Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)
Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)
Rio Carnival: Sequins & the Sambadrome (Hostel Experience)
6 Days Starting and ending in Rio de Janeiro
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24473
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Carnival: There’s really no party like it. If you’re looking to get right down into the colourful thick of things, look no further than this compact six-day trip that includes a tour of Rio and tickets to the Sambadrome. You’ll be seated in Section 11, which will give you a stellar view of all the feathers and sequins on display in the parade, and you won’t need to worry about a thing — local support from G Adventures will take care of the details. So settle in, but don’t get too comfortable — soon you’ll be off your feet and dancing up a storm to Latin rhythm.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at any time and settle into a dorm in a hostel, located within walking distance to street parties, the beach, and public transportation. Later, meet some of your fellow G Adventures travellers during a welcome meeting at the hostel. Afterwards, there will be an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
Additional Information: On Day 1, upon arrival at your hostel, there will be note at the reception letting you know the time of the Welcome Meeting at which you will receive the welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
We have reserved 6-bed dormitory rooms at a hostel, located within walking distance to street parties, the beach, and public transportation. Please note that the dorms are mixed gender but we will do our best to separate the rooms by gender for people not travelling together.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Enjoy a city tour that visits some of the city's best features including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Admire the cityscape from different viewpoints and be sure to snap a few photos. After, you will have a few hours free to get ready for the huge private G party on Copacabana beach, be sure to put on some purple flair.
ACTIVITY: There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.
ACTIVITY: Take Carnival to the next level with a party on Copacabana beach with all your new G Adventures friends. We have organized a private party at a beach bar with music blaring, sun shining and tons of fun to be had.
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
The day is yours to explore the city. You can go to the beach, try hang gliding, or head out on a favela tour. G Adventures staff will keep the group updated and in the know regarding the hottest Carnival street parties — opt in at any time.
Possible street parties you can attend over the next three days with your CEO using your included subway pass are, Bloco "Cordao de Boitatá", Bloco "Sargento Pimienta", and Bloco "Banda do Peru Pelado" in Copacabana.
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: In the morning, use your free time to hit the beach. Later, opt to join the various street parties in the area with your CEO and members of the group using your public transportation/subway pass. Afterwards, there will be more time for optional activities in the area on your own.
Day 4: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Spend the day exploring on your own or choose to attend another section of street parties with your CEO and group. In the evening, head to the Sambadrome to watch the parade from section 11, dance with friends and admire the flashy costumes passing by.
Take it slow today because the parade literally lasts all night. This evening between 6-7:30, transfer to the Sambodrome where we have reserved seats in section 11. G Adventures representatives will accompany you throughout the evening, and after the Parade you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Samba schools are associations of people from the same neighbourhood or community (favela) who get together on a regular basis for samba meetings and rehearsals. Samba schools provide valuable jobs to the community in the production of costumes and floats. Each year, schools choose a different theme and may take to the parade from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and 6 to 8 floats. They have to make it through the runway in a period from 60-80 minutes, which means each member will spend only about 25-30 minutes inside the Sambodrome.
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY In the morning enjoy free time to explore on your own, partake in optional activities, or attend more street parties for Carnival with your CEO.
ACTIVITY: The Samba Schools Parade is something that everybody has to experience at least once. Watch the parade from inside the Sambadrome, marvelling at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of this incredible competition. Cheer on a favourite samba school as their floats make their way past you down the samba runway in an unbelievable parade of colour, movement and sound that lasts all night. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth.
Day 5: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Free day to relax and recover from a late night out. Afternoon and evening street parties are ongoing for the brave and strong.
Possible street parties you can attend over the next three days with your CEO using your included subway pass are, Bloco "Cordao de Boitatá", Bloco "Sargento Pimienta", and Bloco "Banda do Peru Pelado" in Copacabana.
If you are feeling up to if after a morning of rest, there will be an opportunity to attend one final Bloco this evening with your CEO and group to revel in the loud, chaotic, colourful atmosphere that is Carnival!
Additional Information: On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a relaxing day to recover from the all-night party.
Day 6: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group
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First Night Out Moment
Connect With New Friends
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Discover Moment
Rio de Janeiro
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City Tour
Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day)
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Christ Redeemer Visit
Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
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Sugar Loaf Mountain Visit
Visit Sugar Loaf Mountain
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Purple Costume Party
Attend a G purple costume party
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Subway Pass
3-day subway pass to attend the different street parties of Carnival with your CEO
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Carnival Festivities
Participate in Carnival festivities
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Sambadrome Tickets
Sambadrome tickets in section 11
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options
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Single Supplement
Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip
Accommodation
Hostel (5 nts, multi-share).
Transport
Public bus, private van, taxi, Subway
Meals Included
5 breakfasts
Group Size
The G staff to traveller ratio of a small group, but it's a party, so the more the merrier! G party with around 100+ like-minded G travellers.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Public bus, private van, taxi, Subway
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Rio Carnival tour?
The accommodation provided during the Rio Carnival tour is a hostel with multi-share dormitory rooms. The dorms are mixed gender, but efforts will be made to separate the rooms by gender for people not traveling together.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day of the tour, you will arrive at any time and settle into your hostel. Later, you will meet some of your fellow G Adventures travelers during a welcome meeting at the hostel. There will also be an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
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What can I expect during the city tour on the second day?
During the city tour on the second day, you will visit some of Rio de Janeiro's best features, including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. You will admire the cityscape from different viewpoints and have the opportunity to take photos. After the tour, you will have a few hours free to get ready for a huge private G party on Copacabana beach.
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What is the Sambadrome experience like?
The Sambadrome experience involves watching the Samba Schools Parade from reserved seats in section 11. You will marvel at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of the parade. The parade lasts all night, and G Adventures representatives will accompany you throughout the evening. After the parade, you will transfer back to your hotel.
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Are there any free days during the tour?
Yes, there are free days during the tour. On the third day, you have the entire day to explore the city on your own, go to the beach, try hang gliding, or head out on a favela tour. On the fifth day, you have a free day to relax and recover from the previous night's activities, with the option to attend more street parties in the afternoon and evening.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
CEOs and G Adventures staff are available to offer assistance and support throughout the tour. They will keep the group updated on the hottest Carnival street parties and accompany you during activities such as the Sambadrome parade.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes public bus, private van, taxi, and subway. A 3-day subway pass is included to attend different street parties of Carnival with your CEO.
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What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day). Christ Redeemer visit. Sugar Loaf Mountain visit. G purple costume party. 3-day subway pass to attend the different street parties of Carnival with your CEO. Carnival festivities. Sambadrome tickets in section 11. Carnival parade. Experience Carnival with other G Adventures travellers. CEOs and G Staff available to offer assistance and support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Highlights
Revel in one of the biggest parties on earth, Witness the spectacular scenery of Rio, Experience the craziness of the Sambadrome, Relax knowing you have local support taking care of all the details
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
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Itinerary Notes
Please note that all travellers booking this package will be sharing mixed-sex dormitory-style rooms with other G Adventures travellers.
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Important Notes
Costumes are a big part of Carnival in Rio, and we have found it is more fun to participate in the craziness. We suggest all of our travellers bring something purple for their own costume to wear to the Sambodrome. A purple wig, a funny hat, something silly. We also suggest bringing other bits and pieces for funny costumes, but remember -- it gets very hot in Rio, so take that into consideration when choosing what you bring.
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Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos, and an expedition team aboard the M/V Explorer. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G Adventures leader, a driver and a cook, who are a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting.
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Group Size Notes
The G staff to traveller ratio of a small group, but it's a party, so the more the merrier! G party with around 100+ like-minded G travellers.
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Meals Included
5 breakfasts
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Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Transport
Public bus, private van, taxi, Subway
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About our Transportation
Land Transfers & Included Tours/activities: Many of the land transfers and included tours will be by private van, car or taxi, while others may be shared with other travellers depending on availability, nature of the activity and destination. For transfers, you may have a local non English-speaking driver only, for included tours, you will be accompanied by an English speaking local guide. On this trip itinerary, the group will be given subway/public transportation passes to use to attend various street festivities on days 3, 4, and 5 with your CEO.
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Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
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Accommodation
Hostel (5 nts, multi-share).
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About Accommodation
Our accommodation is located in Santa Teresa in central Rio, close to the centre. The hostel is very close to a metro station (Gloria) and also within walking distance to multiple supermarkets, banks and drugstores. Lapa is also nearby, know for its many street parties during Carnival. Our travellers will share 6-, 8-, and 9-bed dormitories with other G Adventures travellers. While these are mixed-sex dorms, we will try to separate male and female travellers who are not travelling together into separate rooms.
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Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent. If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel. If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi. Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
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Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
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Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that: Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office Lima, Peru. During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru) After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, (WhatsApp Available) If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
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Packing List
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Purple Costume Party: • Purple costume (For purple costume party) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
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Laundry
Laundry is available on this trip at the hostel, however, it is cheaper offsite at a local laundry service. Approximate cost is $5 USD per kg (2.2 lb).
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Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
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Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, and local guide(s) at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
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Optional Activities
Rio de Janeiro - Rio Football Game (500BRL per person) - Favela Tour (180BRL per person) - Rio Hang Gliding (980BRL per person)
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Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
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Trip Specific Safety
Due to the number of tourists in the city for Carnival many pickpockets will also be attending this event. It is best not to carry more money than you need on you at any time and be sure to leave your passport in the hotel safe. If you need to withdraw money from an automated teller it is best to do so with during the day. When going to the beach be sure to only bring the necessities, sandals, a good book, sunblock and water should do.
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A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
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Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
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Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
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Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
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International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
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Group Leader
Team of CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) and G Adventures Staff.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.