Many think Rio de Janeiro only has an elaborate Samba school parade every year that features half-naked women.

The Samba parade is only 20% of Rio’s Carnival and 99% of the thousands that parade are dressed in elaborate costumes.

There’s the Sambodromo Samba Parade, Street Carnival, Bate Bola, Carnival parties, and a local neighborhood carnival that attracts more people than the one broadcasted on television.

While visiting, she spent $650, which included entry into the Samba Parade, a boat cruise, two nice dinners, transportation, drinks, and free Carnival partying.

Rio’s Samba Parade is my favorite part of Carnival because they represent Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian heritage.