Add dates

Rio de Janeiro Favela tours

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro Favela tours

Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

1. Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

Explore Rio’s largest favela on a half-day walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela (shantytown) in South America. Organized by local, English speaking guides and favela hosts, the walking tour is respectful and non-intrusive to the residents. Subject of the movie "City of God," Rio’s favelas have fallen victim to unfortunate stereotypes. In order to correct this, and show you the true Rio de Janeiro, the favela tour will let you see and experience how daily life happens away from the sensationalist headlines. While other favela “zoo-tours” drive around in jeeps, you will get to walk the streets in small groups and meet the locals to hear their stories. Learn the history of the favela and its social and economic challenges. The tour cost also includes a monetary contribution to the favela community.

Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

2. Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

Explore a favela of Rio de Janeiro on this guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of locals on this tour that is focused on education. Get a different perspective on life in Rio de Janeiro, and benefit from insider tips from a local guide. Start your favela tour with a pickup from one of the meeting points in Copacabana or Ipanema beach. Journey to the Rocinha Favela for the start of a walking tour at approximately in the afternoon. Follow your local guide through the favela and learn more about what it is like to live there. Rio's favelas are a big part of city life and the non-intrusive tour aims to educate you in a way that pays respect to the locals. Give back to the locals as part of the cost of your tour is contributed to the community to help them build a better future.

Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide

3. Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide

Take an opportunity to catch a glimpse of life in the favelas on this guided tour. Your guide is a local from Santa Marta, who will be able to share you with you an authentic perspective of the beautiful favela they call home. Using the Santa Marta cable car, your guide will take you to the top of the favela. From here you will get to witness one of the best panoramic views of the city. Spot Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf, Praia de Botafogo, Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas and the entire district of Botafogo. Then explore the streets and alleys held dear by both residents and the many famous visitors to Favela Santa Marta alike, from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson. Stroll through the favela, seeing the best sights and stopping at many of the local artisan shops along the way.

Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

4. Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

Experience the mystique of the Vidigal favela and discover a peaceful community that emerged in the city around 1940. Get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of the most interesting locations in Rio de Janeiro. Start your hike in Vidigal, and experience the favela like a resident. Use the transport system that circulates the neighborhood and rub shoulders with the locals. Follow your guide in a group through the forest and head to the first viewpoint. Look down at the favela of Rocinha and see one of Latin America's largest slums. Continue to the next viewpoint for a breathtaking view of Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. See Corcovado in the other direction before going to the summit of Two Brothers hill (Morro Dois Irmaos). From there, it's possible to see all the famous beaches of Rio spread out before you, including Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Hike for approximately 4.5 hours to turn your favela tour into a true adventure. Experience the warmth of the Vidigal community and get a better understanding of the social divisions in Rio de Janeiro. 

Rio: Rocinha Favela Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

5. Rio: Rocinha Favela Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

Experience authentic living in Rio de Janeiro, on a guided tour of Rocinha. Appreciate local culture and a completely unique way of life in a city plagued by hardship and neglect. See how citizens use art, music, and community to create a positive atmosphere in this special Brazilian neighborhood. Follow your local guide to feel a sense of belonging in this tightly knit area. Learn about generational stories from residents, how they care for their home and their people. Discover street art decorating the buildings that cover the hillside, and grab a snack from one of many local vendors. Admire gorgeous views of the cityscape as you climb the high streets, and see as far as Christ the Redeemer. Notice the respect and kindness that locals have for each other and for tourists so they can protect and develop their beloved community.

Frequently asked questions about Rio de Janeiro Favela tours

What are other things to do than Favela tours that are worth visiting in Rio de Janeiro?

The other unmissable things to do in Rio de Janeiro are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Rio de Janeiro

Want to discover all there is to do in Rio de Janeiro? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 713 reviews

José was excellent guide! He shown us the favela, we felt secure and it was a massive experience for us! Rio looks wonderful from Santa Marta. It is absolutely worth seeing. And very important issue: remember about the dignity of these poor people. It is not a show, it is not the zoo, this is the real life. Respect these people, listen to the guide, respect the rules and you will have a wonderful experience. 100% satisfied

Felipe was a very knowledgeable guide, who explained in detail the sociopolitical origins of Favelas. This tour was probably the most meaningful and insightful part of my visit to Rio, as the propagandists obscure the brutal inequality/racism endemic in modern day Brazil.

Very good!! Carlos provided great information, what to expect of the tour, history behind favela’s and really appreciated his enthusiasm…and Bruno was very helpful too…. Really good to walk around the place and understand their community. Highly recommend this tour!

Sergio was a great guide! Very funny and knowlegeable about the mountain and the favela. Make sure to get ready for some good exercise. Because the hike can be difficult for those who are not in shape. But the view is magnificent!!

Nice personal tour with a young, knowledgeable Lady with plenty of experience of living in a favela herself. Hiking at the back seat of a motorbike a very steep and curvy road uphill is an adventure by itself.