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Rio Samba Experience · Meeting point in Copacabana

March down the Sambódromo with a samba school

This is the Carnival parade from the inside: you rent a school's costume, get your make-up done, ride to the Sambódromo and march the avenue with the samba school. Pick it if watching is not enough and you want the night you will talk about for years.

Parade with a Samba School in Costume

About this experience

Most costumes in a samba school go to its own community. This operator, which calls itself Rio Samba Experience, rents you one so you can march in the parade alongside the school, on the avenue of the Sambódromo. Each school designs new costumes every year around its theme, so the models change each season. The operator says they are limited and confidential, and shares the ones available after you book. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.

The price covers the costume rental, bespoke make-up, professional photos and van transport to the Sambódromo from a meeting point in Copacabana. The team collects the costumes from the workshops and brings them to the meeting point, so your outfit arrives intact. That matters, because the school can lose points if a costume is not. Costumes are not tailor-made and may not fit perfectly, and the team adjusts them as well as it can.

Only six guests have reviewed it, and the rating is 4.6. The five-star ones are glowing and name Matheus for the pickup, the make-up and the care on the night. Personal expenses are extra. You must be 18 or over and able to walk the whole parade comfortably. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or limited mobility, wheelchair users or visually impaired people. Phones are not allowed on the avenue. Book early, as costume stock is limited.

  • March the Sambódromo with a samba school
  • Costume rental from the school's workshops
  • Bespoke make-up before the parade
  • Professional photos of your night
  • Van transport to the Sambódromo
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the night runs

  1. After bookingChoose your costume

    The operator shares the costume models available for your school.

  2. Before the paradeMake-up and costume

    Meet in Copacabana for make-up and to put on the costume, adjusted to fit.

  3. TransferVan to the Sambódromo

    Ride with the team to the Sambódromo, costume intact.

  4. On the avenueMarch with the school

    March the 700 m avenue with the school, under the lights and the drums.

  5. AfterPhotos to keep

    Professional photos of the night come with the package.

A parader from behind in a silver and turquoise costume on the avenueA dancer from behind in a pink and blue feathered backpiece under spotlightsA gold and blue sequined skirt in motion

What's included

Included

  • Costume rental for the Carnival parade
  • Bespoke make-up
  • Professional photographs
  • Transportation to the Sambódromo
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Personal expenses

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want to be in the parade, not in the stands
  • You are 18 or over and happy to walk the whole avenue
  • You want make-up, photos and transport sorted
  • You can book well ahead, while costumes are still available

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

This was the highlight of my Rio trip!!! I’m from the United States, and I always dreamed of attending Carnaval in the grand stands to watch the professional samba dancers compete. I never imagined I could walk in the Sambadrome in the world’s greatest Carnaval. [...] Matheus is AMAZING and very professional. [...]

Vamisha · Feb 2026
★★★★★

Participating at the carneval Parade was AMAZING!😍 Matheus and the other guys were so nice, competent and were there for every question. The pickup was uncomplicated, the Make Up was beautiful and customizable, the costumes a dream and the overall experience outstanding!🤩 [...]

Maria · Feb 2026
★★★★★

A fantastic unique experience which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Matheus was extremely responsive and attentive during the booking process, offering alternatives, and on the night. Highly recommended.

Colin · Mar 2025

Tips before you book

  • Book as early as you can. Costumes are limited, and advance booking is required.
  • Wear comfortable shoes under the costume. You walk the whole avenue.
  • Leave your phone with someone. Phones are not allowed while you parade, and the photos are included.
  • Read our guide to parading at Rio Carnival before you book.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists parade with a samba school at Rio Carnival?

Yes. Schools keep most costumes for their community, and this operator rents costumes to visitors so they can march with the school on the Sambódromo.

What is included in the samba school parade package?

Costume rental, bespoke make-up, professional photos and van transport to the Sambódromo. Personal expenses are not included.

Which samba school will I parade with?

The operator shares the available costume models after booking. It says the models are limited and confidential.

Who can parade with a samba school?

Adults 18 or over who can walk the whole parade comfortably. The listing says it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or limited mobility, or wheelchair users.

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Book Parade with a samba school

March down the Sambódromo with a samba school: costume, make-up, photos and transport included.

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Plan your date before you go

March down the Sambódromo with a samba school: costume, make-up, photos and transport included.

Check dates for the samba school parade in costume