Top Rio de Janeiro Classes & Workshops

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.

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.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Rio de Janeiro during a small-group cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Brazilian cuisine from your instructor. Upgrade to include a market tour to discover Brazilian ingredients, spices, and souvenirs. Then, get your hands dirty as you learn to prepare several authentic recipes while sipping on an unlimited caipirinhas. Enjoy a true taste of Rio and explore local culture beyond the restaurant scene.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 samba no pé class is unique because it is an experience that involves many different aspects, including music, dance, culture and history. Samba is a style of music and dance that originated in Brazil and has a rich cultural tradition associated with it. A samba no pé class is an opportunity for participants to learn about this culture and history while also learning to dance. Finally, the samba no pé class is unique because it is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of different ages, backgrounds and skill levels. It is an opportunity for people to connect through music and dance, regardless of their cultural or social differences.

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.

Pub Crawl in Lapa with Premium Cachaça and Live Samba Prepare to experience the Californian night as a real place — with safety, authenticity and plenty of energy. With more than 10 years of experience in tourism and night entertainment, we offer much more than just visiting bars: we guide you through an immersive cultural experience in the bohemian heart of Rio. The tour includes a visit to 2 traditional bars with live samba, guided tasting of 5 premium cachaças, a 500ml Brazilian caipirinha and stop at the iconic Escadaria Selarón for amazing photos. We finished the evening in a Carioca boat for you to dance like the locals. We work with controlled groups to ensure real integration, comfort and individual attention. Before the tour, we send you all the detailed instructions and offer full support during the experience. Ideal for solo travelers, couples and groups of friends who want to live Lapa with safety, organization and real fun.

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!

Step into your welcoming kitchen in Ipanema and let the culinary adventure begin, made specially for families who love to learn, laugh, and cook together. Whether it’s your child’s first time chopping vegetables or your teen wants to impress with Brazilian flavors, this class is the perfect mix of fun, hands-on learning, and shared discovery. Your instructors are chosen on their friendliness, fluency in English, ability to entertain and interact with all participants as well as of course their cooking expertise. They’ll adapt every activity to your family’s comfort level, so everyone feels confident and engaged. We also accommodate allergies or food preferences, just let us know in advance. Preferred smaller classes (up to 5 participants) or larger classes (up to 10)? Let us know after you book and we will let you know what days we have a class that fits your style.

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.

Tick off all the attractions on your Rio de Janeiro must-see list on this full-day tour. With transportation and hotel pickup included and a guide in the lead, you'll make good time on visits to the city's highlights, including the Selaron steps, the main Rio cathedral, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Plus, lunch is included.

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.

Take a challenging hike to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most scenic viewpoints during this small-group excursion. Trek through Tijuca Rainforest to reach the famous Pedra da Gavea for stunning views of the city. Discover local wildlife, refresh yourself in a waterfall, learn about the history of Rio, and rock climb up a small section to reach the famous rock. This tour is recommended for those with strong physical fitness.

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.

Experience one of Rio’s most iconic sunsets in a more intimate and elevated way at Pedra Bonita. Unlike typical viewpoints, this experience combines a light adventure with a curated picnic setup, creating the perfect balance of nature, relaxation, and social connection. With a small group atmosphere, it feels more personal and exclusive—no crowded tours or rushed moments. You’ll arrive at the top just in time for golden hour, with panoramic views over São Conrado, making it an ideal setting for unforgettable photos and genuine moments. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this experience offers a unique way to connect with Rio’s natural beauty while enjoying good vibes, great company, and a thoughtfully prepared picnic you won’t find on standard tours.

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.

Attention all sporting lovers - this ticket is for you! Suitable for all group sizes, get access to one Brazil’s four famous and most loved football stadiums. Regardless of whether you’re a football fan, one shouldn’t miss the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of a live Brazilian football match and make some memories.