Gay Rio Carnival -
6 days from $2699*,

With an add-on to the colonial town of Paraty, February 17-19!.

Or, check out our pre trip to Iguacu Falls and Buenos Aires, February 5-11.

Air available from $860* (plus tax), exclusively for Zoom Travelers

Rio's Carnival (spelled Carnaval in Potuguese) is perhaps the world's most famous celebration. Carnival is a spectacular time to come to Rio de Janeiro, especially for gay travelers! There are several gay festivals including one in front of our hotel, and people joke that everyone seems a little gay during carnival!

Experience the unmatched beauty and charm of this famous city, as well as its friendly, captivating people, known as Cariocas. Located between the mountains and sea, Rio de Janeiro is a tropical urban resort that offers delicious cuisine, terrific shopping, and stunning scenery. The beaches are loaded with eye candy as far as the eye can see, and the night scene explodes with some of the best venues and music in the world.

During Carnival, in addition to gay pool parties and large dance events, you can also join street festivals and parades all over the city; and there is an attitude of good will and harmony that pervades everything.

This trip combines the perfect hotel, exclusive Zoom events, Zoom Concierge services, plus plenty of free time to give you a vacation that is fabulous, fun, safe, and customized to your specific interests. Let Zoom Vacations treat you to the vacation of your dreams in stunning Rio de Janeiro! This trip is escorted by Zoom Vacations owners, Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb.

Package Highlights

• A welcome cocktail reception and sumptuous Brazilian dinner

• A sunset cocktail reception and heli tour of Sugarloaf and Corcovado

• A stunning beach party with lunch and drinks and optional hang gliding

• 5 nights twin share accommodations at the Ipanema Plaza Hotel, the newest luxury hotel in Rio, just a half block from Rio's gay beach (located in Ipanema).

• A hearty Brazilian Buffet Breakfast daily

• All transfers to Zoom Vacations events

• Complimentary daily use of a Nokia cell phone (airtime is additional)

• Services of a Zoom Vacations Concierge throughout the trip

• Rio de Janeiro gay survival guide, complete with information on nightlife, restaurants, beaches, shopping, and much more

• Optional Sambadrome (Sambodromo) tickets. We can even arrange for you to dance in costume in the parade--an amazing experience you will never forget!

• Optional excursions such as hang-gliding, Favela tour, Tijuca Forest, Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, and Samba party tickets

• Advance ticket purchase options for the best dance events of the week, exclusively for Zoom Vacations travelers

• All this and more . . . Exclusively for Zoom Vacations travelers

Luxury Accommodations

Ipanema Plaza Hotel

This 4 star property is the closest hotel to the gay beach, and is truly the hot spot for the week!

Hotel Amenities:

• Bar/Lounge
• Business Center
• Concierge
• 24 Hour Front Desk
• Hairdryers Available
• Pool
• Parking
• Restaurant
• Room Service
• Safe Deposit Box
• Fitness Center
• Laundry/Valet Services
• AM/FM Alarm Clock Modem Lines in Room
• Free Newspaper
• Television with Cable

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions, specific to our trip to Rio for Carnival

Is the TAM flight upgradeable?
Currently, you will accrue miles on United and Air France. However, we recommend you check directly with TAM for their current frequent flyer partners as partnerships tend to change frequently.

Will I receive miles on a partner airline if I take the TAM flight?
Currently, you will accrue miles on United and Air France.

Is safety a concern in Rio?
Our experience is that Rio is a safe destination, and that using common sense will go a long way in providing a fun, carefree holiday.

Is Carnaval too "crazy"?
For Most people, Carnaval is less "crazy" and more organized than they expect it will be. It is a celebration of life, love, humanity, and of course Samba! It is a beautiful cultural celebration and so much more than just a party.

Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?
If you are a United States citizen and/or are traveling from the United States, you will need a visa to travel to Brazil. You must wait until 90 days prior to arrival into Brazil before you apply for your visa, and visa forms are available on our website. We will provide you with answers to several of the visa questions before you go obtain your visa. It’s a relatively easy procedure, and Zoom is always here to help in any way possible.

Into which airport do I need to fly?
You need to fly into the Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG).

What day should I depart my home country?
You must depart your home country for arrival into Rio de Janeiro on February 20th. Our first event is our welcome rooftop party, which starts at about 8:00 PM. For those coming from the States, most flights depart the States the evening of February 19th.

Can Zoom book extra days for me at the beginning or end of this trip?
Absolutely! Simply let us know the amount of days you need at the beginning and/or end of the trip, and we will book the nights you need (additional room night charges will apply).

If I am traveling as a single, does Zoom offer a roommate pairing program?
Absolutely! Before the trip, we will get to know all of our travelers, and we will use what we know about you to make the best pairing possible.

May I travel as a single without a roommate?
Absolutely, you may travel as a single and pay a single supplement, which varies depending on your time of booking.

What is the fitness level required for this trip?
This trip is easily accessible to a variety of fitness levels. None of our included activities require a high degree of athletic skill. However, your optional activities will give you the opportunity to make your vacation as active and/or adventuresome as you choose.

Is it possible to join the famous parade?
Absolutely! Zoom Vacations can arrange for you to march in the parade in costume with one of the Samba schools. The amazing costume is yours to keep after the parade!