The backbone of the wild celebration known as Carnival lies in Rio’s samba schools, where dancers rehearse all year, with Olympics-level dedication, for the big performance and competition in the Sambadrome stadium. When these practices are open to the public, cariocas ─ what Rio locals call themselves ─ flock to the school courtyards to sing and dance into the wee hours of the morning.

Consider yourself one when you head from your hotel to Academicos do Salgueiro, one of the most popular of the upwards of 100 samba schools in Rio, for a vibrant showcase of Afro-Brazilian culture and music.

Enter Salgueiro to find a packed courtyard with the band in the center. If you’d like to purchase a snack or drink, mosey over to one of the food stalls around the dance floor. You’ll have access to a group table where you can sit down to eat, drink or take a break until it's time get up for more singing and dancing to traditional samba songs.

When your high-spirited night winds down, enjoy transport back to your hotel in the early morning hours.