Caminhos Language Centre is the most vibrant Portuguese school in Rio de Janeiro, located in our own building with 20 classrooms in the heart of Ipanema. Portuguese Classes with over 25 experienced Brazilian teachers, multilingual staff, and students from around the world, we create a lively atmosphere where language learning, cultural discovery, friendship, and social impact all come together.
All our courses follow Caminhos’ own curriculum with textbooks and materials created by our teacher team. We focus on speaking and use a communicative approach, encouraging students to use Portuguese from day one. Caminhos is the only Portuguese school in Brazil with international recognition (IALC, CSN, Bildungsurlaub) and offers 12group levels year-round, ensuring quality learning for every student.
Beyond the classroom, we organize free activities such as beach volleyball, samba, capoeira, and our famous Shitty Tours. Since 2009, our own social project Mais Caminhos, has supported underprivileged children in Rio, offering education and opportunities with the help of international volunteers.
Brazilian Portuguese Classes
Group Courses, Private Classes, Qualified Teachers, Structured Levels.
If you’re thinking about taking Portuguese classes in Brazil, here are ten strong reasons why Caminhos in Rio de Janeiro is the right choice for you. From our international accreditation to our free daily activities and unique community spirit, you’ll quickly see why so many students recommend Caminhos as the best place to learn Portuguese in Brazil.
Brazil’s N°1 Portuguese School – Leading and Largest
The Only Accredited Portuguese School in Brazil
Native Teachers & Effective Learning
Free Daily Activities in Rio de Janeiro
A Welcoming Community – Make Friends Easily
Founded to Support Children – And Still Going Strong
Speaking First – 12 Levels, Our Own Curriculum & Books
Top Location – In Beautiful Ipanema
Complete Support: Homestay, Transfers, Volunteering & More
Unique Vibe & Unforgettable Experiences
When you join Caminhos, you’re stepping into Brazil’s most recognized Portuguese school. Since 2009, thousands of students have chosen us for our mix of high-quality Portuguese classes and meaningful social impact. In our Ipanema building, you’ll study in one of 20 modern classrooms with fellow learners from all over the world.
Thanks to our size, you’ll always find the right level – with 12 Portuguese class levels running each week. With dedicated native teachers, supportive staff, and one-of-a-kind activities such as the Shitty Tour or Caipi-Sexta, your time here feels like a full Rio experience rather than just Portuguese classes.
When you’re looking for Portuguese classes in Rio de Janeiro, you want to be sure of quality and recognition. Caminhos is the only accredited Portuguese school in Brazil, part of IALC (International Association of Language Centres). That means your course meets global standards, whether you need it for university, work, or personal growth.
Our programs are also approved for Bildungsurlaub in Germany, recognized by CSN in Sweden, and accepted by American universities through FLAS fellowships. And if you’d like to hear from other students, feel free to check our reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, where hundreds of learners share their experiences at Caminhos.
From your first day, you’ll be speaking Portuguese with native Brazilian teachers who know how to make lessons practical and enjoyable. Our communicative approach focuses on using the language, not just studying grammar. Each level follows a clearcurriculumaligned with CEFR, so you can track your progress and feel confident about your achievements.
Since our own team creates our materials, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with Brazilian culture and Rio life during class. With 12 levels available every week, you’ll always find a group that fits your skills.
After your Portuguese classes, you can dive straight into Rio with our free daily activities. Imagine practising your Portuguese while hiking to a viewpoint, playing football on the beach, joining a samba class, or exploring a museum.
These activities are designed for you to learn naturally, make new friends, and enjoy the city at the same time. From Caipi-Sexta to Pizza Night, you’ll never run out of ways to connect with people and experience Rio beyond the classroom.
Arriving alone in a new country can feel daunting, but at Caminhos you’ll feel part of a community from day one. Our students come from all over the world, and the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to connect. Through classes, shared meals, or activities, you’ll quickly build friendships that last far beyond your time in Rio.
The Mais Caminhos program also brings local children and volunteers into our school, so you’ll be part of something bigger than just a language course.
By choosing Caminhos, you’re joining a school with a mission. What started in 2009 as support for the Casa do Caminho children’s home has grown into a vibrant project that still invests in local youth today. Through Mais Caminhos, your tuition helps provide tutoring, language lessons, and safe spaces for children and teenagers in Rio.
You’ll even have the chance to get involved yourself, if you wish. That way, your Portuguese classes contribute not just to your own learning, but also to the future of others.
You’ll notice right away that Caminhos focuses on speaking. Each course is designed to help you use Portuguese in real situations – from ordering food to chatting with locals. With 12 group levels and new cycles starting every two weeks, you’ll always move forward at a steady pace.
Our teachers have written their own textbooks, blending grammar with Brazilian culture, so you never feel stuck in dry theory. Classes often step outside the school too, so you can practise Portuguese in everyday Rio life.
Imagine studying Portuguese in one of Rio’s most famous neighborhoods. Caminhos is located in Ipanema, just five minutes from the beach and surrounded by cafés, bars, and shops. Our colorful school building has 20 classrooms and is open all day, so you can enjoy flexible learning.
With buses and the metro around the corner, getting here is simple. Between classes, you can walk to the beach, grab a fresh juice, or explore Rio’s vibrant lifestyle – making your learning experience unforgettable.
From the moment you land in Rio, we make things easier. Our trusted driver can pick you up at the airport, and if you prefer a homestay, we’ll connect you with one of our long-term partner families for an authentic experience.
Need a SIM card, travel tips, or activity ideas? Our staff is always ready to help. Beyond classes, you can explore volunteering projects, visit our EcoFarm in Nova Friburgo, or join Caminhos Bikes & Tours to see Rio from a different angle.
At Caminhos, your experience is more than just Portuguese classes. The atmosphere is lively, welcoming, and a little different from anywhere else. Our building is filled with street art, our activities bring people together, and our community mixes international students with locals.
You might find yourself watching the sunrise from Vidigal, joining a samba rehearsal, or playing volleyball on the beach with friends from around the world. When you study here, you don’t just learn Portuguese – you live it, share it, and take those memories with you forever.
Caminhos for a solo trip
Caminhos is the best language school I’ve been to! I solo travelled to Rio in September and took lessons for two weeks in the Latin speakers group. The teachers were lovely and the classes were structured, the receptionists were so sweet and really helpful, and you meet some amazing people! I 100% recommend it, and make sure you do the activities they host daily (especially volleyball)!
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Nicolas P
Amazing Experience at Caminhos Learning Center
My experience at Caminhos Learning Center was truly unforgettable. The teachers are not only excellent at what they do, but they also make every class engaging, fun, and approachable. I felt supported from day one, and I noticed real progress in my Portuguese while actually enjoying the process.What makes Caminhos special is the atmosphere and community. The school brings together people from all over the world, and the activities they organize, from cultural events to group outings and social gatherings, create the perfect balance between learning and experiencing Rio. It is a great way to not only improve your language skills but also connect with amazing people and discover the city in a deeper way.Caminhos is so much more than a language school. It is a place where you can learn, immerse yourself in Brazilian culture, and make lifelong friends. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to study Portuguese in Brazil.
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Winni Wang
All the beauty of Rio is melted into the caminhos school! Professional, warm, friendly and memorable!
Absolutely five out of five!The teachers at Caminhos School are experienced in teaching, the curriculum is well structured and the homemade textbooks are rich. I have been studying Portuguese here for two months and have the intention of settling in Rio and working in the future. The experience at this school has greatly increased my confidence!Plus, eye-catching cultural activities (festa junina and cultura das regiões), almost daily extracurricular practice, professional guides and teachers, safe play, and a great experience practicing spoken language and enjoying the beauty of Rio with your classmates from all over the world!Thank you to every teacher and staff member at Caminhos School for your patience, professionalism and enthusiasm, which made this learning experience one of the best of my life!
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Edouard B
A very rewarding experience!
A very rewarding experience or not only are you taught to speak Portuguese but the teachers and activities allow you to immerse yourself in the Carioca culture and life. A memorable experience!
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Simone M
À wonderful learning experience
The experience with Caminhos was fantastic. The staff is competent, friendly and always available. The program of the school is a lot of fun. The extra activity allow to meet new people and explore the city with many interesting activity. The accommodation provided it was great for what I needed.Thanks a lot for the wonderful experience.Highly recommended!
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Kefli M
Muito obrigado // best language school // lo mejores de bresil
Excellent center for study . Very good teachers ( special thanks to Damian my teacher ) . All the staff was perfect and very helpful . Being there was very important to understand the brazilian culture . A lot of activity and excursion . Merci infinement pour votre service . Meilleurs Salutations . Bonne Année 2025 . شكرا جزيلا على كل الخدمات و الاستقبال الراقي . . اتمنى لكم كل التوفيق .سنة سعيدة ٢٠٢٥ Thank you so much for everythings . Wish you the best and happy new years 2025. Gracias de corazon para todo el staff de escuela caminhos . Feliz año nuevo 2025 Obrigado do fundo do coração a todos os funcionários da Escola Caminhos. Desejo-lhes um feliz ano novo de 2025.Ich danke allen Mitarbeitern der Caminhos-Schule von ganzem Herzen und wünsche Ihnen ein frohes neues Jahr 2025.
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Petra U
This place became my home
Joining the language course here was easily the best decision I could have made. The staff and teachers were so helpful and more than qualified for the job. The course pacing was perfect, and the activities provided really helped me get to know Rio de Janeiro on a much more local level. After 3 months here, the people became my family.
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Laura C
Best Portuguese School in Rio!!
I loved my experience at this school. The teachers are great and they teach us so much about Brazilian culture.
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Tony K
Want to learn Portuguese? Choose Caminhos!
Caminhos offers a variety of courses for learning Portuguese, practically tailored to every possible need. Group classes, individual lessons, all levels. The teachers are all competent, enthusiastic; they and other staff are ready to help you in every way. The results are remarkable: Even after only one week of combined group and 1:1 lessons I could tell how my Portuguese improved - or rather skyrocketed. If you're new to the city and don't know anyone, don't be afraid: Caminhos offers loads of activities on every day of the week. With those you will not only meet new people (and quickly grow your own community away from home) but also learn about Rio, Brasil, Brasilians, their culture, and so on. All in all: an incredible experience! Five stars.
EXCELLENT
Based on 158 reviews
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solarius _
my experience at Caminhos was unique. Administration and teachers staff are very friendly and competent. A special mention is for David, he is a professional organizer of different events/activities which help to practice the language, to get to know other students as well as to get to know the brazilian culture much better.
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Mathias
Definitely the best language school in Rio! I only went there two weeks but I learned so much and I improved a lot. The classes are super interactive and you are forced to apply your knowledge day by day. The whole stuff is so enthusiastic and also the program around the classes is various and extraordinary. Keep on working like this guys it was a real pleasure!
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Gabrielle Ware Mourao
I loved the 5 weeks I spent learning Portuguese at Caminhos! All of the teachers and the staff were fantastic. The group classes (4hr/day) offered the perfect mix of structure and fun in order to improve your Portuguese quickly. The school uses their own books and materials (included with the group classes) but the teachers still tailor the classes to the needs and interests of their groups.
With the ongoing pandemic, Caminhos is taking steps to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Everyone wears masks at all times and group classes have fewer students (anywhere from 2-6) than usual.
There are still plenty of outdoor afterschool activities - they were fun and a great way to get to know Rio.
I hope to return to Caminhos soon!
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Phoebe Gill
This is a great wee Portuguese language school, I would really highly recommend it to anybody wanted to come learn Portuguese in Brazil. Super well structured, high quality teachers and a lot of extra events in the afternoons (free samba classes, free capoeira, football games, walking tours etc). There are a big range of students here from all over the world, ranging in age from probably about 20 to 60, from people travelling who want to improve their portuguese, to people wanting it for their careers. They even have an intensive class for people who already speak Spanish. Don't consider anywhere else in Brazil, Caminhos is perfect.
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Vivian Horvath
The school: The school encourages learning the language very fast by pushing students to speak as much as possible & constantly evaluating whether people are in the right level class, etc. Overall it was a fantastic method & I was able to learn conversational Portuguese in around 3 months! Also there are many free & fun activities which are an excellent way to integrate in the community (beach volleyball, volunteering, city tours, movie nights, etc)
The people: The people who work in the school are awesome, very friendly and helpful. The professors are excellent.
The location: Centrally located in Ipanema & near to Lagoa, near the beach and in the most touristic part of Rio.
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Marine i.
Excellent place to learn! Teachers are very competent as well as friendly, the staff is warm and helpful, and there are many extra activities to discover Rio and Brazilian culture.
I followed a three weeks group class without any prior knowledge of Portuguese, I left more than able to hold a conversation and manage everyday small talks.
As a bonus, your fellow students are as many potential friends from all over the world!
Interesting option: the Homestay Program. The school operates a network of families offering a room to rent for a few days to a few months. I lived three weeks with awesome Brazilian flatmates in Copacabana, during the World Cup!
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Jan Bijen
I had a wonderful experience. My son and grandchild moved to Brazil and I wanted to learn portuguese. I ended up doing a course at the Casa do Caminho Language Centre. What a wonderful school. Friendly people and what I enjoyed most was the free beach volley after classes. And my money was also well spend. Besides the high quality classes do the profits go to unprivileged kids. They have great projects for kids. The concept is just right.
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Micah Lyn
I´m a licensed teacher in the U.S. and I´ve been teaching and living abroad for the last 5 years. I think that it´s excellent that all the teachers here are native Portuguese speakers and speak almost exclusively Portuguese in the classroom, even in the basic levels. It´s the fastest way to learn a new language. All the teachers that I have met are very friendly, energetic and dedicated to helping their students learn Portuguese quickly and fall in love with Rio! There are daily activities to help students integrate and get to know the city and the community here. And, on top of everything, the center supports at-risk children and youth in a neighboring community! That makes me feel really good about being a part of Casa do Caminho Language Centre. :)
Intensive Portuguese
20 hours of intensive Portuguese language classes per week
Part of your fee helps empower children and young adults from the communities of Rio de Janeiro. Mais Caminhos is our social project, allowing motivated, underprivileged Brazilian kids to make their dreams come true.
We offer short and long-term volunteer opportunities. Children come to the school from nearby ‘favelas’ to learn and have fun.