Sambadrome seating explained
So you are coming to the worlds greatest party, The Rio Carnival, and you are ready to get your tickets but do not quite understand all the different options. Well don’t worry we have your back and here goes. Also, if you want to buy tickets thru us, send us a message, we will get you the best deal available.
Luxury Suites or Camarotes – Most Expensive
These covered boxes located at almost all sectors at the Sambadrome have excellent views of the parade with the added bonus of first class comfort and usually all inclusive food and drink. The preferred choice of the rich and famous, the camarotes have an open bar, excellent dining, and private security all in air conditioned luxury.
Luxury Suites may not be your best Sambodromo ticket bet: because the window on the suite is not large enough to accommodate 12 people watching the show at the same time, we only suggest it for closed parties of 12, 24 or 36 people. Open Boxes might be a perfect choice if you don’t want to take turns at the big window.
Covered Boxes
Covered Box is the new ticket at the Sambadrome. It is a box with a roof on top, that holds up to 12 people with comfortable cushioned seats, in a decorated space. Located at the Row D level, the new Covered boxes offer a higher view over rows A, B and C of the Open Boxes, also known as frisas. The covered tent is a must as it makes sure no one gets wet in case of rain, which was a privilege only camarote ticket holders used to have. If getting wet is something you want to avoid, book the covered box tickets since rain showers are very common during summer in Rio de Janeiro.
The covered boxes are available only at the coveted sector 7 for now, right in the middle of the Sambadromo and in front of the jury. Basically, it’s a little camarote with the comfort and wide views of the frisas, except foods and drinks are not included and must be bought at the fast food restaurants.
Open Boxes or Frisas
The open boxes or frisas are in everybody’s opinion one of the best Sambodromo tickets in the house. Open boxes are similar to the luxury suites except they aren’t covered and of course they don’t have the first class service. Instead, they offer excellent views of the Samba Parade at a much more affordable price. Each sector has four rows with four to six chairs per row. The rows are arranged from top to bottom by the letters A, B, C and D. Row A being at the bottom, closest to the avenue.
Grandstands or Arquibancadas
Most of the sectors of the Rio Sambadrome have grandstands or Arquibancadas which are large concrete steps without any numbered seating, except for the Sector 9 which is mostly dedicated to tourists so it’s not the right place if you want to mingle with the carioca crowd. Due to its foreign presence, this sector is specifically equipped with multi-lingual local guides available to give you tips and direct you
You can choose to sit anywhere, on a first come first serve basis, high up if you want to get a full view of the entire parade or close to the front if you prefer to see all the performers, their costumes and floats up close. Arriving early and choosing your seat is a good strategy but bear in mind that once the fun starts, no one will be sitting. You too will be on your feet dancing to the irresistible beats of the drummers along with all the cariocas.
Sector 9, also known as the tourist sector, is the only one with numbered seating. But no chair is available. If you want the comfort of a chair and access to the multi-language speaking guides, book the front boxes on Sector 9 instead.
Allocated Chairs or Cadeiras Avulsas
If you prefer the comfort of having a numbered seat which no one can take from you, the Cadeiras Avulsas are the most appropriate Sambadrome ticket for you. Located on sectors 12 and 13 of the Sambadrome, these are plastic seats which don’t have the best view of the parade but are an affordable alternative to the free seating options. Definitely the best deal for a sambodromo ticket if seating is your thing.
Rio Carnival Dates 2020 & Prices
February 21st & 22nd [Friday & Saturday]
GROUP A | Amateur Groups ( Least Expensive )
February 23rd & 24th [Sunday & Monday]
SPECIAL GROUPS | Best Nights ( Most Expensive )
February 29th [Saturday]
FINAL EVENT | Champion’s Parade ( Medium Expensive )
Champion’s Parade is the following Saturday after the oficial Carnaval where the top placed (during the competition) schools do one last fun parade. Great option for you who want to come when there is less people in the city but still experience the biggest show on the planet.
