The 15 Best Workshops & Classes in Brazil

1.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

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

Learn samba with an experienced Carnival performer in Ipanema during this lively one-hour beginner class with costumes, photos, and videos.

“We had a great experience: the class was very dynamic, interactive and fun. It’s a fantastic way to practice English while meeting people and feeling truly engaged. I would definitely recommend Carla’s class to travelers who want to learn in a lively and friendly atmosphere. We will absolutely do it again on our next trip to Rio!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Samba Class in Copacabana

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

Learn samba in Copacabana with a friendly bilingual instructor, beginner-friendly steps, Brazilian culture, and nightlife tips for $25.

“It was fun. very beginners friendly. The only thing I did not like was that there were too any people in the studio so it was difficult to fully engage with the activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

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

Learn samba in Rio with a bilingual instructor, then join a live music night at Pedra do Sal or Rio Scenarium.

“Bruno was a fantastic teacher and guide. The street party was a fabulous experience and something we would never have attempted (or even known about) on our own.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Caipirinha Workshop and Samba Class

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

Learn to make two caipirinhas, take a samba class, and meet people at Pura Vida Hostel in Copacabana for $12.

“We enjoyed the Samba class with Bruno. It was very relaxed and way more fun than we imagined. Sadly, we did not stay for the Caipirpirinha workshop. This was because in the information given, the start time of the event was stated as 7.15pm. However, the Samba didn't start until 8pm. We had to leave just as the Caipirpirinha workshop was starting. This was very disappointing especially as we had enjoyed the Samba class and the venue so much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Samba Class in Copacabana

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

Learn what to expect from Rio’s one-hour Copacabana samba class, including price, instructors, group size, costumes, access, and practical tips.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

Learn to surf at Rio’s Arpoador Beach with a small group, bilingual guidance, included equipment, and flexible weather policies.

“simply an amazing experience with Rafael. he was kind and so helpful, it took me quite a few time to get up but he was always thoughtful with his advice and was very knowledgeable. strongly recommend this to anyone”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Learn beginner capoeira at Mestre Bimba’s first school in Salvador, with cultural history, English instruction, and a lively one-hour class.

“Yasmine was an amazing instructor! Capoeira has become my best martial art!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Learn to surf in Rio with local instructors in Copacabana or Ipanema, using provided equipment, beach practice, and guided ocean time.

“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?”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Surf Lesson with Qualified Instructor in Florianópolis

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

Learn what to expect from a 90-minute surf lesson at Barra da Lagoa in Florianópolis, with gear, safety training, coaching, and practical booking tips.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Surfing Lesson with Sea Wolf

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

Learn what to expect from a 90-minute Sea Wolf surf lesson in Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, including price, gear, safety, and value.

“Reservei e não houve atividade, cheguei ao local, procurei pela rua indicada na descrição e como não encontrei nada/ninguém procurei pela praia, e também não havia ninguém, ao entrar em contato me responderam vários minutos depois dizendo que “Aparentemente, o que aconteceu foi o seguinte... a reserva foi feita por volta do horário de início da aula, pode ser? então nesse caso não entrou no sistema.” Sendo que minha reserva foi feita no dia 20/05, e a atividade seria no dia 04/06, não consegui fazer a atividade e muito menos o reembolso!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Learn two caipirinhas, dance Brazilian funk, and meet locals at Pura Vida Hostel before a Friday night in 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Carnaval Backstage Tour and Samba Class

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

Tour a Rio samba school, try carnival costumes, sip a caipirinha, and learn samba with hotel transfers included.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.CAPOEIRA CLASS – CULTURAL

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

Learn capoeira in Salvador with a Portuguese-speaking master, music, movement, and a lively 90-minute class for $17.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.3-Hour Percussion Class

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

Learn Bahia’s samba reggae and Afro-Brazilian rhythms in a small Salvador percussion class with hotel pickup and local musicians.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Traditional Drumming and Percussion Workshop

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

Learn Afro-Brazilian drumming in Salvador at Mestre Bimba’s first school, with hands-on instruction, cultural context, and a small group.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review