We may be up to our ears in sleet, snow and shivering temperatures here in Europe, but the sun is shining in Rio de Janeiro and it’s about to get a whole lot hotter as Brazil’s biggest carnival (or Carnaval) gets underway in the samba capital of the world!
Attracting some 500,000 foreign visitors each year, along with the entire Carioca population, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a spectacular sight of sound, colour, and sensational outfits that will leave you ready to kick off your Haviana’s and step straight in to your dancing shoes.
Rio’s Carnival kicks off on Friday 13th February 2015, and lasts through until Tuesday 17th February so you still have time to book a last-minute trip to Brazil, but you need to be quick if you are to secure a hotel room in Southern Rio (Zona Sul), which is widely considered the safest and most beautiful part of the city.
You’ll need to be realistic when it comes to the Brazilian Real, and if you want to stay in the best areas of Copacabana or Ipanema, you can expect to dig deep! Brazil is no longer a cheap holiday destination for backpackers, but rather a chic and sophisticated party zone for the rich and famous, although you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun during Carnival – the party comes to you!
There are still a few tickets left for the Sambodoromo Samba Parades, but you will have to treat yourself to the Luxury Suite Lounge or Grand Tier Box as the cheaper seats sold out months ago! That said, there are loads of free street parties going on, so if you are on a tight budget, you can skip the parade and spend your money on samba lessons and Caipirinha’s instead!
With just 12 days to go, there is no time delay, pack your sequin-covered bikini, grab some fluorescent feathers, and head on down to Rio – It’s Show Time!
Equatours Travel News 