Top Rio de Janeiro Classes & Workshops

Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture with an outdoor Capoeira for beginners' class in Rio de Janeiro. Blending martial arts with acrobatics, dance, and music, this Brazilian martial art is not like anything else you’ll have ever seen. This introductory class gives you the chance to learn some of the basics of the movement in its cultural homeland. You can also have a go at playing some traditional musical instruments.

And an opportunity to learn to samba with a carnival queen of Rio de Janeiro. Besides having a lot of fun, you will learn to sambar ....

Learn some new moves while you’re in Rio de Janeiro during this samba dance class. Meet the instructor at the dance studio in Ipanema or Copacabana for a quick crash course. During the class, you’ll learn how to samba with and without a partner. All levels are welcome. The instructors speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Rio de Janeiro is the home of samba, a lively type of Afro-Brazilian music and dance that's seen at the festival of Carnaval. If you want an immersive way to learn more about samba, skip professional performances and instead, try out a dance class and visit a real samba nightclub. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, an instructor is on hand to guide you through the steps. After mastering the basic movements, head out to show off on the dance floor.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's "favelas," Rocinha. Follow your resident guide through the slum to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face. Upgrade your experience to a 2-day tour that includes a visit to Tijuca Forest.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a samba lesson with a queen of Rio carnival. Unique experience. The course is accessible for all levels.

Party and eat like a local at an authentic family-style Brazilian barbecue in Rio de Janeiro. Learn about local cuts of meats and make 2 quintessential Brazilian side dishes: campaign sauce and toasted farofa. The informal class structure allows for more socialization versus focusing strictly on cooking—and people who don’t like to cook can learn to make drinks instead! This hands-on experience lasts about 3.5 hours, fitting into your evening plans.

Ride through Tijuca National Park's rainforest in an open-top Jeep during this half-day trip from Rio. During guided eco-tour, hike through the forest to spot sloths, butterflies, monkeys, and birds. Enjoy panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) and marvel at the fact that this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is just 10 minutes outside the city limits. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Experience the thrill of climbing Rio’s iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. Whether it’s your first time rock climbing or you’re an advanced climber, there are climbing routes to suit all levels, and full instruction and equipment are provided. Enjoy a fun and safe urban rock climbing challenge with a certified instructor and fantastic views of the famous landmark.

Step into Rio’s most colorful fruit market and uncover Brazil’s tropical biodiversity through flavor. Led by a passionate local guide, this experience turns a simple walk into a journey across Brazil’s regions, from the Amazon to the Atlantic coast, through fruits you’ve likely never seen before. Taste, touch, and learn about 15–20 exotic fruits as your guide opens each one for you to try — from pitanga and cashew apple to bold cupuaçu and jabuticaba. Between tastings, you’ll hear stories about how these fruits shaped Brazilian culture, cuisine, and folklore. You’ll also discover how locals use them in juices, desserts, and cocktails, while picking up fun tips to recognize and choose them like a true carioca. The experience ends with a stop at a nearby café for gourmet coffee, rum, or chocolate — the perfect finish to your morning of flavors, photos, and laughter. Small groups only. All tastings included. Five-Star Guarantee: if it’s not five-star, you don’t pay for four.

This isn’t a restaurant tour, it’s a journey through Rio’s real neighborhoods, where every corner tells a story and every bite carries a piece of Brazil’s soul. Led by passionate locals, you’ll walk from the beaches of Ipanema to the buzzing streets of downtown, tasting more than 15 foods and drinks that define carioca life, from golden coxinhas and Amazonian açaí to fresh pastel and cold draft beer. At each stop, your guide reveals the history, people, and traditions behind the food, the kind of stories you won’t find on Google or inside a restaurant. It’s cultural discovery disguised as pure fun, perfect for couples, solo travelers, and curious foodies who want to explore deeper. After this half-day experience, you’ll leave not just full, but enriched, carrying home memories, flavors, and a genuine understanding of Rio’s culture because you didn’t just hear about it — you lived it! We guarantee this experience will be five stars, and if it’s not, we’ll give you your money back.

Experience the beauty of Rio with a creative twist as you combine stunning views and artistic expression. Our watercolor class is suitable for both beginners and art enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to learn a new skill in a unique setting. As you paint, you'll have the chance to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home, capturing the essence of this extraordinary experience.

Arrive at our cozy culinary studio in Rio’s South Zone by 8:00 AM. You’ll be welcomed with a smile and an apron by your local instructor, passionate, friendly, and ready to share the flavors of their childhood mornings. Together, you’ll: Bake pão de queijo from scratch Prepare a rustic broa de milho corn cake Blend your own vitamina tropical smoothie As dishes come to life, enjoy a guided tasting of 3 Brazilian coffees, each from a different region and profile, fruity, floral, bold. A colorful spread of fresh seasonal fruits and juices is served mid-morning, setting the stage for a relaxed brunch atmosphere. To finish, raise a toast with our signature mango mimosa, made with brut sparkling wine and ripe mango pulp. Throughout the 3-hour experience, you’ll learn culinary tips, hear cultural stories, and connect with fellow travelers in a warm, intimate setting. Whether you're here for the food, the learning, or just the vibe, you’ll leave full, happy, and inspired.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive day tour. With your guide, tick off Christ the Redeemer statue, the Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. If you upgrade to the premium option, you can even take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, plus stop for lunch in one of the city's best steakhouses. Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Rio hotels is included.

The school, located on the beach of Arpoador - Rio de Janeiro, offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of surfing. With professional instructors always ready to help, each class is designed to meet surfers of all levels, from those who are footing the board for the first time to those seeking to perfect their techniques. The experience is enriched by a friendly environment and high-quality equipment, ensuring that each student not only learns but also enjoys while catching their first waves.

Catch your first wave at Praia do Arpoador, the birthplace of surf in Rio de Janeiro! Join our premium, small-group surf lessons (maximum 3 students per instructor) designed for absolute beginners and intermediate surfers. Learn safely with professional local bilingual instructors, high-quality equipment, and unforgettable views of Ipanema and Copacabana. At EverBest Rio Surf School, we don’t just give lessons; we introduce you to the authentic surf culture of Rio de Janeiro. Whether you have never touched a surfboard before or want to improve your technique, our expert local team ensures a fun, safe, and memorable experience in the water.

Eat your way through Rio de Janeiro and sample Brazil’s diverse array of cuisine on an all-inclusive food tour. Try everything from street food to local snacks, and of course, barbecued meats.The tour is paced thoughtfully so you can minimize food waste and try several dishes without filling up too early on.

Peel back the layers of Rio de Janeiro’s culture by diving fork-first into its street and bar food scene. This immersive cooking class is your backstage pass to the flavors that fuel the city, crunchy, juicy, spicy and always full of soul. Guided by a passionate local host, you’ll prepare iconic dishes like pastel de feira, bolinho de feijoada, and pão de queijo among other items then shake up your own caipirinha. Set in a warm, welcoming home or culinary studio, this isn’t just a class, it’s a celebration. Expect laughter, music, local stories, and unforgettable bites. Whether you're a solo explorer or traveling with friends, this experience connects you with Brazil’s tastiest traditions in the most joyful way.

During this class, you'll learn how to make six traditional Brazilian cocktails, followed by a unique opportunity to savor your creations while watching a breathtaking sunset on the iconic Ipanema Beach. The drinks you’ll learn to prepare can easily be recreated on any occasion — when hosting friends at home or heading to a party. You’ll take this memory of Brazil with you forever. After spending about two fun hours in our studio mixing and shaking the six drinks, we’ll take a short walk to Ipanema Beach, just two blocks away, to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand and sand beneath your feet. Most guests call this a “Top 3 Rio experience” — perfect for those who want to feel the city’s energy in a fun, friendly, and flavorful way. And if your experience isn’t five stars, we’ll give you your money back.

Enjoy a flexible, fully customized way to experience Rio de Janeiro—and opt to visit the sights that interest you most—on this private, full-day sightseeing tour. Traveling aboard a private vehicle makes getting around seamless. Choose to stop at major landmarks including Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Selaron Steps (admission tickets own expense). You can also explore the historic city center, visit Tijuca Forest, or discover bohemian Santa Teresa.

Discover the art of graffiti in a stunning setting on the beach of Rio de Janeiro. Under the guidance of a renowned Carioca artist, learn urban art techniques that turn spray into vibrant expressions. With more than a decade of experience, the instructor will guide you in creating lines and shadows, allowing you to bring your own work of art to life. At the end, take home not only your creation, but also a new perspective on street art.

Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!

Take your Rio de Janeiro visit to new heights thanks to this small-group hiking excursion to the top of Pedra da Gavea. Travel to Rio’s Tijuca rainforest for your ascent of this 2,770-foot (844-meter) pinnacle of rock, admiring local wildlife during the steep climb. You’ll eventually strap on climbing equipment, completing a few basic rock climbing sections on your trip to the top. Enjoy stunning views of greater Rio from the peak before rappelling back down. A guide and all necessary equipment are all included.