January & February 2027

Rio de
Janeiro

with Jorge Alabê

Experience samba, Candomblé, and Carnaval with world-class percussionist Jorge Alabê and friends. Small group trips with an inside connection and expert guidance to the cidade maravilhosa.

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Join world-class percussionist Jorge Alabê for an intimate journey through Rio de Janeiro.

Visit legendary samba schools during pre-Carnaval rehearsals, experience the sacred rhythms of Candomblé at Jorge's own terreiro, explore the vibrant nightlife of Lapa, and immerse yourself in the culture of one of the world's most extraordinary cities.

Small groups of 4–10 people · Two trips available

The Trips

January 2027

Samba & Candomblé Immersion

Jan 14–23 $2,000

Depart US Wed Jan 13 · Return Sun Jan 24

Immerse yourself in the musical soul of Rio de Janeiro. Visit legendary samba schools — Salgueiro, Mangueira, Vila Isabel — during their vibrant rehearsal season. Experience the sacred traditions of Candomblé at Jorge's own house, Ilê Axé Omorodé. Explore the nightlife of Lapa and the beauty of Copacabana.

Register by December 2026

I'm interested
February 2027 — Carnaval

Carnaval Experience

Dates coming soon TBD

All the immersive experiences of the January trip, plus the full Carnaval. Feel the energy of Rio at its most electric — watch the spectacular parades at the Sambódromo and experience the celebration that makes Rio famous around the world. Option to parade with Em Cima da Hora samba school.

Dates and price to be announced — get in touch to be the first to know

I'm interested

What's Included

Included in the trip price

  • Shared housing in Copacabana — short walk to the beach
  • Airport transportation on arrival and departure
  • Transportation to all scheduled group activities
  • Visits to rehearsals of top samba schools with Jorge
  • Special visit to Jorge's Candomblé house, Ilê Axé Omorodé
  • One Orixá dance class
  • Night out in Lapa
  • Group activities and excursions

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Rio de Janeiro
  • Meals
  • Parade tickets (Sambódromo)
  • Entry fees to samba school rehearsals and tourist sites
  • Passport and visa fees

Optional add-ons

  • Private or group drum classes with Jorge
  • Additional Orixá dance classes
  • Samba percussion classes
  • Parade with Em Cima da Hora (costume separate)
Jorge Alabê playing percussion

Your Host

Jorge Alabê

Jorge Alabê comes from the rich musical culture of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The title Alabê means master of the drums, songs, and dance within the practice of Candomblé.

He was initiated by Iya Nitinha de Oxum, from Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká (known as Casa Branca), Salvador, Bahia. Jorge is an authority in Candomblé from his lifetime of experience and teaching in Brazil and the U.S.

He is also a recognized master of samba percussion, with long experience with samba schools in Brazil and the illustrious performing company Oba Oba, as well as his years of playing and teaching in the U.S.

Join Us in Rio

Fill out this form to express your interest, and we'll reach out with more information about how to register. Or contact us directly anytime.

Which trip interests you?

Thank you! We've received your interest and will be in touch soon with details about how to register.

Or reach us directly:

Deborah Cogan
dlcogan@sonic.net