Brazil · RIO FAVELA TOURS
12 reviewed
Rocinha, Santa Marta and Vidigal are neighbourhoods of tens of thousands of people, and the walks that deserve your money are led by people who live there. The 12 below all work that way. Each entry gives the length of the walk, the price, how the fee reaches the community, and what is and is not appropriate to photograph.
Walk with a local guide through Rocinha in Rio. Safe, respectful, and educational, with pickup from Copacabana or Ipanema for $36.
“It was an amazing experience. And our guide Ray, was the best. Very good in English and she made you feel comfortable, which was nice, when it’s your first time in a favela.”
Half-day walk through Rocinha with local English-speaking guides, a community donation, Capoeira stops, and panoramic views for $35.
“If you go to Rio you have to do this tour it’s a great insight into life here and we felt safer with our guide than we had at times on Copacabana beach ! We had wellington as the guide and he was brilliant !”
Santa Marta favela tour in Rio with local guides, Michael Jackson Square, samba, filming locations, and community projects, plus a tram ride.
“This was honestly the best part of our trip to Rio- I was sceptical and nervous it was exploitative of the poorer members of the population, but it was incredible. Completely run by locals who are obviously loved in the community and so passionate about what they do. It was very safe, everyone was so lovely, I learnt so much about the Favelas and Rio as a city - an amazing experience. If you do one activity in Rio - do this!!!!”
A Santa Marta favela tour led by resident Gilson Fumaça, with cable car views, community projects, and real stories plus a home visit.
“I can recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in visiting a favela. We got an insight into everyday life in Santa Marta, learned about the police and gangs and the projects that are done by the guide for this community. At first we were afraid to visit a favela, but we felt very secure and save.”
Small-group Rocinha tour with local guides, capoeira and samba, a motorcycle ride, secret spots, and photo stops around Rio.
“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!”
Vidigal favela tour plus a Morro Dois Irmaos hike for local stories, steep-but-worth views, and iconic beach panoramas in Rio, 5 hours.
“Really a great tour. Great views, very interesting tour of the favela, very good guide. It was like a personal tour.”
See Rocinha and Vila Canoas with a respected, socially aware guide, plus panoramic Rio views and a school stop funded by the tour.
“Amazing experience! A lot more value than expected! Our guide, Francesco, was knowledgeable, and explained everything about the history of the favelas and so much more. Can’t recommend enough!”
Morning hike to Morro Dois Irmaos, then a small-group walk in Vidigal with a local break and an ecological park visit.
“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!”
Sunrise hike from Vidigal to Morro Dois Irmãos, including a motorbike ride, guided return walk, and top Rio views.
“Beautiful view of the city. LOVED our friend Junior. Felt very comfortable in the favela and the motorbike ride up and down was very fun. Hike was decently challenging but lots of good pauses with amazing views.”
Half-day hike of Morro Dois Irmãos and Vidigal for sunrise views, community streets, reserve entry, and an HD photo album, $53.64.
“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”
See Vidigal from the inside on a small-group Rio favela tour, with Rodrigo or Henry. Learn favela history, enjoy top views, $35.
“This was an exceptional tour and Rodrigo was a wonderful teacher, not just a guide. Mindblowing experience”
3-hour local-led Santa Marta favela tour in Rio, featuring Michael Jackson Square, tram ride, caipirinha workshop, and community projects.
“Spectacular 👌. Experience that must be realized at least once in a lifetime. Mario our guide made us feel and understand all the reality of favelasAuto-translated”
