Rio Samba Lover's Tour
Experience the Magic and Soul of Rio Samba
Learn about Samba School Culture With Us!
Go behind the scenes of the world’s greatest show. Rio de Janeiro is the heartbeat of Samba, and we’re here to give you an insider’s key to the city. Led by expert guides Mestre Renan Gohan and Courtney Danley, this tour is designed for those who want to experience the authentic energy of the quadras without the stress of navigating them alone.
Who Is This Tour For?
You don’t need to be a drummer to fall in love with Rio. This experience is perfect for:
-
The Samba Curious: Anyone who wants to see how the magic of Carnaval is made.
-
Authentic Travelers: People who prefer local, deep-dive culture over "tourist traps."
-
Solo Adventurers: If you've wanted to visit Rio but felt hesitant to go alone, we provide the safety, community, and expert knowledge to make your trip seamless.
Already a Drummer? If you’re looking for a high-intensity technical workshop, check out our Rio Samba Adventure Tour.
Questions about either of these tours this please reach out to Courtney Danley.
Courtney@gosamba.net,
503-309-0220
The Highlights: What to Expect
-
Inside the Quadras: Visit the world-famous samba schools and feel the power of the bateria rehearsals in person.
-
History & Art: Visit Cidade do Samba to see the massive parade floats being built and tour the iconic Sambódromo.
-
Technical Insights: Enjoy workshops and factory tours (like King or IVSOM) to see the craftsmanship behind the instruments.
-
Rio’s Natural Beauty: Plenty of time to decompress on the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Join the Inner Circle
Limited spots available for December 2026. We keep our groups small to ensure a personal, safe, and high-quality experience for every "Lover of Samba."
-
Priority Access: Join the Email List to be the first to hear about registration opening and Early Bird pricing.
-
Meet the Guides: Join an upcoming Virtual Info Session (Dates below) to see if this tour is right for you.
Quick Facts
Date: December 12th to the 20th
Cost: $2799.00
Single occupancy room available for an additional fee, TBD based on hotel rates at the time of booking.
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Prices are guaranteed until August 15th.
Join an Info Session
-
Monday, June 1st at 6:30 PM (Final call before Early Bird deadline)
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/teh-dnhj-dvi
Experience the Magic!
JOIN THE PRIORITY ACCESS LIST & RECEIVE EARLY BIRD PRICING!
- Experience samba at it's source is played in workshops with samba school bateria Mestres and Directors at Rio's most famous samba schools.
- Drum factory tour such as King.
- See this phemenomal community art in action.
- Visit Cidade do Samba where the carnaval parade floats are constructed
- Visit the Sambódromo where the official parades occur.
- Relax on the Rio's most famous beaches.
- and more...
JOIN THE PRIORITY ACCESS LIST & RECEIVE EARLY BIRD PRICING!
What are people saying about last year's trip?
"There’s really nothing else like it. Courtney and Renan’s unique connection to samba in the states and to the samba schools in Rio give you a completely insider view of the schools."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. Other people from our Bateria have gone to Rio, but no one has had an experience like the one you and Renan delivered. Five stars!"
"This trip was 11/10!!! So incredible!!! Thanks Courtney and Renan :)))"
"If you are interested in a real education that goes deeper than say, CBC, into the culture, history, and working of the Samba schools especially the Bateria, this is the trip for you. [...] This is a well curated trip for those who are ready to dive deeper into the workings of some of the large and small samba schools. Renan really provided and supported this effort well. I really appreciate his efforts and interest in cultivating this connection and comprehension. What a great team!"
To see photos and videos of last year's trip click here.
NEXT VIDEO INFO SESSION ABOUT THE TRIP:
We will discuss details about the trip and give you a chance to ask questions.
JOIN THE EMAIL LIST TO HEAR ABOUT UPCOMING CHATS AND FUTURE TRIPS!
Click here
Tour Logistics & Pricing
2026 Dates
-
Tour Dates: December 12th – December 20th, 2026
-
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Based in Copacabana)
Pro Tip: We highly recommend arriving a day or two early. The overnight flight from the US can be intense, and having 48 hours to find your "Rio legs" before the tour starts makes a world of difference! Our travel coordinator, Julia Kasid, can help you book these extra nights.
Investment & Early Bird Savings
The earlier you commit, the more you save. Prices are guaranteed until July 15th, after which hotel rates may fluctuate.
| Reward Level | Criteria | Your Savings |
| Early Bird | Deposit paid by June 10th | Save $100 |
| Info Session Credit | Attend a live Zoom call | Save $30 |
| Samba Trip Quiz | 100% score on the Trip Quiz | Save $30 |
| Payment Discount | Pay via Venmo, Check, or Cash | Save $30 |
Stack your discounts to save up to $190 off your total trip!
A $800 deposit secures your spot and discounts on the roster.
Payment plans are available. Talk to Courtney courtney@gosamba.net 503-309-0220
Click here to get on our email list and learn about upcoming informational video calls!
Once the trip fills up we will start a waitlist.
What’s Included
-
Accommodations: 9 nights in a hand-selected Copacabana hotel near the beach and Metro.
-
Daily Breakfast: Fuel up at the hotel before we head out.
-
Curated Programming: All workshops, school visits, and tours led by Courtney and Renan.
-
Transport: Ground transport to quadras and factories that are outside the main Metro/Uber zones.
-
Bilingual Support: Full Portuguese-to-English translation for all organized activities.
-
Pre-Trip Support: Official T-shirt, packing checklists, and access to our private Group WhatsApp.
What is Not Included
-
Airfare to/from Rio.
-
Brazilian Tourist Visa (currently required for US citizens). How to get a visa.
-
Airport transfers (coordination assistance available).
-
Most lunches and dinners.
-
Travel/Health Insurance (Highly recommended for participation).
Rooming & Solo Travelers
All prices are per person based on shared occupancy.
-
Roommate Matching: Traveling solo? We will do our best to pair you with a fellow traveler of the same gender.
-
The "Early Bird" Advantage: Roommate matches are assigned by registration date. The sooner you sign up, the better your chance of being matched and avoiding the single supplement fee.
-
Private Rooms: Prefer a s
-
Solo sanctuary? A limited number of private rooms are available for an additional single supplement fee. Reach out to Courtney for current rates.
Ready to Experience Rio?
Your Home in Rio: Copacabana
We’ve carefully selected our lodging to ensure you are in the heart of the action while maintaining a safe, comfortable home base. Our hotel is located in Copacabana, just a short stroll from the world-famous beach and conveniently close to the Metro station.
The Neighborhood
Experience the best of Rio right outside your door:
-
Vibrant Culture: Surrounded by Rio’s best cafes, late-night sucos (juice) stands, and legendary nightlife.
-
Convenience: Easy access to pharmacies, banks, and local markets.
-
The Beach: Start your mornings with a walk on the Calçadão or a dip in the Atlantic.
Rooming Options & Policies
To keep the tour accessible and social, our standard pricing is based on shared occupancy.
Option 1: Shared Room (Included in Base Price)
-
The Setup: You will share a room with one other participant of the same gender. Each room features two comfortable single beds.
-
Traveling with a Partner? If you are traveling with a spouse, friend, or "travel buddy," just let us know! We will ensure you are placed in the same room.
-
Our Roommate Match Program: Traveling solo? We’ll do our best to pair you with a roommate.
Note: Matches are made in the order of registration. The earlier you sign up, the higher the chance we can find you a match to avoid the single supplement fee.
Option 2: Private Room (Single Supplement)
-
The Setup: Prefer a private sanctuary to recharge after a long day in the quadras? A limited number of private rooms are available.
-
The Cost: This requires an additional Single Supplement fee (based on current hotel rates at the time of booking).
-
Note: If we are unable to find a roommate match for you by the final payment deadline, the single supplement fee will apply.
A Note on Inclusion
We are committed to making our tours a welcoming space for everyone. Accommodations can be made for gender non-conforming individuals—please reach out to Courtney directly so we can ensure you have a comfortable and supportive rooming arrangement.
Space is limited! Get in touch today!
Click here to join our email list.
Email directly: Courtney@gosamba.net
Call: 503-309-0220
Once the trip fills up we will start a waitlist.
Tips for travelers:
I highly recommend arriving a day or two before the start of the trip. The Overnight flight from the US is brutal and a couple of days to recover is crucial.
Travel health insurance
Yellow fever vaccination
International phone plan
Vegans/Dietary restrictions. Happy Cow App can help you find Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants in Rio de Janeiro.
Passport
Brazilian Travel Visa is required at this time. How to get a Brazilian travel visa.
Duolingo and sign up for Dica do dia email service
Bring extras of your prescriptions
The sun is strong wear sunscreen
Wear bug spray readily available in pharmacies
Take photocopies of your passport
Bring an old phone if you have one
I wouldn't fly Aero Mexico
Interested in designing your own tour for your group?
Private small group tours can be organized with Courtney and Renan. For more information check out this page.
Important Notes and Safety
This trip is not suitable for:
Unaccompanied minors.
Those experiencing mental health issues, Rio is a very intense place.
If you are in active substance addiction this trip is not right for you.
If you are acting in any way disrespectful to our Brazilian friends and teachers, your fellow travelers or yourself, you will be asked to excuse yourself from the rest of the trip.
Eligibility & Appropriate Behavior
Renan and I will do our best to keep you safe and happy but please know that Samba and samba schools are very loud and chaotic environments. Some nights we will be staying out very late into the night. Confetti cannons, fireworks, going off at unexpected moments is normal. Rio de Janeiro is very very hot and humid and can be a dangerous and violent city. Common sense is a must. If you disregard your personal safety you are disregarding everyone's personal safety.
You will be asked to sign a liability release form.
Meet Your Tour Guides
Courtney Danley
Ritmista Imperatriz Leopoldinense Escola de Samba
Secretary Percussive Arts Society Oregon Chapter
Owner Go Samba LLC
Executive Director Portland Samba LLC
Sound designer and Co-Host The Brazilian Beat Podcast
Courtney has spent 4 carnaval seasons playing in samba schools and Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. It was the honor of her life to play with Mestre Lolo's bateria at Imperatriz Leopoldinense for the past 3 seasons winning carnaval in 2023 and coming in runner up in 2024.
Courtney's passion in life is to bridge the worlds of samba communities in the US to samba communities in Rio de Janeiro. Fostering tighter connections, understanding and cultural exchange between the countries. She does this through her workshops, podcast, The Brazilian Beat, YouTube channel Go Samba, Instrument import store GoSamba.net. Courtney brings Brazilian teachers to Portland to teach the group she co-founded, Portland Samba, and has also learned Portuguese and spends lots of time in Brazil.
503-309-0220
courtney@gosamba.net
Mestre Renan Gohan
Local on-the-ground expert in samba and connections to inside the baterias.
Renan started in samba at the age of 13 with Barriga, a bloco in Cidade Alta, the neighborhood where he was raised. At 15 he became part of the bateria and has played in baterias ever since. He began at Imperatriz Leopodinense in 2006 as a percussionist on caixa. In 2008 he moved to third surdo, and in 2009 he was invited to be a bateria director for the third surdo. He stayed at Imperatriz until 2011.
In 2013 he was invited to be bateria director at Porto da Pedra, in 2014 he was bateria director at União da Ilha, in 2015 he was a bateria director at Grande Rio, where he stayed until 2018. In 2016 he returned to Imperatriz as a percussionist and in 2020 he returned to bateria director, where he is until today.
He is currently a director at Imperatriz Leopoldinense, the Mestre at Flamanguaça, he is also the bateria Mestre at Bloco Urubuzada since 2014.
He has been part of Batuque Digital performing group since 2013.
He has also been a bateria director at Rocinha, Grande, Rio Renascer de Jacarepaguá, Unidos do Bangu, São Clemente and Flamanguaca.
He has also paraded as a percussionist in Unidos da Tijuca, São Clemente, Estácio de Sá, Portela, and Viradouro among many others.
Renan says:
Imperatriz and samba have given me many good things, in addition to life experience, I have been fortunate to visit many countries in South America, Europe and to several states in Brazil. These were all important moments in my life. I love Carnival and I want to be able to learn more and more and pass on a little of what I learned to other people.
Links:
Julia Kasid
Julia Kasid started dancing Samba in 2014. With many visits to Brazil under her belt, Julia has paraded twice in Rio: as an International Passista with Porta da Pedra and with the local Passistas of Estacio de Sá. She recently served as the Passista Director of Austin Samba for 1.5 years and enjoys learning the drumming alongside it. Professionally, she has coordinated trips to Brazil for over 8 years and is the owner of her own travel agency, Travallure https://travallure.
Julia is helping with booking all hotels and lodging.
julia@travallure.com
512-920-0471