Arrive in Rio, check in and settle into the hotel. In the evening, meet Vanessa and the group and ease into the first night in the city.
RIO CARNIVAL EXPERIENCE 2027
Rio Carnival with a local.
The best way to experience the world’s biggest festival.
February 5–13, 2027 · 9 days · Rio + Búzios · only 7 guest spots
ABOUT THE TRIP
Rio through local eyes.
Rio Carnival is the biggest celebration in the world: incredible, intense and unforgettable. But it can also be overwhelming to navigate on your own.
This is an exclusive small-group experience hosted by a local who was born and raised in Rio.
For nine days, you'll experience street Carnival, explore neighbourhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa, enjoy a Carnival party in Vidigal, experience a VIP night at the Sambadrome, and slow down with beach days in Búzios. Everything is thoughtfully organised so you can experience Rio in a more personal, authentic and relaxed way.
SEVEN SPOTS. NEVER MORE.
Small by design
The group is intentionally small: just 7 guests + Vanessa.
That means Vanessa can stay close to everyone, understand the group, adapt when needed and make sure no one feels lost in the crowd.
It also changes the atmosphere completely. You're not travelling as one person in a group of 30. You're sharing Carnival with a small group that actually gets to know each other along the way.
No big tour buses.
No following a flag.
No feeling like just another booking.
YOUR HOST
Meet Vanessa
Vanessa was born and raised in Rio and lived there for most of her life before moving to Lisbon in 2022.
In Lisbon, she spent almost two years working as Head of Community and Operations in an international coliving. During that time, she built friendships with people from all over the world and kept hearing the same thing: they wanted to visit Rio, but they didn't know where to start.
For many of them, Rio felt exciting, but also big, intense and a little intimidating to navigate alone.
When Vanessa returned to Brazil at the end of 2024, one of her friends said: “Now that you're back in Rio, I want to come.”
That simple idea became the beginning of her first Carnival experience.
The first Carnival experience sold out just 48 hours after launch.
Vanessa created the kind of trip she would want her own friends to have: small, personal, local and carefully organised, with someone there to help them understand the city, move through it with more confidence and experience Rio beyond the obvious tourist spots.
"I want you to experience the Rio I would show my own friends."
PAST EXPERIENCES
More than a group trip.
A glimpse into Vanessa's previous Carnival experiences and the people who shared it. Small groups, real moments and connections that continued long after the trip ended.
NOT A GENERIC TOUR
Why experience Carnival with a local?
Carnival in Rio is huge, joyful and a little chaotic. Knowing where to go, what to skip and how to move around the city makes a huge difference.
Hundreds of street parties happen during Carnival. Vanessa helps choose the ones that are actually worth going to, based on the vibe, crowd, location and timing.
Streets close, metros get packed and plans change quickly. Knowing where to enter, where to meet and when to leave makes everything easier.
The neighbourhoods, the music, the traditions and the little things you wouldn’t know as a visitor. Having a local with you makes Carnival much easier to understand.
Too hot? Tired? Found a better bloco nearby? Plans can change. The experience follows the rhythm of the group and what’s happening in the city that day.
PEACE OF MIND
What about safety?
Carnival is a huge celebration, with crowded streets, packed transport and a lot happening at the same time. No one can guarantee that nothing will happen, but having someone who knows Rio, understands how the city works during Carnival and knows what to look out for can make a big difference.
VANESSA WILL PROVIDE
- Practical safety guidance before and during the trip
- Advice on phones, cards, valuables and what to bring
- Guidance on transport, meeting points and moving around the city
- Help choosing which blocos to attend and which ones may be better to avoid
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything taken care of
Stays, experiences and transfers are taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy it.
THE HIGHLIGHT
VIP Sambadrome Experience
Premium Carnival night in a VIP area (camarote), with open bar, buffet, transfer, live concerts and a privileged view of the samba school parades.
OPEN BARBUFFETLIVE CONCERTSPREMIUM VIEWINGTRANSFER INCLUDED
5 nights in Rio de Janeiro at a design-led boutique hostel with swimming pools, tropical gardens and relaxed social spaces, plus 3 nights in a private house in the heart of Búzios. Shared twin rooms with separate beds, private en-suite bathrooms and daily breakfast included.
Vanessa will be with the group throughout the experience, helping with logistics, local tips, Carnival guidance and the little things that are much easier when you have someone from Rio with you.
Enjoy Rio Carnival from one of the best areas of the Sambadrome, with a privileged view of the samba school parades, buffet, open bar, live concerts and shows throughout the night.
Entry ticket included for a Carnival party at a rooftop bar in Vidigal, one of Rio's most famous hillside favelas.
Experience some of Rio's famous street blocos, where Carnival really takes over the city. We'll choose the best options according to the day, location and overall vibe.
Discover some of Rio's most colorful and cultural areas, including Santa Teresa, the Selarón Steps and the streets of Lapa.
Visit one of Rio's most beautiful viewpoints, with panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay.
A relaxed day to enjoy Rio's beach culture, spend time by the ocean and experience another side of the city between Carnival activities.
Discover some of Búzios' most beautiful beaches and enjoy a relaxed day by the sea, with time to swim, unwind and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
A fun boat party experience in Búzios, with music, drinks and time on the water with the group.
A final group dinner featuring a traditional Brazilian dish. A relaxed way to celebrate the end of the experience together.
Learn how to prepare Brazil's most famous cocktail in a fun, hands-on workshop and make your own caipirinha.
Round-trip transportation is included for the activities in Lapa, Vidigal and Mirante Dona Marta, as well as the transfers between Rio de Janeiro and Búzios.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Rio de Janeiro.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended.
Meals & Drinks
Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Transportation to Carnival Blocos
Transportation to and from street blocos is not included.
Personal Expenses
Shopping, additional drinks, optional activities and other personal expenses.
Airport Transfers
Transfers between the airport and the accommodation are not included.
DAY BY DAY
The itinerary
"Carnival is wonderfully unpredictable. Exact bloco schedules and some activities may shift according to the official 2027 programme, weather and local logistics. That flexibility is part of experiencing Rio with a local."
Start the day at Mirante Dona Marta for panoramic views over Rio, then continue through Santa Teresa, the Selarón Steps and Lapa. In the evening, get ready for one of the biggest highlights of the trip: a VIP night at the Sambadrome.
After a late night at the Sambadrome, the morning is yours to sleep in, relax or head to the beach. Later, we'll join one of Rio's street blocos and experience Carnival where it really happens: out in the streets.
Start the day with another selected Carnival bloco, then head to Vidigal, one of Rio's best-known hillside favelas, for a rooftop Carnival party with incredible views over the city. Expect music, dancing, and a completely different side of Rio's Carnival energy.
It's our last full day in Rio, with beach time and selected street blocos planned throughout the day. The schedule may adapt slightly depending on the best Carnival options happening that day.
Check out in Rio and leave the city behind for the coast. We'll travel together to Búzios, check into the house and take the rest of the day at a slower pace.
Spend the day exploring some of Búzios' beautiful beaches, then switch gears later in the day for a boat party with music, drinks and the coastline around you.
Enjoy one last relaxed beach day in Búzios. In the evening, we'll have a farewell dinner at the house featuring a traditional Brazilian dish, followed by a hands-on caipirinha workshop.
Check out in Búzios and travel back to Rio de Janeiro, where the experience officially comes to an end.
COMMUNITY
From people who travelled with Vanessa
Molly
Ireland
"Brazil had always been a dream for me, but it also felt a bit intimidating. I honestly don’t think I would have come if it wasn’t for Vanessa. From the beginning, everything was incredibly well organized, from transfers and local tips to food and experiences. Vanessa has a rare ability to make you feel safe, welcomed and truly taken care of. She doesn’t just host, she creates a sense of belonging and trust."
Kris
Lithuania
"If Brazil was a person, it would be Vanessa. I stayed in one of Vanessa’s coliving experiences in Brazil and it totally surpassed my expectations. There was time for productivity, fitness and so much fun, from making tapioca and caipirinhas to boat parties, surfing and experiencing Carnival in Rio. 11/10. With Vanessa, you really get to dive into Brazilian culture."
Beth
England
"Vane was absolutely incredible. She is so warm, welcoming, sweet and caring. She is so passionate about Brazil and about hosting people, and it really shows. We were all very different, and somehow she became very close to everyone."
Zara
United States
"I want to thank Vanessa for all the thoughtful and special touches she added to our stay. Because of her local knowledge, I felt like we truly had a unique experience without breaking the bank or paying ‘gringo prices.’ She paid attention to every step, from transfer options for every budget to each person’s tastes and preferences. She made the whole experience so much more comfortable and enjoyable."
Ben
Poland
"Vanessa is the perfect mix of positive energy and an organized doer. She is always looking for ways to bring people together and create experiences that connect people with local culture. She is energetic, organized and caring."
Inca
Spain
"Vanessa is a wonderful host. She is always there to help, very welcoming, fun to be around and great at connecting people. She is super organized and creates a wide variety of activities so there is always something for everyone."
Nine days you'll never forget
Only 7 spots are available. A €300 refundable deposit secures yours.
EARLY BOOKING
UNTIL OCTOBER 20, 2026
€1,990
per person
The early rate for the first guests who apply. Save €110 per person versus the standard rate.
APPLY FOR A SPOTFROM OCTOBER 21, 2026
€2,100
per person
The standard rate once early booking closes — subject to the remaining spots.
APPLY FOR A SPOTONLY 7 GUEST SPOTS
€300 refundable deposit to secure your spot
View payment & cancellation policy
- Deposit: €300
- Fully refundable until November 5, 2026
- From November 6, 2026 the deposit becomes non-refundable
- Remaining balance due: December 7, 2026
- If cancelled on or before December 31, 2026: 50% of the total amount paid is refunded
- From January 1, 2027: all payments are non-refundable
HOW BOOKING WORKS
From application to Carnival
This is a small-group experience with limited spots, so we keep the booking process personal and simple.
- 1
Apply
A short application form. It only takes a couple of minutes.
- 2
Chat with Vanessa
Vanessa reviews every application personally and may reach out for a quick chat if needed.
- 3
Pay the €300 refundable deposit
Secure your spot with a €300 deposit, fully refundable until November 5, 2026.
- 4
Pay the remaining balance
The remaining balance is due by December 7, 2026.
- 5
Get ready for Carnival
You’ll receive all the practical information you need before the trip, including packing tips, Carnival preparation and final details.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Can I join alone?
Absolutely. You do not need to know anyone before the trip. This is a small group experience, so there will be plenty of time to get to know everyone and enjoy the experience together.
How many people are in the group?
This is an intimate small group experience with a maximum of 7 guests, plus Vanessa as your local host.
What age is this experience for?
This experience is designed for adults who enjoy travel, culture, Carnival, nightlife and discovering a destination with a group. There is no specific age range you need to fit into.
I have already been to Rio. Is this still for me?
Yes. The experience is not just about seeing Rio's main sights. The focus is Carnival, local experiences, blocos, the Sambadrome and experiencing the city with a local during one of its most exciting weeks.
What is the VIP Sambadrome ticket, and how is it different?
Unlike standard grandstand tickets, where people sit on concrete bleachers for hours, our experience includes access to a premium VIP area (camarote) right along the runway. It is an all-night party with an open bar, buffet, live concerts between the samba schools and transfer included. You get a privileged view of the world famous parades, with the comfort and freedom to dance, mingle and celebrate instead of staying seated all night.
Is Rio safe?
Rio is a large city and Carnival brings very busy streets and crowds. Vanessa will provide practical guidance throughout the trip, including advice on transport, belongings, meeting points and which areas and blocos make the most sense for the group. As with any major city, normal precautions are still important.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No. The experience will be hosted in English, and Vanessa speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish. She will also be there to help with local communication when needed.
What accommodation is included?
In Rio, we stay at JO&JOE in Largo do Boticário — a beautifully restored historic property operated by Accor. It combines the lively social atmosphere, outdoor pools, tropical gardens and courtyard bar of a modern open-house concept with the comfort of private en-suite twin rooms reserved for our group, with separate single beds, private bathrooms and air conditioning. It's the best of both worlds: great social energy without sacrificing personal comfort.
In Búzios, we'll stay in a private house reserved exclusively for our group, located in a gated residential complex right in the center of town. The house has shared social areas and a barbecue space, and the location makes it easy to walk to the beach, Rua das Pedras and the main central area of Búzios.
Are flights and airport transfers included?
No. International and domestic flights, as well as airport transfers, are not included. The trip starts and ends in Rio de Janeiro, so you should arrange your flights accordingly.
Do I need a visa for Brazil?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport. It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements that apply to you before travelling. Vanessa can point you in the right direction, but immigration requirements should always be confirmed with the official Brazilian authorities.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy covers the activities you plan to do during the trip.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Carnival schedules, blocos, weather and local conditions can sometimes affect the order or timing of activities. Some days may be adjusted, but the experiences listed as included in the package will remain part of the trip or be replaced with an equivalent experience if necessary.
Is the €300 deposit refundable?
Yes. The €300 deposit is fully refundable until November 5, 2026. After that date, the cancellation terms will apply.
When is the final payment due?
The remaining balance is due by December 7, 2026.
Can I pay in installments?
A payment plan may be available. Contact Vanessa before booking and she can explain the available options.
How active is the trip?
There will be walking, beach days, Carnival blocos and late nights, but the itinerary also includes time to rest and recharge. You are always welcome to skip an activity if you need some downtime.
FEBRUARY 5–13, 2027 · RIO DE JANEIRO + BÚZIOS
Nine days. Seven spots. One Carnival you'll keep forever.
Applications take two minutes. A €300 refundable deposit secures your spot — nothing is charged until your application is accepted.