Brazil · FAVELA TOURS
The visits worth taking are led by residents and put money back on the hill. These 12 cover Rocinha, the biggest in the country, and Santa Marta, the small one with the funicular, with prices, walking distances and what each guide actually shows you.
Explore Rio’s Rocinha favela with a local guide, learn about daily life, and see the city from a more grounded perspective.
“I want to thank our tour guide Ray She was really nice and very helpful Her English was great, all the information she gave us was really clear”
Walk Rocinha with local guides, hear real stories, visit a capoeira school, and enjoy sweeping Rio views on this respectful 3-hour tour.
“Amazing Tour! Wellington was a great Guide, perfect english and never made us feel unsave! 10/10 would recommend”
Explore Santa Marta with a local guide, visit Michael Jackson Square, hear samba, see community projects, and learn how favela life works.
“Great cultural experience. The tour didn’t feel exploitative and the history shared with us was appreciated. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a true cultural experience and want to get to know the locals and what the Favelas are about from guides. This tour is hosted by a family that gives back to their community.”
Meet Santa Marta resident guide Gilson Fumaça, see Michael Jackson’s square, enjoy Rio views, and support local education and cultural projects.
“We really enjoyed this tour, it’s the most unique and down to earth, genuine tour I’ve been on. We were amongst the locals living in the favela from the get go and had a lot of interaction with people as we made our way down through the favela. Gilson may look young but he has been running these tours for 40 years - he is an excellent guide and is well liked by everyone in the favela. We met his grandkids, other family members and he invited us into his mother’s home which is filled with clocks! Highly recommended”
Explore Rocinha with a local guide, motorcycle ride, capoeira, samba, secret viewpoints, and honest insight into Rio community life.
“The tour was astonishing. Gisele and Larissa were perfect guides, so fun but informative at the same time. It wasn’t just a boring tour but we visited a lot of cool spots and heard a lot of stories directly from guides that are local. Would recommend to anyone!”
Explore Vidigal with a local guide, ride motor taxis, hike Two Brothers, and enjoy sweeping views over Rio's famous beaches.
“Excellent job by our guide (Kako) who ensured we were going at our own pace and helped my partner in the most difficult parts. The starting point of the hike is reached by mototaxi through the favela. Kako took also nice pictures of us during the hike and also had brought a Brazilian flag to take pictures on top, which came out great.”
Explore Rio’s Rocinha and Vila Canoas with local guides, panoramic views, school projects, and a grounded look at favela life.
“I enjoyed the tour. The guide was fantastic telling us many details about the favelas and life there. It was good to visit to favelas because they are completely different. The highlight of the tour was visiting the local school. If you are in Rio I strongly recommend to join this tour.”
Explore Vidigal and hike Morro Dois Irmãos with local guide Jean-Christophe, enjoying Rio views, favela life, and the Ecological Park.
“It was an incredible tour and whole new experience for me to travel to Favéla, the amazing view and how the history of constructing Favéla left deep impression on me. I really appreciate the whole tour with Jean, who is a very nice and easy-going guide. With his professional and detailed explanation, I enjoyed the whole trip! Highly recommend to visit Favéla with Jean C!”
Hike Morro Dois Irmãos at sunrise from Vidigal, ride a motorbike taxi uphill, and see Rio from one of its finest viewpoints.
“Really awesome hike! Although it was a bit cloudy the views were still beautiful and I could learn some Portuguese words on the way :) I felt much more comfortable doing this with a local since I was travelling alone. Thanks so much for the great time!!”
Hike Morro Dois Irmaos, see Rio from above, and walk through Vidigal with a local guide on this small-group half-day tour.
“Fernando is a Star. This is the best tour in South America that I have done thus far (travelled ~5 months over multiple years throughout South America). My partner and I took this tour for the sunrise option and the views are absolutely stunRead more”
Explore Rio’s Vidigal favela with Rodrigo or Henry, gaining local insight, striking views, and a respectful look at community life for $35.
“This tour of Vidigal was both beautiful and deeply touching. Rodrigo is not only a very engaged, knowledgeable and generous guide, he also manages to tell the story of the favela, its history and the current political situation from the point of view of those who live there in a way that resonates across national and cultural boundaries. This is simply unforgettable and we will carry this experience in our hearts for a very long time.”
Explore Santa Marta with a local guide, Michael Jackson’s statue, community projects, tram rides, views, and a caipirinha workshop.
“I rarely write reviews but this tour was so heart-warming that I would like to share it with all. We were staying in copacabana and very worried how safe it will be to go to favella. To our surprise, our guide was the sweetest person who made us feel safe at every moment. It was even safe to have our mobile phones with us and take pictures. The guide is well-respected in favella and they are like community where everyone knows each other. You will see colorful, real Brazil and leave with good memories. Our guide was actually born and raised in this Favella and we even visited his house.…”
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