An Adventure Like No Other: Discover Carnaval in Rio

We Just got back from a whirlwind scouting trip to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to scout the World Famous Carnaval – the World’s Biggest Party! We fell in love with the city’s beauty, the friendly cariocas, and the long history of Samba and Carnaval. 

So, you might be thinking – we’re a scuba diving travel company, why are we writing about Carnaval in Rio? Well, here’s the thing: scuba divers love to explore, we love to drink (haha), and we’re all about adventure. And let me tell you, Carnaval in Rio is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have!

What is Carnaval?

Carnaval is everything you’ve heard and more. It’s a massive, world-renowned celebration that takes over Brazil just before Lent. Think samba, dazzling costumes, outrageous floats, and thousands of performers. The streets and the Sambadrome in Rio transform into an electrifying, colorful spectacle. It’s a mix of ancient tradition and modern-day party vibes, and it attracts millions from around the world who come to experience one of the biggest and wildest festivals on Earth.

The Parade:

Wow. Just wow. We got the chance to experience the Special Group parade, which features the top samba schools in Rio – think of it like the Olympic Games of samba. Every samba school brings their A-game with intricate costumes, mind-blowing floats, and high-energy performances. The passion and skill of each performer are nothing short of mesmerizing.

We had the chance to watch four schools perform: Unidos de P. Miguel, Imperatriz, Viradouro (hands down my favorite!), and Mangueira (the crowd favorite!). Now, I’m not saying I’m picky, but Viradouro just knocked it out of the park with their jungle/Amazon theme. They had fire, holograms, drones, and even a trampoline on one of their floats – it was a total sensory overload (in the best way possible!).

The parade didn’t start until 10 p.m., which was both exciting and exhausting. I mean, it’s one of those things where you think “this is going to be a long night,” but once you’re swept up in the energy, the time flies. Each samba school performs for 65 minutes, and you’d think it might get repetitive, but every school brought something new to the table – we were glued to our seats the whole time.

The Blocos:

If you think the parade is the only place to get your samba fix, think again. The blocos (street parties) are where the real local action happens. We hit up several and realized there’s so much more to them than we expected. Some are just small and intimate, while others are massive, attracting over 100,000 people! There are blocos with DJs, others with live bands, and even some with crazy themes.

It was kind of like tailgating with a Brazilian twist: a lot of beer, glitter, funky costumes, and so much energy. We even saw people getting their groove on at 9 a.m. – talk about dedication! Cariocas (that’s what they call the locals) really know how to party.

Cariocas:

Speaking of Cariocas – these folks are some of the most friendly and welcoming people we’ve ever met. They take so much pride in their culture, and it was clear that they were thrilled to see visitors embracing Carnaval and exploring their beautiful city. It felt like we were part of something bigger, something truly special.

Rio Vibes:

Rio is everything you’ve heard about – stunning beaches, towering mountains, and an energy that’s contagious. The city has this perfect mix of natural beauty and urban life, with 7-8 million people calling it home. The mountains and beaches are just a backdrop to the hustle and bustle of daily life, and it’s incredible how everything comes together.

We were told that Rio is like Miami (beachy, laid-back vibes), while São Paulo is more like New York (work-focused, always on the go). There’s a distinct rhythm to the city, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in it.

We, of course, hit all the tourist spots:

• Christ the Redeemer: We arrived during the city’s birthday celebrations, and let me tell you – it was a party at the top! Cake, a live band, and a service – all happening at once. It was crowded, it was sweaty, but standing there with that iconic statue felt like one of those bucket-list moments you’ll never forget.  And the best part? Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – and it’s right here in Rio! It’s incredibly easy to check this off your list, offering jaw-dropping views and an experience you’ll always remember.
• Sugar Loaf at Sunset: The views at Sugar Loaf were beyond words. We went on our first night, and the city looked absolutely breathtaking at sunset. Next time, we’ll definitely get there earlier to grab a prime spot for the sunset view – it’s worth the wait.
• Tijuca Forest: If you think Central Park is big, let me tell you, Tijuca Forest is on a whole other level. It’s the world’s largest urban jungle, and we had just a glimpse of it. We didn’t have much time to explore, but we did spot a monkey – which made the whole trip even cooler!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn Some Portuguese: Not many Cariocas speak English, so it’s a huge bonus if you can pick up a few phrases in Portuguese. Even just a “obrigado” (thank you) goes a long way!
  
  
• Traffic: Rio’s traffic can be a nightmare, especially during Carnaval. If you’re planning to get around by car, give yourself plenty of time or opt for public transport to avoid getting stuck in a jam.

What’s Next?

So what’s next, you ask? Well, we’re already planning our return trip for Carnaval 2027! The official dates are February 5-10, and we’re putting together an unforgettable group trip around that week. Carnaval is one of the biggest festivals in the world, so we need to start planning early. Our trip won’t just be about the parade and blocos – we’ll explore the best of Rio with some epic activities. Stay tuned – you won’t want to miss this!