance. At Largo da Prainha, visitors can enjoy a snack and refreshments while getting ready to join the Pedra do Sal “roda de samba,” experiencing an authentic taste of Rio.

- TRAM tickets
- City of Samba tickets
- TRAM tickets
- City of Samba tickets
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Private transportation
Explore the rich history of Samba, a rhythmic emblem of Rio’s cultural identity, and a symbol of local African heritage and Afro-Brazilian resilience.
Discover key cultural landmarks in Cinelandia and Mauá Square, where the evolution of Portuguese culture into carnival as a political expression and samba as an Afro-Brazilian identity is discussed.
Join…
Explore the rich history of Samba, a rhythmic emblem of Rio’s cultural identity, and a symbol of local African heritage and Afro-Brazilian resilience.
Discover key cultural landmarks in Cinelandia and Mauá Square, where the evolution of Portuguese culture into carnival as a political expression and samba as an Afro-Brazilian identity is discussed.
Join us on a journey through the Portuary Zone to witness the largest open-air street art gallery and learn about cultural resilience at Pedra do Sal, a significant symbol of African heritage in Rio.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Carnival by dancing and capturing moments with vibrant costumes at the City of Samba, the heart of the Samba Schools.
Our goal is for you to enjoy the stories that have made Samba the essence of our beloved city. We aim to ensure you feel safe, confident, and relaxed as we explore the downtown area of this marvelous city.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.