Brazil 360°: Rio Carnival Edition
The trip in a nutshell
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm and coloyrful frenzy of Carnival, an iconic celebration synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Join our group tour to personally experience the exhilarating emotions of this cherished festivity. But that's just the beginning – our journey continues to unveil the awe-inspiring sights of Brazil.
Behold the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer and the majestic Pão de Açúcar. Discover Brazil's natural wonders, from the breathtaking Iguazú waterfalls to the enchanting colonial charm of Paraty. And don't forget a relaxing escape to Ilha Grande, where you can bask in the beauty of the sea.
As we conclude our adventure in Rio, the heart of Carnival, you'll truly feel the pulse of this extraordinary event. Prepare to be swept away by an experience that's simply unmissable – a once-in-a-lifetime must!
Trip type
360º - it's our great classic that allows you to discover the destination in all its aspects. We recommend packing a backpack rather than a suitcase as there will be lots of moving around.
Physical rating
MODERATE - this itinerary may involve hiking or other activities that require a moderate amount of physical effort. Be prepared for some potential long transfers and early wake up calls!
Entry requirements
For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website. For all other passport holders, please refer to your national government website.
Arrival and departure
This trip begins and ends in Rio de Janeiro. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever!
What's included
12 nights accommodation in a shared room with private bathroom
Transfer from the hotel in Rio De Janeiro to the airport to take the flight to Foz Iguazu
Domestic flight: Rio de Janeiro - Foz Iguazu
Domestic flight: Foz Iguazu - Sao Paulo
Transfer from São Paulo airport to Paraty
Transfer and Boat from Paraty to Ilha Grande
The excursion to Ilha Grande
Boat and Transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro
Admission to the Sambodromo to witness one of the world's most unique events: the parade of Samba schools
Travel coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Check-in
Flights to/from the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide where you want to leave from, at what time and with the airline of your choice.This gives you maximum freedom of choice.
Check-in at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro and then it's time for your welcome meeting! Our trip begins in the capital and we can already feel the vibe in the streets of the city as it prepares for the festivities. To get off to a great start, we find a typical little restaurant and eat some local specialities: they are big on meat here, so... barbecue?
Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Pão de Açúcar, and Copacabana
On the streets of Rio
It's time to explore the capital city. With our local guide, we'll discover the most famous neighbourhoods, including Santa Teresa, before moving on to Rio Cathedral, the colourful Selaròn staircase and lastly Christ the Redeemer, the undisputed attraction of this vibrant city. We climb to the top and enjoy the view from up here - of course we take our time to take the perfect shot!
Overwhelmed by the rhythm!
In the afternoon we move on to another iconic place in Rio: we ride the Bondinho cable car to the Pão de Açùcar, Rio's iconic mountain. We admire the city from a different perspective, on one side Copacabana (perhaps the most famous beach in the world), on the other the centre of Rio. We stay here until sunset, when everything becomes more magical, and then we descend through the streets of the city to experience the carioca rhythm, between bars and clubs. Tonight we have the welcome dinner and then the party continues... if we really don't want to go to bed... why not go to Copacabana to watch the sunrise?
Excursion to Rio de Janeiro with local guide and lunch included in the Money Pot.
Iguazú Falls, one of the seven wonders of the natural world
Flying to Iguazú
We wake up early to say goodbye (only momentarily) to Rio as we have a flight to catch to discover some of the other wonders of Brazil! We arrive in the morning at Iguazú, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. This title is well-earned with 275 waterfalls of different heights, up to 80 metres, stretching as far as the eye can see for almost 3 km.
Iguazú: the Brazilian side
We spend the day inside the park, discovering the waterfalls from the Brazilian side and getting lost in the lush nature of this magical place. Of course, we look for the best vantage points from which to admire the waterfalls!
Transfer to the airport and flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz Iguazù included in the tour price. Excursion to the waterfalls (Brazilian side) with local guide included in the Money Pot. Meals at the expense of the individual participant.
Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side
Iguazú: the Argentine side
This morning we say goodbye to Brazil... but only for a day! We enter Argentina to admire the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side. On the itinerary for today is a bit of hiking: we have to options, a hike leading to the Garganta del Diablo or one to the Bosetti Falls. We choose the one that inspires us most on the day given the difficulty is similar, and then we're off to use those legs.
All aboard!
This is not the end of our Argentine adventure: in the afternoon, we board a rubber dinghy and prepare to discover the waterfalls from a new perspective. Of course, there is no escaping the water, so let's put on our swimming costumes and get ready to have a good laugh! We approach the Garganta del Diablo, where we can see the full power of these waterfalls, and then the Salto San Martin. This evening, after a nice shower, we reckon it's time for a beer!
Excursion to the waterfalls (Argentine side) with local guide included in the Money Pot. Meals at the expense of the individual participant.
From Iguazú to Paraty
Arriving in Paraty
We bid farewell to the majestic Iguazu Falls and take an internal flight to Sao Paolo. Then we're on our private transfer to reach Paraty in about five hours. We arrive for dinner in this old colonial town - Paraty was the main port for the Portuguese to export gold in colonial times - and look for a nice restaurant for dinner. Perhaps we try the famous feijoada, a dish made with black beans, sausages and pork, which is eaten practically everywhere in Brazil.
Flight from Iguazú to Sao Paulo and private transfer from Sao Paulo to Paraty included in the trip fee. Meals at participant's expense.
Let's discover Paraty, the jewel of the Costa Verde
The jewel of the Costa Verde
We've got the morning to discover Paraty, a gem if you want to find out more about Brazil's colonial past. The historic centre retains an old-world charm, and we'll get to lose ourselves in its cobbled streets and port. We can have lunch in one of the typical churrascherias for some barbecued meat, perhaps accompanied by a caipirinha made with cachaça de Paraty, the brandy produced here.
Travelling to Ilha Grande
We set off with a full belly and take a bus to Angra dos Resi. Once here, the journey is not over yet: we board a ferry and arrive in Ilha Grande, today's final destination. Pirates once found refuge on this island and it was also used as a prison, but today it is a small natural pearl, surrounded by crystal-clear sea and rich in unspoilt nature.
Transfer from Paraty to Ilha Grande included in the trip fee. Meals at the expense of the individual participant.
Ilha Grande: dreamy sea and sunset at Praia Preta
To the sea!
For the next two days the goal is relaxation in our cozzies! Today we have an excursion to visit the islands of the archipelago on board a boat reserved just for us. We will stay offshore all day, having lunch on board and stopping whenever we feel like taking a dip.
The Black Beach
There are some places we cannot miss here including Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, while the more adventurous can explore the Acaià Cave. To end on a high note, we take one last swim at Praia Preta, the black beach, and wait for the sunset.
Boat trip included in the trip fee. Drinks and other meals to be paid for by the individual participant.
Lopes Mendes Beach and Pico do Papagaio
Relax or hiking?
How should we spend this second day in Ilha Grande? We can work on our tan, enjoying the sun on the beach - perhaps at Lopes Mendes Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in all of Brazil, as well as being a surfer's paradise. Alternatively, if we are keen on hiking, we can consider going to Pico do Papagaio, a rock formation from which we can admire a truly breathtaking view of the island.
Meals are the responsibility of the individual participant.
Rio de Janeiro: Carnival begins!
We arrive in Rio
We know saying goodbye to this little paradise is difficult, but the party awaits! So we're on to the bus and hit the road, heading for Rio de Janeiro! The journey will take about 5 hours - just enough time to take a nap and then start getting hyped for Carnival! We arrive in Rio, drop our backpacks off in the hotel and take to the streets of Rio to be swept away by the rhythm of the city in celebration.
Transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio included in the trip fee. Meals at the expense of the individual participant.
Rio Carnival to the rhythm of samba
We get swept away by the party!
We are so ready to get swept up in Rio Carnival: it is the most famous in the world and every year millions of travellers come here to see it with their own eyes! The festive air reaches every neighbourhood of the city, the so-called blocos, which are an integral part of the celebrations. The locals in these neighbourhoods keep the tradition alive, taking to the streets and parading in costume, dancing and playing the music they compose themselves. One thing is certain: sequins, extravagant make-up and bright colours are welcome here, so it's your chance to be bold!
Parade with personalised costumes at the expense of the individual participant (optional and to be booked well in advance - costumes will remain the property of the participant as a souvenir of the event). Meals to be paid for by the individual participant.
The show at the Sambodromo!
The most beautiful show in all of Brazil!
The party never ends in Rio: Carnival is lived and celebrated all day and all night, so let's get ready for another day of partying - caipirinha in hand! Today is even more special because we are off to the Sambodromo to admire the parade of Brazil's most important samba schools: the floats are breathtaking and the dancers incredible and engaging!
Admission to the Sambodromo on day 11 (to watch the parade of Brazil's most famous Samba schools) included in the trip fee.
Mardi Gras: the last day of Carnival
Relaxation or more partying?
Today is Mardi Gras, the last day of Carnival celebrations, and the city is still partying. After the two days just gone, we can decide whether to continue dancing to samba rhythms in the streets of Rio, or to take it easy and spend some time on the beach - Copacabana is a strong draw! Of course, it's not every day you get to be in Brazil during the days of carnival, so even if we spend the day enjoying the sun and the sea... tonight we go out to celebrate some more! After the farewell dinner, let's enjoy the last night of Carnival and join the party!
Meals and excursions are the responsibility of the individual participant.
Goodbye Brazil!
Check out and goodbye
Hard to believe, unfortunately we have reached the end of our journey: it was full of emotions and moments we will never forget. Until the next WeRoad adventure!
End of WeRoad services. N. B. The tour program may be subject to changes for reasons not foreseeable and external to the WeRoad's control (weather conditions, holidays, strikes, etc.).







The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Visas and Vaccinations
Before booking, please ensure to check what documents, visas, and vaccinations are required to enter the country you are visiting. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Arrival and Departure Times
We always advise trying to get to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 5pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Available dates
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips because we like to give you autonomy and flexibility: you can choose the airline you want to fly with, the departure airport that suits you best, and how many and which stops you want to make.
Since flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: if possible, you can arrive at your destination a few days earlier or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
This is the question of all questions, and here’s the answer, broken down into points!
The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
It is used to streamline paymentsfor extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
You’ll find the amount of the money pot on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the money pot’ – how do you get there? Look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money pot? Click here’, and you’ll find the details.
The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
It is used exclusively for group expenses that ALL participants decide to take part in.
It is estimated based on the experiences of other groups but can vary depending on the needs of the group itself. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
If not all of the money pot is used, the difference will be returned to all participants at the end of the trip in equal amounts.
The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the money pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
If you pay in advance part of the money pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded in case of trip cancellation.
We offer several payment methods to meet all needs:
1. Credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Installment payments for certain countries only
If you choose the deposit and balance option, you can pay the balance from your MyWeRoad Personal Area via bank transfer.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
In general, we always choose local accommodations, avoiding large hotel chains, because we love to experience the culture of the place and, whenever possible, contribute to the local economy. Typically, our accommodations are hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels run by local entrepreneurs, with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
For our Collection trips, which are our premium category, the accommodations are always 4 or 5-star or carefully selected boutique hotels.
The list of accommodations for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator between 5 and 3 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
If you're wondering why WeRoad trips have a money pot, we’re assuming you already know what it is. If not, or if you have any doubts, we invite you to read all the information here!
Let’s quickly recap: The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator. It’s used to speed up payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
But let’s get to the point: why the money pot? First of all: it gives us a lot of flexibility. In all WeRoad trips you will have a bunch of Must See/Must Do activities already included - these are experiences, places or activities that simply cannot be missed! Any extra activities is decided by the group, why? Because each group is unique and may have particular wants or desires and the Money Pot allows each group to customise their trip to make it perfect for their requirements!
It also helps us speed up payments – imagine being in the subway in New York City, one by one purchasing the ticket...a nightmare right? Thanks to the Money Pot, the Travel Coordinator can simply purchase the tickets for everyone making the entire processes smoother! Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip and split equally amongst all participants.
In some destinations, buying goods or services on site is more economical as you are able to negotiate the price - places like Morocco, or South East Asia, bargaining is part of the culture. As such, our Travel Coordinators will be able to secure the best deal for all participants.
The amount of the money pot is specified in each trip – look for this button
which will take you to a detailed breakdown for each trip, like this:
WeRoad is not authorised to provide this information due to privacy reasons.
However, there is a solution - you can connect with your travel buddies by joining our Facebook group. Look for a post related to your trip, or ask the group admins for help in connecting with your future travel companions!
If a Travel Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you're interested in, you can easily find their introduction post in the group via the website: in the tour list, click on 'Ask the coordinator', or in the trip details page, in the coordinator section, click on 'Ask [coordinator's name] for information on this trip in our Facebook group'. For both cases, see the screenshots below!
Tour List
Trip details page
In all our groups, the Travel Coordinator and participants speak English – knowing how to speak and understand English is therefore a fundamental requirement to participate in our trips.
On average the groups are made up of 6-15 people, with a minimum of 3/4 participants and a maximum of 15.
All our travellers are in theirs 20s, 30s and 40s. If you're very curios to know the age range of the group for a tour you're interested in, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +447716573700
Regarding the male-female ratio, this is not guaranteed and varies trip by trip.
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller and will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will be available for any eventuality and will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary (transports, timings, accommodations, meeting points, etc.), so you can enjoy the trip without any worries!
You will have the chance to get to know them when the WhatsApp group is created approximately 2 weeks before departure - this will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking – their details will be specified in the schedule or on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your Personal Area, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, in all our trips you will share a room with other same-sex travellers, and the bathroom will either be private or shared only with fellow participants of the trip. The rooms we select can be doubles, triples, quadruples, or multi-bed (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
There are never dorms with people outside the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodations like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
During the booking process, you can also choose to opt for a mixed room: in this case, if needed, only those who have agreed to this option may share a room with travellers of a different sex. If you are booking for multiple people together and select this option, the room will not be exclusive to your group but may be shared with other travellers in the group.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'Once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you, even if you no longer travel with us.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. We can also meet up for a dinner or a trek together at one of the events organised by our coordinators around the world!