Vidigal Favela Tour: Experience Real Rio with Local Guide Russo
5.0
386 Ratings
Leblon

Embark on a Vidigal Favela Tour with local guide Russo and experience the real Rio. Explore the Sitiê Ecological Park, Vidigal Olympic Village, Arvrão viewpoint, Pope’s Chapel, and vibrant graffiti art.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Leblon Beach - Venue Location: Sheraton Hotel
  • Vidigal Beach - Venue: Sheraton Hotel
  • Morro Dois Irmaos - The Favela where the tour will be held is located at Morro Dois Irmãos
What's Included
  • Licensed tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Drinks and Meals
Additional Information

Get a genuine taste of the past and present Favela!
With two decades of experience rooted in Vidigal, Russo Guia spent 17 years operating a local business and has been a guide for over two years now. With him, you get a unique perspective only a local can offer, while also contributing to appreciating local culture.
Equipped with training from the…

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Location
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Avenida Niemeyer
We will contact you with your reservation with more details about the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(386 Ratings)
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1 star
P7541ekalessioc
Mar 9, 2026
Amazing experience - Very nice trip and guide. Really recommended!!! Thank yiu Russo
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ethan_d
Mar 8, 2026
Best experience ever! - Russo is hands down the best tour guide I’ve had. He doesn’t just walk you through Vidigal, he really dives deep into the history, culture, and daily life of the community. You can tell he has real relationships with the people there and truly respects the favela. The tour felt authentic, educational, and safe the entire time. I learned so much about Rio that you would never get from just visiting the beaches or tourist spots. If you want to understand the real Rio and see a different perspective of the city, I highly recommend this tour with Russo. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Brazil. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Viator
Gary
Feb 24, 2026
Favela with amazing new friends! - Amazing time going to see the Vidigal favela with Russo. Started off with an introduction and what I would soon find out is quite a group of fellow travelers who loved to have some fun. It was a great experience to see and learn about the favela and environment from someone who is local and had inner connections while also enjoying the motor bike ride to the upper levels.. that was definitely a highlight, and interesting one at that! Felt totally safe while enjoying plenty of drinks and making memories. The tour was very relaxed and open for questions, and very de-stressing which was good for the last night of my trip. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shivan_p
Feb 24, 2026
An Incredible Experience - The favela tour with Russo was incredible, I highly recommend! At no point did it feel unsafe, and as a resident of the favela Russo was able to give us insight into living conditions. We opted for the later 3PM tour, which was fortitous because after the tour of Vidigal ended, Russo offered to take us to the Rocinha favela. We ended up staying out until past midnight in Rocinha before going home.
Review provided by Viator
743in_sg
Feb 11, 2026
Unforgettable experience - The experience of climbing the hill with the Russian was amazing! In addition to the experience of climbing he also made our very good videos!! The best guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
930claudia
Feb 6, 2026
Im 62 years old lady I made it, but I regretted not bringing my hiking pole. Steps are steep but you take breaks, and pictures o - Breath taken views, friendly environment, is prohibited to steal,will ruin the tours, Russo is the best, loves to talk
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W_chong01
Feb 6, 2026
Favela Vidigal Experience - Didn’t know what to expect given the stigma associated with a favela. Russo provided a safe experience with a lifetime of knowledge of his neighbourhood. Highlights were the close knit community, narrow maze like pathways meandering through the hillside, motorcycle taxis zooming by with their passengers/tourists (tourists were the ones with a huge grin of excitement on their faces) and the beer at the local restaurant. Samba playing in the background with priceless views. Essentially a micro city where everything needed is in the neighbourhood. Moderate fitness is required given the steep pathways negotiated but there is always the option for motorised help if required. For the more adventurous, there is a small hotel located at the top of the favela.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z9207qjjuliac
Feb 5, 2026
Great guide - Russo helped me produce images in the vidigal and directed several residents for interviews. Very well known and respected on the hill, having his presence with our team was a very positive differential in the work that needed to be done. All we have to do is thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lanita
Feb 4, 2026
Great tour of Vidigal! Russo is a lifelong resident and shared his family experience. We took a bus ride to the top. - Russo was a great guide. He grew up and raised his family in Vidigal. He showed us many sites as well as stunning views. Great photographer too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ayo_f
Jan 20, 2026
The best tour ever!!! - This favela tour exceeded my expectations through and through!!! Our tour guide Usso was so knowledgeable, accommodating, and compassionate! He grew up in this favela and knew everything about it. We felt very safe and well taken care of. I would highly recommend this tour. We really enjoyed ourselves and plus he takes the best pictures and videos of you!!!
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $29
From $29
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).