There are usually festivities directly before and after the weekend, as well. However, its international reputation makes this the most crowded and expensive place to party on the continent. Expect to fork out at least USD for budget tickets and USD per night for a dormitory-style bed in a backpacker hostel. Tickets may be pricey, but the spectacle is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Strong African influences and all-night street parties prescribe the vibe, creating an upbeat festival where the celebrant is the star of the show.
Expect plenty of panpipes and drunken revelry to accompany the show. Barranquilla, Colombia In Colombia, the best action takes place in the seldom-visited seaside town of Barranquilla.
Here, African and Caribbean influences combine with highland folkloric traditions to create an eclectic celebration which is among the largest in the world. Colombians love a good party, so you can be sure this one will be off the hook. The festivities here are a little different in that they occur every Saturday during January, February and early March. Consequently, you can party here every weekend for months on end. Riobamba, Ecuador A little-known indigenous enclave perched in the Ecuadorian Andes, Riobamba goes from dozy to manic during its raucous Carnival parade.
Cajamarca, Peru Peru observes Carnival right throughout the country, yet nowhere gets as rowdy as Cajamarca. For a whole week, the normally sleepy colonial town puts on one heck of a show, with traditional Andean song and dance taking center stage. Then make your way to Uruguay, where the festivities last a liver-punishing 40 consecutive days.
