As an alternative, you can also book a VIP SERVICE costume package that includes guided roundtrip transportation from/to Copacabana. In this option, our English speaking tour guides will assist you from the moment you get picked-up in Copacabana to when you get on the bus in your way back to Copacabana when your samba school parading is over.
Carnival Ground Costumes
You will be part of a wing or “ala”, in Portuguese, with a group of more than 200 people dressing the same carnival costume. The wings are represented by a certain costume, supporting the samba school presentation and theme for the year at the sambadrome. Ground costume participants make their presentation on the floor, according to the instructions given by the wing directors and coordinators.
Carnival Float Costumes
Big floats help the samba schools tell their story at the sambadrome as well. Each school carries 6 to 8 beautiful floats which are planned, designed and built in much secret until the parading day. They are generally the big attraction of the carnival parade. Each year, a limited number of float costumes are put on sale, which are confirmed in a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are scared of heights, avoid the float and get yourself a ground costume. While costumes floats offer its participants with more glamour, the little stages are normally very shaky and sometimes scary.
Important Note about Float Costumes: Float costumes are a bit more complicated. The schools require that you know the samba song. Some require that you sign a document releasing the school from any responsibility in case of an accident. The school are also concerned that paraders will abandon the floats during the parade, causing the school to loose points, precious points, and consequentely the competition. If you are really interested in parading on top of a float, let us know emailing [email protected] and we will contact you to send you a couple of options and its prices. Float costumes range from US$ 450 to US$ 3,000 depending on the reputation of the samba school and the material used.
Do not take a bus because the traffic around this area (and almost around the entire city) comes to a stand-still and you might be late. If you travel by taxi or metro/subway, you should leave at least an hour before your meeting time because you are bound to encounter some craziness in the way to your warming up area.
Our full electronic carnival guide will be sent to you by email at the beginning of February 2022 with detailed instructions, useful information and tips on how to get to the sambadrome by subway and by cab, the subway system map, licensed cab companies contact information and much more.