The 15 Workshops & Classes in Brazil That Earn Their Price

1.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

Spend one lively hour at Samba Fit in Ipanema learning basic samba steps with Carla, Ranaa, or Gaby, performers from major samba schools. The small class moves at a beginner pace, includes photos and videos, and ends with a fun chance to try carnival costumes.

“It was an enjoyable and informative class. At the end we tried on costumes. The only thing to make it better would be a longer session of 1.5-2hrs. This one was a quick hour- we really enjoyed it! Obrigada”

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2.Samba Class in Copacabana

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Spend one hour learning basic samba steps in Copacabana with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking instructor such as Marco, Thiago, or Mauricio. The class suits complete beginners, includes water, and ends with group dancing. Some sessions may include carnival headpieces for photos, but this is not guaranteed.

“Love it! Thiago was a great guide. Super knowledgeable”

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3.Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 115 reviews · 4 hours · from $63

Start with a beginner-friendly one-hour samba class led by guides such as Marco or Bruno, then travel with your instructor to a live samba night. Monday heads to Pedra do Sal in Ipanema, while Wednesday to Saturday visits a club near Copacabana. Your ticket, transfer, fast-track entry, and three hours of guidance are included.

“I just had to share this incredible experience we stumbled upon recently! So, my wife and I were on the hunt for something fun to do, and we came across this Samba class that promised not only dance lessons but also a taste of that electric nightclub atmosphere. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Our instructor, Elio (I hope I got the spelling right!), was an absolute gem. Not only was he exceptional at teaching us the dance moves with infectious enthusiasm, but he also went above and beyond to ensure we had a blast. What really touched me was how he looked out for our safety as…”

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4.Caipirinha Workshop and Samba Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 113 reviews · 2 hours · from $12

Start with a hands-on caipirinha workshop at Pura Vida Hostel, then follow with a one-hour samba class led in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Teachers such as Nati, Camilo, and Bruno have earned praise for clear, friendly instruction. You also get a Gabriela cachaça shot and the option to continue into Rio nightlife.

“My favourite part of this workshop was the samba lesson with Nati, who is an experienced dancer (she performs every year at Carnival de Rio de Janeiro)! She was very patient and showed us how to samba with very simple step-by-step instructions. By the end of the hour, we had perfected a short samba routine! During the lesson, we had an English guide who helped to translate, as Nati was teaching in Spanish, but it was super easy to follow her steps regardless of the language. You don’t need to be a dancer to enjoy this activity - she is an excellent instructor! At the end of our lesson, Nati…”

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5.Samba Class in Copacabana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $35

Meet your instructor at a Copacabana studio for a one-hour samba lesson built for beginners, solo visitors, couples, and mixed groups. Learn basic steps, turns, and rhythm while hearing about Brazilian samba culture. Daytime classes may include carnival costumes, flags, photos, and videos.

“The dance lesson with Carla was amazing! She is a great teacher and you will learn the "real" Samba (not the one you get teached at home in dancing schools). She makes videos and photos during dancing and afterwards with flags and a Samba costume and will share it right after the lessons. Highly recommended!”

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6.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

Meet Surf Matrix at the yellow tent on Praia do Arpoador for a one-hour surf lesson in Ipanema. Your instructor covers ocean safety, board position, paddling, and standing up on the sand before moving into the water. Classes are limited to six people and taught in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Rafael may be your instructor.

“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”

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7.Capoeira Class at Mestre Bimba’s 1st Ever School.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 1 hour · from $43

At Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba, Yasmin guides complete beginners through basic attacks, defenses, and flowing movements in English or Portuguese. This one-hour class introduces capoeira as martial art, dance, music, and Afro-Brazilian cultural practice. Meet at the school in Largo do Terreiro de Jesus. Bring comfortable clothes and expect a workout.

“Would 100% recommend, they were welcoming and super patient and explained some of the history of Capoeira before jumping into the class. An experience we won’t forget!”

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8.Surf lessons with local instructors in Copacabana/ipanema!

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $10Best value

Meet local surf instructors in Copacabana or Ipanema for a one-hour lesson in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. You’ll stretch on the sand, learn to stand, practice sea safety, and paddle toward suitable waves with a group or private class. Equipment is supplied, while the required 200-real lesson fee is paid at the meeting point.

“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”

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9.Surf Lesson with Qualified Instructor in Florianópolis

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Meet Sea Wolf Surf School at Barra da Lagoa, where your instructor supplies a board and wetsuit, explains surf safety, and coaches you through your first waves. The 90-minute lesson includes stretching, land practice, about an hour in the water, and help for both beginners and more experienced surfers. The group can include up to 20 people.

“Such a fun experience I can highly recommend it! The teacher was very attentive and made sure that I got the most out of the lesson. I definitely want to go again when I’m back in town!”

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10.Surfing Lesson with Sea Wolf

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 30 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Meet at Sea Wolf Surf Hostel in Barra da Lagoa for a 90-minute surf lesson in Portuguese, Spanish, or English. Your instructor provides the board and wetsuit, teaches at your level, and keeps the group to five people. Beginners get patient coaching, while returning surfers can work on technique. Bring sunscreen and arrange your own transport.

“Super cours pour débuter à pratiquer le surf. Un prof super patient et qui prend le temps avec chaque élèves d’expliquer les choses à corriger ! Je recommande vivement”

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11.Rio Experience: Caipirinha Workshop (2 Caipis) + Funk Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 22 reviews · 1h 30m · from $12

Start at Pura Vida Hostel near Rua Sá Ferreira in Copacabana. A multilingual host leads you through two caipirinhas, then a professional Portuguese, Spanish, and English-speaking teacher guides a one-hour funk class. The social evening suits adults who want music, dancing, and an easy way to meet people before an optional trip to Lapa.

“Amazing! We loved making the caipi's, and the funk class was LEGIT!!! Note the hostel is at the base of a favela (we weren't aware), but it added to the excitement & thrill.”

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12.Carnaval Backstage Tour and Samba Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 14 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Visit a Rio samba school with a multilingual guide, see how parade costumes are made, try one on for photos, sip a welcome caipirinha, and take a short samba class. Hotel pickup and return cover most central neighborhoods. Guide Lucas has earned special praise for his clear, engaging tour style.

“Great tour of one of the samba schools in Samba City, the pace of the tour was excellent and you got a very nice mix of history, background and personal immersion into the world of samba. Our tour guide Lucas was outstanding!”

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13.CAPOEIRA CLASS – CULTURAL

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 13 reviews · 1h 30m · from $17

Meet at Hostel Nomads for a 90-minute capoeira class led in Portuguese by a master instructor. You will warm up, learn basic kicks, spins, and acrobatics, then explore capoeira music, instruments, songs, and its roots in resistance and community. The group is limited to eight people.

“The capoeira class I took part in was intensive and fun. In 90 minutes I have learned a lot the basics and got really hooked on capoeira! We were also able to play the instruments and learn songs. The teacher was lovely and professional. I’d definitely recommend this course!”

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14.3-Hour Percussion Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 3 hours · from $90

Spend up to three hours with hotel transport and a small group of six or fewer, learning samba, samba-reggae, and other Afro-Brazilian rhythms from percussionist maestro Macambira. A guide can translate between English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Expect hands-on drumming, several instruments, and a class that may last about 1.5 to 1.75 hours after transport.

“I really enjoyed this experience and the people were lovely. I will cherish the memory of the amazing sounds we made together - it's a great thing to experience in Salvador. I've taken a star off however as was 100% overpriced - it was only 1 hour 45 m in total and we didn't try many instruments + the beats stayed very simple. If money isn't an issue though I would definitely recommend.”

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15.Traditional Drumming and Percussion Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 1 hour · from $43

At Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba in Pelourinho, you’ll learn Afro-Brazilian rhythms and percussion techniques in a one-hour class for up to 10 people. No musical experience is needed. Instructors teach in Portuguese and English, with Yasmin praised for patient, thoughtful guidance.

“C’était une superbe découverte ! Notre professeur prenait le temps de nous remontrer les bons gestes et postures à adopter pour réussir à faire les percussions. De plus, on a pu voir différente manière d’en faire et différents rythmes. Une heure est largement suffisante!”

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