Rio de Janeiro · WORKSHOPS
A short list you could hand a friend flying into Galeão: 12 workshops & classes, each priced, with what past travellers say and the one detail to check before you pay.
In Ipanema, instructors Carla, Ranaa, and Gaby teach a one-hour beginner samba lesson in Portuguese or English. Learn basic steps, rhythm, and body movement in a small group, then pose in Carnival costumes. Photos are included, and class videos are also shared.
“Gaby is a great teacher. It was so much fun. I am ready for Rio and the Carnival.”
Join a one-hour samba class in Copacabana led in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Instructors such as Marco and Thiago teach basic steps at a beginner-friendly pace, then bring the group together to dance. Expect a lively, social lesson, not a full dance course. Water and restroom access are included; transfers are not.
“Had a lot of fun and it was very clearly explained.”
Start with an hour of beginner-friendly samba instruction from a bilingual guide such as Marco or Bruno, then travel with your instructor to a Rio samba night. The four-hour experience includes club entry, fast-track access and three hours with your guide. Monday meets in Ipanema for a street party; Wednesday to Saturday meets in Copacabana for a club night.
“Bruno was an amazing teacher and host, he really loves what he does!”
At Pura Vida Hostel in Copacabana, learn what goes into Brazil’s caipirinha, make and drink two, then join a one-hour samba lesson with a professional instructor. Teachers have included Camilo, Nati, and Bruno. The two-hour Tuesday evening includes a shot of Gabriela cachaça, with optional nightlife afterward at your own expense.
“I've always wanted to know how to dance samba. The teacher is professional and knows a lot abt it, and besides, it's pretty nice, and she's always smiling. The Caipirinha Workshop was also so cool that I've done it twice! Also, Atlas (the WS intructor) is super helpful and has a great energy! I felt very welcomed at Pura Vida hostel and def wanna go back!”
Meet a professional samba instructor at a studio on the sixth floor of a Copacabana office building for an upbeat, one-hour beginner-friendly class. No partner or dance experience is needed. You’ll learn basic steps, hear about samba culture, and, in daytime classes, may try a Carnival costume. Instructors have included Carla, Marcos, Carmen, and Bem Vind.
“This was so awesome we would definitely do it ago. A hour is not nearly long enough for all the fun we had. Marcos was an excellant instructor!”
Surf Matrix teaches you the basics on the sand, then helps you practise in the sea at Arpoador, choosing conditions suited to your level. Groups are limited to six, all equipment is provided, and Rafael is one instructor known for energetic, patient teaching. You need to be confident swimming in ocean waves.
“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”
Take a one-hour surf lesson near Copacabana or Ipanema with local instructors. Choose a group or private class, practise your first pop-up on the sand, then head into the sea with guidance on wave selection and safe returns. Equipment is included, but expect to pay R$200 per person at the meeting point, with a 5% card fee.
“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”
Start at Pura Vida Hostel’s deck bar in Copacabana with a caipirinha workshop and two drinks, then learn funk steps in a one-hour class taught in Portuguese, Spanish, or English. The evening is designed as a social warm-up before an optional trip to Lapa. Roberta has been praised for making newcomers feel welcome.
“Super fun event, especially as a solo traveler. The caipirinhas I learned to make were sweet, but a bit strong, the people in the hostel were super friendly, and the dance class was hella fun. It's not step by step instructions, but give it a try. You'll probably burn off one of the caipirinhas you made by the time the hour is done.”
Visit a Rio samba school workshop with a guide, see how carnival costumes are made, and try some on for photos. The three-hour outing includes hotel transfers, a welcome caipirinha, and a beginner-friendly samba class. Guide Lucas has been praised for mixing samba history with personal insight. Floats may or may not be on view.
“Great tour of one of the samba schools in Samba City, the pace of the tour was excellent and you got a very nice mix of history, background and personal immersion into the world of samba. Our tour guide Lucas was outstanding!”
Start around 7pm at Pura Vida Hostel’s Deck Bar with two included drinks, DJs playing Latin, African, Brazilian and funk music, and a live guitar performance. Around 9pm, a professional instructor leads a one-hour Latin dance class in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Camilo has taught the class. Optional Thursday boat-party and 11pm club plans cost extra.
“Great night in a fun place! Professor Camilo is amazing and the Latin Music Class was better than expected. I also enjoyed the DJ performing with the Live Guitar! I recommend their Caipigabriela, delicious drink!”
In Copacabana, a local chef leads a hands-on Brazilian cooking class with hotel pickup and return transfer. Choose feijoada or seafood moqueca, prepare sides such as coalho cheese with pepper jelly, and mix a caipirinha and coconut shake. Instructors have included Carina and Simone, though your chef may differ.
“Carina is a fantastic chef & teacher. We learned so much about Brazilian cuisine & she made it extremely fun. Whether you are a home cook or not, you will learn a lot & eat fantastic food.”
In Copacabana, Chef Simone leads a small-group Brazilian cooking class in Portuguese, English or Spanish. You prepare a five-course meal, with seafood moqueca on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or feijoada on Saturdays, then sit down to eat with two drinks. Ingredients and equipment are supplied.
“Incredible experience! Chef Simone was very informative, entertaining, friendly, and attentive! Definitely worth it.”
Peaks, trails, the bay or the samba floor.
