30/10/2025
7-Day Brazil Carnival Itinerary ( São Paulo + Rio de Janeiro )
Day 1 – Thursday, 12 Feb 2026 | Arrival in São Paulo + Welcome Night
Morning/Afternoon:
Arrive at São Paulo (GRU).
Check into your hotel — ideal areas: Paulista Avenue, Vila Madalena, or Pinheiros (central, lively, safe).
Evening:
Welcome dinner at Terraço Italia (skyline view) or Figueira Rubaiyat (iconic tree-covered restaurant).
Optional: explore a pre-Carnival bloc party — many street parades start early in Vila Madalena.
🕺 Tip: Wear comfortable clothes; São Paulo’s blocos are more urban and spontaneous than Rio’s.
🗓️ Day 2 – Friday, 13 Feb | Sambódromo Anhembi (Grupo Especial, Night 1)
Morning:
Visit Avenida Paulista and MASP Museum (modern art & architecture).
Stop by Liberdade (Japanese district) for lunch.
Afternoon:
Rest at the hotel or head to Beco do Batman (Vila Madalena) for art & cafés.
Evening:
Head to the Sambódromo do Anhembi for the first night of São Paulo’s Group Especial Parade.
Gates open around 8 PM, parades run until 4 AM.
🎟️ Tickets: Buy grandstand (“Arquibancada”) or camarote access in advance.
🗓️ Day 3 – Saturday, 14 Feb | Carnival na Cidade + Nightlife
Morning:
Sleep in and enjoy a late brunch.
Afternoon:
Attend Carnaval na Cidade — São Paulo’s premium music festival (Centro Esportivo Tietê) featuring Brazilian pop stars (Anitta, Ludmilla, Thiaguinho).
Evening:
Enjoy rooftop drinks at Seen São Paulo or Skye Bar.
Optional: second night at the Anhembi Sambódromo (Grupo Especial Night 2) or local bloc parties.
🗓️ Day 4 – Sunday, 15 Feb | Acesso 1 Parade + Fly to Rio
Morning:
Quick city highlights:
Mercadão Municipal (famous mortadella sandwich)
Ibirapuera Park walk or bike ride
Afternoon:
Transfer to airport (CGH → SDU or GRU → GIG, ~1 hr flight).
Check in at the Rio hotel — stay in Copacabana, Ipanema, or Lapa.
Evening:
Relax on Copacabana Beach, sunset stroll.
Optional: Attend the Acesso 1 Parade in São Paulo before flying late at night or the next morning.
🗓️ Day 5 – Monday, 16 Feb | Rio Landmarks + Sambódromo (Sapucaí Night 1)
Morning:
Visit Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) — go early to beat crowds.
Afternoon:
Explore Santa Teresa (artistic hilltop neighborhood) and Selarón Steps.
Evening:
Head to Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí for the Grupo Especial Night 1.
The parade runs from 9 PM–5 AM — an unforgettable spectacle of samba, lights & rhythm.
🗓️ Day 6 – Tuesday, 17 Feb | Rio Beaches + Sambódromo (Sapucaí Night 2)
Morning:
Relax on Ipanema Beach (Posto 9 area).
Afternoon:
Take the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) for an iconic sunset.
Evening:
Second night at Sapucaí (Grupo Especial Night 2).
Alternatively, enjoy Lapa street parties & live samba bars.
🗓️ Day 7 – Wednesday, 18 Feb | Culture & Football + Departure
Morning:
Visit Maracanã Stadium (tour available daily).
Afternoon:
Stroll Boulevard Olimpico and Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã).
Evening:
Farewell dinner at Marius Degustare (Copacabana seafood & grill).
Depart from Rio Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU) airport.
