Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk along the beach and ease into Rio.
Carnival
Rio Carnival + Amazon rainforest – 12 days / 11 nights
The Sambadrome and Rio are followed by Manaus and three nights in the rainforest
12 days / 11 nights Easy to moderate English-speaking local guide on included excursions
This journey has the strongest contrast: Carnival nights and Rio’s urban landscape give way to rivers, forest and small-group nature activities in the Amazon. A night in Manaus makes the change of setting much more robust logistically.
Seven nights in Rio during Carnival are followed by one night in Manaus and three nights at a rainforest lodge with guided nature activities.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- Carnival night at the Sambadrome
- Seven nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Fly onward to Manaus
- Three nights at an Amazon rainforest lodge
- Guided river and forest activities adapted to the season
12 days / 11 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado and Rio’s classic views
A guided city day including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. The exact route is adjusted to traffic, weather and your hotel location.
Day 3
Carnival atmosphere and time at leisure
The day is kept fairly open. Depending on the official programme, you may see a bloco, experience the city preparing for the festivities or spend a few hours at Ipanema or Copacabana.
Day 4
Carnival night at the Sambadrome
A relaxed start to the day. In the evening you transfer to the Sambadrome for one of Carnival’s major parade nights. Ticket category and exact night are confirmed in your quotation. Return transfer after the parade.
Day 5
A slower day after the parade
After a late night there is time for a lie-in. Spend the afternoon at the beach, Lagoa, Urca or exploring one of Rio’s neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Day 6
Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca
Ride the cable cars via Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain. When possible the visit is timed for favourable light and visibility. The rest of the day is free.
Day 7
Rio at your own pace
A free day for the beach, shopping, museums, Santa Teresa, football or one of the activities not included in the core programme.
Day 8
Fly from Rio to Manaus
Transfer to the airport and fly to Manaus. On arrival you are met for the transfer to your hotel. The evening is free.
Day 9
From Manaus into the Amazon
After breakfast begin the journey to your selected rainforest lodge. The transfer may combine road and boat. After check-in, join your first guided nature activity.
Day 10
Amazon rainforest, rivers and wildlife
A full day with the lodge’s nature guide. Depending on water levels the programme may include canoe or motorboat excursions, forest walks, birdwatching and an evening activity.
Day 11
A second full day in the rainforest
Another day to explore the ecosystem in greater depth. Activities vary by lodge and season and are planned to complement the previous day.
Day 12
Back to Manaus and onward journey
A final morning activity if time permits, followed by the transfer back towards Manaus and the airport or a hotel. Your flight must fit the lodge’s fixed transfer windows.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
We normally recommend the southern beach districts for a first Carnival stay. Hotel category and exact location are selected according to budget, availability and the atmosphere you prefer.
Hotel in Manaus
The Manaus night provides a buffer between the domestic flight and the lodge transfer.
Selected Amazon rainforest lodge
The lodge is chosen according to budget, comfort level, transfer time and the kind of nature programme you prefer.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
City excursions involve walking, steps and periods in hot weather. The pace can be adjusted and most transfers are by car or minibus.
The Sambadrome is a long evening and the return is often late. The Ilha Grande and Amazon extensions also involve boarding boats; please tell us if anyone has limited mobility.
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast in Rio
- Airport transfers in Rio
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- One Sambadrome parade night with ticket category and transfers as specified in the quotation
- Local assistance before and during the journey
- One hotel night with breakfast in Manaus
- Three nights at an Amazon lodge with meals according to the lodge programme
- Transfers Manaus–lodge–Manaus
- Guided rainforest activities according to the selected lodge programme
Not included
- International flights and domestic flights unless expressly included in your quotation
- Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and upgrades
Good to know
Carnival dates and parade nights change from year to year. The published day-by-day order is therefore indicative and is adjusted to the official programme for the year you travel.
Your Sambadrome ticket category is stated in the personal quotation. Sector, seat type and transfer arrangement can materially affect the price.
Rio is exceptionally busy during Carnival. Hotels and the best ticket categories should be booked well in advance.
Excursions may move between days because of weather, traffic, opening hours or the parade schedule without changing the main content of the journey.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
February and March are hot and humid in Rio. Pack light, but bring a thin rain layer and comfortable shoes for long evenings and walking.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Light rain layer
- Insect repellent for rainforest or island stays
- A small easy-to-carry bag for the Sambadrome
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to experience Carnival in Rio?
We tailor the hotel, parade ticket, excursions and any extension to your travel dates and preferred standard.