The 15 Best Workshops & Classes in Brazil

1.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

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

Spend one lively hour learning beginner samba at Samba Fit in Ipanema with Carla, Ranaa, or Gaby, instructors who have performed with major samba schools. Expect clear step-by-step teaching, music, a small group of up to 10, Carnival costumes for photos, and class images and videos afterward.

“Gaby was such an incredible teacher who was patient, entertaining and lovely to meet. It was such a fun experience right before Carnival with amazing music and fun dance routines. I highly recommend to book this experience and have Gaby showcase a snippet of Brazilian culture.”

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2.Samba Class in Copacabana

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

Spend one hour learning basic samba in Copacabana with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking instructor. Teachers such as Marco, Mauricio, Bruno, and Thiago bring patient guidance, music, and plenty of energy. Expect a beginner-friendly class, international company, and possible carnival-style photos.

“The teacher was great, but there was too many of us in a small space. Didn't learn as much as I hoped.”

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3.Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

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

Spend four hours learning samba with an English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking instructor, then head to a local samba venue. Marco, Bruno, and other instructors lead the class and stay with you for three hours of live music and dancing. Monday includes an Ipanema class and street party; Wednesday to Saturday uses Copacabana and a samba club.

“We had a really nice evening with Bruno! First we had a samba class for a about 1 hour, where he showed us major moves and poses of samba, then we went to a samba club with live band playing. We had a table right next to the band. We danced samba there. Everything and the whole evening were perfect!”

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4.Caipirinha Workshop and Samba Class

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

At Pura Vida Hostel in Copacabana, learn the basics of Brazil’s famous caipirinha, drink two of your own creations, then join a one-hour samba class with teachers such as Camilo, Nati, or Bruno. Finish with a Gabriela cachaça shot and optional nightlife plans.

“We loved this night! Thanks to Pietro, we discovered really cool places in Lapa and how to make a great caipirinha. I totally recommend the tour in case you are looking for a way to meet people and go out at night in Rio feeling safe!”

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5.Samba Class in Copacabana

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

Meet your guide at Rio Samba Dancer’s studio on Copacabana’s main avenue for a one-hour samba lesson. No partner or dance experience is needed. Instructors such as Marcos, Carla, Bem Vind, and Carmen teach basic steps, explain samba culture, and may add costume photos during daytime classes.

“Very fun! A very Welcoming lesson, and great way to start my trip in Brazil! No prior dance experience needed and tailored to all levels.”

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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 Arpoador Beach for a one-hour lesson in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. You’ll learn board position, paddling, standing up, and ocean safety on the sand before practicing in the water with a class tailored to your level.

“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

Join Yasmin for a one-hour beginner capoeira class at Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba, founded in 1937. You will learn basic attacks, defenses, and flow movements while exploring capoeira’s Afro-Brazilian roots. English and Portuguese instruction, bottled water, and no prior training required.

“I feel this is a very uniquely Salvador experience and felt more connected to the area by attending this lesson. I definitely recommend it to anyone (regardless of fitness) who want to learn something more hands-on about Salvador. Just don't forget to bring a water bottle, wear comfortable/sport clothes, and expect to sweat... a lot!”

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

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

Meet a local surf instructor in Copacabana or Ipanema for a one-hour lesson covering warm-ups, standing on the board, sea safety, and riding waves. Group and private classes are available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Equipment is provided, but confirm the meeting details and bring 200 reais per person.

“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 your qualified instructor at R. Amaro Coelho in Barra da Lagoa, collect a board and wetsuit, learn surf theory and safety, then spend about an hour practicing waves at Barra da Lagoa Beach. The class suits beginners and offers tips for more experienced surfers.

“It was a great trip. The teacher was extremely nice and competent. He thought us everything from the ground up and made it a fun experience to be a part of. We actually surfed a few waves within ten to twenty minutes. Also, something positive to note, I, as a heavier man (105kg on 185cm) was easily incorporated. They had a wetsuit in my size as well as a fitting board. So don't be discouraged by that, this class was for everyone in my experience.”

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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 beginner-friendly surf lesson. Your English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking instructor supplies the board and wetsuit, teaches safety and technique, and keeps the group to five people.

“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 in Copacabana with a caipirinha lesson and two drinks, then learn Rio funk for an hour with a Portuguese, Spanish and English-speaking teacher. The class begins around 9:00 to 9:30 pm. Afterward, you can buy a cheaper club ticket at reception and share an Uber to Lapa.

“Super fun event, especially as a solo traveler. The caipirinhas I learned to make were sweet, but a bit strong, the people in the hostel were super friendly, and the dance class was hella fun. It's not step by step instructions, but give it a try. You'll probably burn off one of the caipirinhas you made by the time the hour is done.”

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12.Carnaval Backstage Tour and Samba Class

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

Visit one of Rio’s top samba schools, often in Samba City, to see costume work, learn carnival traditions, and pose in parade outfits. Your guide may include Lucas, praised for his clear pacing. A caipirinha and beginner-friendly samba lesson round out the three-hour tour.

“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 an experienced master instructor. Learn basic kicks, spins, songs, and instruments in a small group of up to eight, with water and workout tools included.

“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 three hours exploring Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian percussion traditions with maestro Macambira and a translator. You’ll handle different drums, learn samba and samba reggae rhythms, and join a small-group jam. Hotel pickup is included, though the hands-on class may last closer to 1.5 to 1.75 hours.

“très belle expérience vécu à trois générations !”

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15.Traditional Drumming and Percussion Workshop

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

Spend one hour at Mestre Bimba’s First Ever School in Pelourinho, learning Brazilian percussion and Capoeira rhythms from an instructor such as Yasmin. Expect hands-on practice with several instruments, cultural context, and a small group of up to 10 people. Portuguese and English are offered, though language availability may vary.

“I had an awesome hour of thoughtful and attentive 1:1 instruction with Yasmin about the Brazilian Capoeira percussion instruments, including drumming. Thank you Yasmin. She was informative with the rich history and cultural tradition of these wonderful instruments. She was patient and kind with her instructions when teaching me to play a variety of percussion instruments. I thought I would fail spectacularly, but surprisingly enough I was not too shabby at playing these instruments. All credit goes to her of course. I had an awesome hour of fun learning history and getting to play somewhat challenging but beautiful musical instruments. As this class is conveniently located in Pelourinho- Sal...”

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