Samba Your Way through Rio de Janeiro – A Girls’ Getaway

Ready…

set…

beach!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the hottest destinations for girls who want to escape the monotony of life for a few days of sun, sand, and samba. Home to the world’s most famous carnival, Rio is an amalgam of cultures, languages, and customs that create a vibe as unique as it is unforgettable. So whether you’re planning a girls-only vacation or a digital nomad retreat, pack your bikini, your party shoes, and let’s take a trip to the Marvelous City. We’ve compiled a five-day itinerary to lighten the load for your travels.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

The first thing you should do upon arriving in Rio is visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The statue stands atop Corcovado Mountain, offering sweeping views of the city and the ocean. You can take a train or a van to get to the top, but be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the crowds. After taking the obligatory selfies with Jesus, head to the beach and join the locals for some sun and sea. Copacabana and Ipanema are the most popular beaches, but there are plenty of hidden gems if you’re willing to explore.

Wake up early and hike up to the Two Brothers Hill, or Morro Dois Irmãos, for an unforgettable sunrise. The hike takes around two hours, and it can be challenging, but the view from the top is priceless. Reward yourself with acai smoothie or a breakfast burrito at one of the many food stalls along the way. After the hike, head to the Lapa district for some cultural exploration. Lapa is the heart of Rio’s nightlife, but during the day, it’s a colorful and vibrant neighborhood filled with street art, bohemian shops, and charming cafes. Don’t miss the Escadaria Selarón, a staircase covered in vibrant tiles, and the Museum of Tomorrow, a futuristic building that explores science and sustainability. 

Let’s samba! Rio is the birthplace of the most infectious rhythm in the world, and you can’t leave without experiencing it. Start your day with a dance class and learn the basic steps of samba, forro, and funk. You can find dance schools and studios all over the city, but we recommend the Rio Samba Dancer studio in Botafogo. After the class, head to the Samba City, a complex of warehouses that are home to the allegorical cars and costumes used in the Carnival parade. You can take a guided tour of the place, learn about the history of Carnival, and even try on some of the costumes. In the evening, head to a samba club like Carioca da Gema or Rio Scenarium, where you can dance the night away to live music and enjoy some caipirinhas. 

It’s time to explore the city from a different perspective – the air. Rio is home to some of the most stunning views in the world, and you can see them all with a helicopter tour. There are several companies that offer helicopter rides over the city, but we recommend the one-hour tour that takes you over the Christ statue, the Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches, and the forests. It’s a bit pricey, but trust us; it’s worth it. You can also take a trip down the mountain via cable car! After the tour, head to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa for some street art, vintage shops, and colonial architecture. The neighborhood is known for its art scene and its eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and chefs. Don’t miss the Parque das Ruinas, a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Feira do Lavradio, a monthly street fair that celebrates vintage culture. 

Day 5

On your last day in Rio, take it slow and enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe. Head to one of the many open-air markets, like the Hippie Fair in Ipanema or the Feira de São Cristóvão, a huge market that celebrates Northeastern Brazilian culture. Buy some souvenirs, try some traditional food, and listen to some live music. In the evening, head to the samba school rehearsal, where you can see the dancers and musicians practicing for the upcoming Carnival. It’s a great way to experience the culture and learn about the work that goes behind the scenes of the most famous party in the world. 

Rio de Janeiro is a city that has something for everyone - sun, sea, culture, adventure, and, of course, samba.

Whether you’re traveling with your girlfriends or as a digital nomad, Rio will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So book your flight, pack your bags, and get ready to samba your way through the Marvelous City.