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Festival · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio Carnival

“The world's greatest party — samba school parades, street blocos + 6 days of carnival”

Rio Carnival is the world's greatest party — the culmination of Brazilian samba schools competing at the Sambódromo + hundreds of street blocos (block parties) across the city. 5-6 days before Lent. 2M+ visitors. Massive tourist markup on flights + hotels.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
February 5-10 (Fri-Wed)
Following year
2028
February 25-March 1 (Fri-Wed)

Friday before Ash Wednesday to Ash Wednesday (varies with Easter). Always Friday-Wednesday, 5-6 days total.

Duration
5-6 days
Crowd
2M+ visitors on
Budget/day
$150-400 (2-4× normal Rio rates)
Book ahead
6+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Party travellers + culture + music fans
  • ✓Book flights + hotels 6-9 months ahead — everything sells out
  • ✓Sambadrome tickets: Sector 6 + 9 (~$100-300) or Frisas boxes ($500-2,000)
  • ✓Free street blocos happen all day + night in most neighborhoods — no ticket
  • ✓Stay in Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon for best bloco access
  • ✓Wear light clothes + closed shoes (streets are crowded + sometimes glass on ground)

Book hotels for Rio Carnival 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 6+ months ahead.

Fly to Rio de Janeiro Galeão International

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Airport transfer

Getting out of Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

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Frequently asked

When is Rio Carnival 2027?
February 5-10, 2027 (Friday to Ash Wednesday). Peak parades Sunday + Monday night at the Sambódromo.
What is the difference between Sambadrome + street carnival?
Sambadrome: ticketed samba school competition parades ($100-500). Street "blocos" (blocks): free daytime + evening parades across the city — the real Rio carnival experience.
How much does Rio Carnival cost?
Flights + hotel 2-4× normal Rio rates. Sambadrome tickets $100-500. Street blocos free. Total 5-day trip: $2,000-8,000+ depending on style.
When are the best street blocos?
Sundays + Mondays in Copacabana + Ipanema + Santa Teresa. Cordão da Bola Preta is Rio's biggest (2M+ people, Saturday morning downtown).
Is Rio Carnival safe?
Generally safe in tourist zones + big blocos. Standard vigilance — don't carry valuables or wear jewelry in crowds. Beware pickpockets. Use Uber not street taxi.