Let the feathers fly, the frills flow and the sequins shine -- it's Carnaval time! If you're thinking about going to Carnaval in Rio next year, you'd better get your dancing shoes on. Although Carnaval 2006 officially starts on February 23rd next year - a full six months from now -- most budget package deals have either sold out (i.e. Gate 1 Travel, Varig Vacations and others) or will do so soon.
This is one event that everyone should experience at least once in his or her lifetime but this is no last minute vacation, so plan ahead and book now or you'll have to wait until 2007 or beyond to enjoy this spectacle of music, dance, color and celebration of Latin life. Despite this being peak season for going to Brazil and the fact that there is fierce competition for every hotel room and seat in the stands to watch the Samba processions, you can still get a few good deals.
General Tours (tel. 800/221-2216; www.generaltours.com)is hosting a seven-day carnival trip departing on February 23. The $1,999 per person (plus taxes) price includes round-trip airfare from New York or Miami, five-night's hotel accommodations and daily breakfast. You can also add extra nights at extremely low rates. A private half-day tour of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Grandstand Carnival tickets with transfers is also included in the package or for more personal involvement, why not take part in the parade with one of the best samba schools in Rio? General Tours can take care of all the details and get your flamboyant costume for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just add $400 per person.
Travel Travel (tel. 800/999-3698; www.ttravel.com/new/rio.html) has a six-night package also departing the U.S on Feb 23, 2006. The trip includes round-trip airfares from Miami, airport transfers, six-nights in either a hotel or a two-bedroom apartment located in Ipanema or Copacabana, a half-day Sugar Loaf and City Tour and a complimentary ticket to attend the Official 2006 Carnaval Ball Opening. While you are in Rio don't miss a chance to see spectacular Iguassu Falls for just $464 more for three nights double occupancy. For departures from Los Angeles -- add $250. Other gateways and departure dates available upon request.
The lowest price we could find during Carnaval week is from Go-Today (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com). Their Carnaval special has a booking deadline of September 8, 2005. It includes round-trip airfare from Washington DC (add $25 from Chicago), airport transfers, six-nights accommodations at the four-star Guanabara Palace Hotel and daily breakfast from a rock bottom $999 per person plus taxes of $170. For departures on February 22, 2006 only. The only possible drawback with this deal could be the location of the hotel in Rio's downtown financial district. Other more centrally located hotel options are available, like the Royal Rio Palace for an additional $300 or the Luxor Continental Hotel for $450 more.
Brazil Hot Deals' (tel. 800/783-7839; www.brazilhotdeals.com/Carnaval.htm) Carnaval package from February 24 to March 2, 2006 starts from $1,999 per person plus taxes. It includes round-trip airfare from New York or Miami (add $100 from Los Angeles), five-night's accommodations at the Copacabana Rio Hotel, round-trip airport transfers, daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, half-day tour to Corcovado, half-day tour to Sugar Loaf, an H. Stern Jeweler Tour, Grandstand tickets for the Sambodromo for Sunday (February 26) or Monday (February 27) and transfers between Sambodromo and your hotel. Rio City hotels taxes are payable locally and range from $2 to $5 per night.
Mariana Tours () has a slightly shorter Carnaval vacation starting from $1,250 per person plus taxes. The deal includes round-trip flights from Miami to Rio, airport transfers, four-nights of lodging at Benidorm Palace Hotel, Brazilian breakfast buffet, a half-day city tour to Corcovado, services of tour and hospitality desk and all hotel taxes. The price is per person, based on dual occupancy.
Interested in experiencing the wonder of Carnaval? Check out the Frommers.com Brazil Message Board!
