Brazil Carnival
February 27th - March 5th, 2025
Dive into the heart and soul of Brazil and shake off the winter blues with our one-of-a-kind Black Queer Carnival trip to Rio de Janeiro!
Over the course of seven thrilling days, you'll explore iconic landmarks, revel in electrifying celebrations, and delve deep into the rich culture of Rio. Picture yourself basking on Rio's stunning beaches, caught up in the exhilarating rhythms of Carnival, and embraced by the warmth of the local community.
This adventure is a perfect fusion of breathtaking sights, vibrant festivities, and meaningful cultural connections, all designed to leave you inspired and vitalized.
Day One
✈️ CHEGAR e PROSPERAR
Olá! Welcome to Brazil, the land of samba, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes!
Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), you will be greeted by a driver to take you to a 4-star beachfront hotel in Copacabana, an area famous for its magnificent 2 ½-mile curved beach that boasts of skyscraper hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, theaters, and bars that line the waterfront.
Take some time to settle in and relax.
In the evening, our guide will pick us up from the hotel to take us out for our welcome dinner at Cais do Oriente, where we’ll have our first taste of authentic Brazilian cuisine followed by a nightcap at a traditional bar in the bohemian district, Ximeninho.
Day Two
PICOS HISTÓRICOS
Embark on a full-day guided tour exploring Rio de Janeiro's most iconic landmarks.
Begin with a visit to the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado. This 98-foot statue, symbolizing Rio's welcoming spirit, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its 2,310-foot summit, showcasing the city's southern beaches, Guanabara Bay, and beyond.
Next, head to the Urca neighborhood and take a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain. At nearly 1,300 feet, this peak provides stunning 360-degree views of Rio's rainforest, beaches, and cityscape.
After taking in these incredible sights, your guide will return you to your hotel, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.
Day Three
DIA LIVRE NO RIO + NOITE DE CARNAVAL
Take a free day to discover Rio at your own pace. Stroll along the famous beaches, visit local markets, or relax at your hotel. Make the most of your leisure time to explore the vibrant city.
Get your rest during the day because we will be up all at night!
We’ll leave the hotel around 6:30pm to head over to the Sambadrome to see some of the most magnificent Carnival performances in the world.
Day Four
FAÇA O QUE VOCÊ QUISER
The day is yours to enjoy as you please in the spirit of Carnival.
*Please note: You’ll need to add on the optional activities when you book the trip or at least a month in advance of the trip for an additional cost.
You have your choice of optional activities that include: a guided tour of one of Rio’s favelas, a hike through Tijuca Rainforest, a traditional Brazilian cooking class, or a queer bar and club hopping experience.
Day Five
QUEER É VIDA
First, we’ll start with an enlightening LGBTQ+ historical walking tour through Rio, delving into the city’s journey to the present day.
Afterward, we will visit Casa Nem, a non-profit focused on creating community and programs for vulnerable queer individuals.
Then we’ll head to Little Africa, a dynamic district brimming with Afro-Brazilian history, music, and cuisine.
Wrapping up the day, we’ll spend time at Largo da Prainha, where the trediest bars are, then go to Arpoador to join the locals and visitors alike to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Day Six
FESTA FINAL
It’s our last day in Rio!
*Please note: If you would like to add on an optional activity for this day, you will need to do so at time of booking or at least 45 days before the trip.
Spend the day exploring Rio on your own or add on an optional activity to your package when you book: a full-day Private Tour through the Old Rio, a half-day Cooking Class, or hang Gliding .
After a day of exploration and fun, get picked up from the hotel and we’ll head to Casa Porto Botequim. There, we will celebrate our last night in Rio with an unforgettable dinner and a game night filled with laughter and cherished moments.
Day Seven
👋🏽 DESPEDIDAS
After breakfast, transfer to Rio de Janeiro International Airport for your flight home.
Say goodbye to Rio and conclude your incredible journey through Brazil.
Safe travels!
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
6-Night stay 4-star hotel Copacabana district of Río de Janeiro, known for its beautiful beach and numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs
Welcome Dinner
Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf
Queer Tour of Rio
Carnival Entry
Private Ground Transportation to Activities and Excursions on the Itinerary
Farewell Dinner & Game Night
Lesbifriends Swag Bag
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to Brazil is not included. Check-in is on February 27th at 4 PM, and check-out is on March 5th at 10 AM. Please plan your arrival and departure accordingly, and feel free to reach out with any questions regarding your flight arrangements.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory travel insurance is not included, however Basic coverage can be added on to your trip package or we can provide you with a quote for a different policy. Just add either when checking out.
Passport Fees and Vaccines
Your current passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the trip date and you must be up to date on any vaccines required by the country
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for some lunches and dinners
Personal extras/add-ons
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for tips and gratuities to accommodation staff, on all meals (even ones included in the itinerary), to drivers, tour guides, etc.
Pricing
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
Double Occupancy
$3,600
Deposit: $100
Available until November 1, 2024, or until sold out
2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
- If you don't come with someone, you will be paired with a roommate
- If you come with someone, please include whether you prefer 1 double bed or 2 single beds under the "Anything else we should know about you?" section when you register.
Single Occupancy
$4,900
Deposit: $100
Available until November 1, 2024, or until sold out
1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.
Triple Occupancy
$2,900
Deposit: $100
Available until November 1, 2024, or until sold out
2 BEDS (1 DOUBLE 1 SINGLE) AND 3 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
- If you don't come with someone, you will be paired with roommate(s)
- If you come with someone, you will share a double bed with them
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Understand that Brazil is a developing country, and standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Brazilian food; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for luxury; Brazilian standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
Flights
Fly to the Galeao International Airport (GIG) and plan to arrive between 11 am and 3 pm local time.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Must be valid on the date of entry
Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp
Tourist VISA: Not required for US citizens (Brazil will require a VISA beginning on April 10, 2025)
Vaccinations: None required
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be more than 6 months from the date of the trip
Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Money/Currency
Brazil utilizes the Brazilian Real as its currency, exchange your USD to Reals upon arrival in Rio when we pick you up. Please bring cash with you, most places only take cash, some places do take cards, however, to use your card you will need to set travel notices with your bank account and also know that you may be charged an international transaction fee for every card purchase.
It is recommended to bring cash with you and exchange upon arrival.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.
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Do you know someone who is interested in joining our trip but has not been to a Lesbifriend event or trip? Here is your chance to save a little money while bringing them on a trip of a lifetime!
For every traveler that you refer to our trip, you will receive up to a $150 ($25 cash, $50 current trip credit, or $75 future domestic trip credit, or $150 future international trip credit) referral bonus once that person pays in full. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer; the only condition is that anyone you refer has not already signed up with Lesbifriends.
Be sure to tell your friend to enter your name on the registration form under “Who Referred You.”