Rio-de-Janeiro Carnival is synonym to magic. Thousands of people from all over of the globe come to Rio to experiment this exotic energy for their vacations. Ok, we know Rio-de-Janeiro is about fantasies, dreams, celebrities and samba, but what are the real hot places to have fun during carnival? We decided to handpick the best spots to party and write about them.

Our first pick is the “desfile” (in Portuguese) or Samba Schools Parade, held at the Sambadrome which is considered the high point of Carnival. It takes place on a Sunday, February 3rd, and a Monday, February 4th, with seven schools parading each night.



The schools belonging to this group, affiliated to the Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba or Independent Samba Schools League of Rio-de-Janeiro are specially magnificent and sumptuous, each containing approximately five thousand participants plus celebrated Brazilian show-business and jet-set personalities. Some of the legendary Samba Schools are Salgueiro, Portela, Beija-flor and Mangueira, founded in 1928.

Location of the Sambadrome or “Sambódromo” How to get there:

Sambódromo is located at Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, Cidade Nova. That is, the parade begins at Presidente Vargas Avenue, near Praça Quinze, and ends in Rua Frei Caneca. In order to get to the “Sambódromo” and watch the Carnival parade, it is best to find out the exact location of the relevant sector, divided into two sub-groups: even and odd numbered sectors.


To Reach Even Numbered Sectors
If the relevant sector is 2, 4 or 6, there are the following options:

Taxi – pre-determined taxi companies serve the even sectors and there is plenty of information about them during carnival. There is a tariff to leave the Sambódromo and the taximeter or an agreement with the passenger settles the journey to the Sambódromo.


Below, the charm and grace of an anonymous samba dancer from Porto da Pedra Samba School:




Subway – The subway works uninterruptedly everyday to 11 pm of Tuesday, the last day of carnival, at 10 minute intervals during the night. The getting off stop is always “Praça Onze” station, no matter where from. Once outside the station, turn twice to your right and then walk straight ahead to Sector 2. For Sectors 4 and 6, turn on Rua Carmo Neto (Carmo Neto Street ) and walk on to Avenue Salvador de Sá. The Sambódromo can soon be seen and several signs show the entrance to the sectors.




Odd Numbered Sectors
As for sectors 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13, the options are:

Taxi – Special companies serve the odd numbered sectors as well, with fixed tariff. In any case, ordinary taxicabs take passengers to the Sambódromo charging what the taximeter shows or what has been agreed upon. For those who come from South Zone, the best route is through Santa Bárbara tunnel, and for those from North Zone, via Itapiru Street. In both cases the taxicab must go over Viaduct São Sebastião, which runs parallel to the Sambódromo. Right away the signs to the entrances of the different sectors can be seen.

Subway – Easy! In Rio-de-Janeiro , either from north or south zone, the getting off stop is “Central”. From there, walk to the Rio Sambódromo, a long stretch of approximately 700 meters, going past the schools’ allegorical cars.

Bus – coming either from north or south zone, it is important to make sure that the bus is going over Viaduct São Sebastião, as many lines change the itinerary during carnival.

Samba Schools Parade Official Schedule

Below, we pasted the official schedule of the Samba schools parade in Rio-de-Janeiro so you can plan yourself ahead. Next post, we will be writing about what to wear, what to drink, how much money to take and other tips for avoiding last minute troubles at the samba parade.

Carnival 2008 – Rio-de-Janeiro Sambódromo - Schedule



Sunday - 02/03/2008

Estimated Time Samba School

Start at 21h00 São Clemente
Between en 22h05 e 22h20 Porto da Pedra
Between 23h10 e 23h40 Salgueiro
Between 0h15 e 1 h Portela
Between 1h20 e 2h20 Mangueira
Between 2h25 e 3h40 Viradouro

Sunday - 02/03/2008





Estimated Time Samba School

tart at 21h00 Mocidade
Between 22h05 e 22h20 Unidos da Tijuca
Between 23h10 e 23h40 Imperatriz
Between 0h15 e 1 h Vila Isabel
Between 1h20 e 2h20 Grande Rio
Between 2h25 e 3h40 Beija-flor


Have a great show and if you need to rent vacation apartments in Rio-de-Janeiro , please feel free to contact us! If you have other questions to, keep them coming!

Brazil; birthplace of Samba! Rio-de-Janeiro its present home!

This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio-de-Janeiro , with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.