Caminhos Language Centre

Learn Portuguese in Rio – Study, Explore, Connect

At Caminhos Language Centre in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, you’ll learn Portuguese in a fun, immersive, and supportive environment. Our school has 20 classrooms just a few blocks from Ipanema Beach. Every day, we organize social and cultural activities to help you connect with others and practise your Portuguese in real-life situations. Our experienced local teachers focus on communication and will help you gain confidence from day one. What sets us apart? A portion of our profits supports the local NGO Mais Caminhos, which provides educational opportunities for underprivileged children. So while you study and explore Brazil, you’re also helping make a difference.

  • School size: Small
  • Age Group: Adults (18+)
  • Levels: All levels welcome, including those with no prior knowledge
  • Accommodations: Homestay, Residence

Highlights

  • Market leader in Portuguese teaching with clear level differentiation and top-quality Brazilian teachers
  • Top location in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro — just a few minutes from the famous Ipanema Beach
  • Daily activity programme with excursions, workshops, and events to practise Portuguese beyond the classroom
  • Meet people from around the world while supporting local kids through our educational social project

Programmes Offered

At Caminhos Language Centre, we offer a variety of Portuguese language programmes tailored to suit different learning needs and goals.

Intensive Portuguese Course

Our most popular course is the Intensive Portuguese Course, with 20 hours of group lessons per week (Monday to Friday, 9:00–13:00). This dynamic course focuses on communication and everyday language, making it ideal for those who want to learn quickly and effectively.

Private Portuguese Lessons

Students can enhance their learning by adding Private Portuguese Lessons in the afternoon (Combo 25), or by joining our Conversation Class (7.5 hours per week) to practise fluency in a relaxed setting.

Cultural Modules

We also offer unique cultural modules such as Samba, Capoeira, and Surf classes, allowing students to combine language learning with authentic Brazilian experiences.

One-to-One Private Lessons

For those seeking personalized instruction, we provide One-to-One Private Lessons, which are fully flexible and tailored to each student's pace and interests.

Exam Preparation

We also offer exam preparation for the Celpe-Bras, the official Portuguese proficiency exam.

Online Classes

Can’t come to Rio? No problem. We have Online Classes available for both private students and groups, ensuring high-quality Portuguese education wherever you are.

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Caminhos offers comfortable and convenient accommodation options within walking distance of the school in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.

Homestay
Our most popular option is the homestay experience, where students live with a local Brazilian family. It’s a great way to practise your Portuguese daily and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.

Residence 
We also offer private apartments for students who prefer more independence, while still being close to the school, the beach, and local amenities.
Both options are carefully selected and regularly monitored to ensure a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment during your stay in Rio.

  • Homestay
  • Residence

Caminhos is located in Ipanema, a safe and lively neighborhood just minutes from the beach, filled with cafés, shops, and local life. Rio de Janeiro is a city like no other famous for its breathtaking nature, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. From samba clubs to rainforest hikes, Rio offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and beauty, making it the perfect place to learn Portuguese and experience Brazil.

Exams

At Caminhos Language Centre, we offer exam preparation for the Celpe-Bras, the official Brazilian Portuguese proficiency exam recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education. Our private Celpe-Bras preparation classes focus on the specific skills needed to succeed: listening, reading, writing, and oral communication. We use official past exams and practical exercises to build confidence and familiarity with the format. Students receive personalized feedback, study materials, and tips to improve their performance. Whether you’re aiming for academic, professional, or personal certification, we’ll support you every step of the way. Preparation is available both in person and online, allowing you to train flexibly from anywhere.

More Features

Caminhos is more than just a language school, it’s a vibrant international community. Each year, we welcome students from over 50 countries, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Many students describe their time at Caminhos as a life-changing experience. From making lifelong friends to discovering Brazilian culture in depth, the school offers more than just language skills. Our commitment to social impact also sets us apart. Through our NGO, Mais Caminhos, students have the chance to give back and connect with the local community in meaningful ways. With our mix of high-quality education, social purpose, and unforgettable experiences, Caminhos truly offers a unique journey in Brazil.

Testimonials

I first came here to learn Portuguese, then I found out that this school had so much more to offer! This school is like a big family where everyone is accepted no matter what level of Portuguese they have.

Alexandre France

The course taught very practical information for day-to-day living. The teachers are very well trained and make the learning environment fun and relatable. The hours pass quickly and you soon realise that you are speaking fluent Portuguese.

Lauren USA

The school is fantastic. The course is very hands-on in theory and practical, and the teachers are very helpful and knowledgeable. The class environment is so much fun. Even when you have stressful moments it’s hard not to smile and have fun.

Stewart Australia

The course is full of debates and discussions which I like because it allows me to practise my grammar and vocabulary. My teacher is very friendly and teaches us a lot about Brazilian culture.

Zeno Switzerland

My classes with Karen (minha professora) have surprised me in a great way and I have learned so much more than I expected. She teaches us grammar and vocabulary in a way which is never boring.

Lucienne The Netherlands

The classes are structured and the teachers are really good. I really love the ambiance of the school – everyone hangs around in the student lounge socialising and you can meet a lot of people from different countries!

Hiroshi Japan

I am very happy to be part of the Caminhos family! It’s been almost two weeks since I joined Portuguese classes and I’m really enjoying them. My teacher Jocilene is engaging us in conversation and sharing very interesting and useful information about places, events and habits of Cariocas.

Viktoryia Belarus

My experience at Caminhos was incredible. The classes were always very dynamic and entertaining, with excellent teachers and engaging extracurricular activities. I highly recommend it!

Camila Colombia

I am having an awesome time here at Caminhos. The teachers and staff are all very helpful and there is always something to do in the afternoon and evening with all of the after-school activities. They also have some amazing programmes outside of the school like Mais Caminhos (social projects), which helps to educate local Brazilian children and teenagers. Caminhos is more than just a language school, it is a community and a school with a heart!

Troy USA
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