FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13​

Our Carnaval experience begins with an unhurried morning designed for relaxation and personal exploration. Enjoy time at the beach or hotel pool, browse the shops at nearby Rio Sul (just moments from the hotel) and grab a bite before we embark to Marinha da Gloria to take a private cruise across Guanabara Bay—far removed from the crowds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accompanied by expert local guide Luiz, you’ll gain insights into historic landmarks, architecture, and cultural life that line the bay. Weather permitting, guests can opt for a refreshing swim in the bay.

We return to the hotel in time to rest and refresh before heading out for dinner at a restaurant to be announced.Bottom of Form

 

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Late morning, we depart the Windsor Leme Hotel by private transport for a carefully timed visit to the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro.

Many visitors to Jardim Botânico say this experience was one of the most unexpected highlights of their time in Rio.  As you walk beneath the famous rows of towering palm trees framed by Rio’s dramatic mountains, you’ll see exotic orchids, lush tropical foliage, giant lilies on still ponds.  But this is more than your typical city “garden” – it’s alive.  You’ll hear birdsong everywhere, see colorful tropical birds as they flit overhead— from small songbirds to striking larger species that feel straight out of a nature documentary.   And likely, you’ll spot small monkeys moving through the treetops.   They’re wild, free, and at home — a reminder that this garden is part of Rio’s natural landscape, not a fenced-off zoo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there, we continue to a relaxed, hefty late lunch at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, returning to the hotel by 5:00 PM to allow ample time to rest, prepare for Sombódromo.

 

At 8:00 PM, private transport escorts us to the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, where we’ve reserved the only numbered frisa (open-box) seats in the stadium.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Refreshments (i.e., sandwiches, Brazilian bites) and drinks are available for purchase inside the Sambódromo to keep you comfortable as the night unfolds.  

 

Private, pre-booked shuttle transportation will be available at the end of each samba school’s performance, allowing you to return to the hotel whenever you wish.

 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

After check-out (and storing luggage with the Hotel), we’ll head to Ipanema to explore the famous Feira Hippie de Ipanema, one of Rio’s most beloved open-air markets and a gathering place for local artists, musicians, and craftspeople.

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Strolling through the market, guests will discover hand-painted artwork, photography, textiles, jewelry, leather goods, and colorful clothing, many created by the artists themselves. It’s a relaxed, festive atmosphere — part art fair, part neighborhood gathering — with musicians playing nearby and locals mingling with visitors under the palm trees.

 

                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you explore, you’ll also encounter classic Brazilian street foods prepared fresh on the spot. Vendors offer irresistible snacks such as pastel (crispy, fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, or hearts of palm), acarajé (a Bahian specialty made from black-eyed peas and fried in palm oil), grilled queijo coalho cheese, fresh coconut water, and cold caipirinhas or fruit juices — perfect fuel for a leisurely Sunday morning in Rio.

 

After the market, those who wish can continue on to a nearby Carnaval bloco in Ipanema, joining locals in a joyful street celebration filled with live percussion, singing, dancing, and spontaneous Carnaval energy.

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