Favela Tour in Rio de Janeiro

We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding favelas and we understand that this tour may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that the purpose of this tour is for educational reasons alone and allows for a better understanding of Brazilian life inside a favela. Furthermore, the local tour operator is charged a rate by the Santa Marta favela, and as a result, money is going back into the Santa Marta community.

Built around the edge of Brazilian cities, favelas are underdeveloped, overcrowded settlements, many of which over time create their own organizations and become their own small communities. Rio consists of 500 different favelas and with a third of the city’s population living in these towns, the socio-economic differences between the favelas and the city of Rio are very apparent. However, in recent years, favelas surrounding Rio have become more urbanized with the building of some houses, installation of electricity, running water and practicing proper sanitation practices.

On this tour, your guide will take you to the hillside favela of Rocinha, located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Rocinha became a “pacified” favela in 2011 and have had a police base there since then. Upon arrival, you'll travel on foot to a craftsmanship store and walk through a cultural center. This will allow you to interact with the locals and give you an up-close look at living conditions, lifestyles and day-to-day life inside a Brazilian favela.