Forty days before Easter, there is an explosion of colour, dance, music and parties in Rio de Janeiro. Renowned the world over, Rio Carnival is a five-day extravaganza which epitomises Brazil's vibrant, fun-loving culture and makes for a truly unforgettable experience. The main event sees 12 samba schools parade through the Sambodromo in dazzling outfits alongside lavishly decorated floats in a bid to be crowned champions of Carnival. Ben Line of Journey Latin America says, 'I was blown away by Rio's Carnival which has justly earned the reputation as the greatest party on earth! The atmosphere throughout the city was so positive, with everyone (young and old) having such fun and joining in the wild celebrations with impromptu parades and street parties popping up throughout the city'.

Journey Latin America's 9-day Rio Carnival holiday stays in lively Copacabana allowing you plenty of time to see the iconic sights such as Sugar Loaf mountain, Ipanema beach and the botanical gardens whilst catching the many free street parties in your own time. The trip also includes tickets to the world-famous carnival parade on Sunday 26th February. To wind down after your time partying in Rio, you'll spend three nights at the chic beach resort of Búzios where you can enjoy the high-end boutiques and smart restaurants, take boat trips to the islands, go snorkelling or simply lay out in the sun on the white-sand beaches.