Favela Tour: Discover Rio's Art, Culture, and Daily Life

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas on a private tour. Discover the local way of life and support a meaningful social project called ‘Harvesting the Future’.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Mirante Dona Marta - Guided tour by a guide who lives in the favela, learning about all the art, culture and social projects that boost the community and the well-being of the favela!
  • Michael Jackson Statue - They will visit the statue of Michael Jackson, which became a tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, after the pop star came to the…
What's Included
  • Train ride
  • Visit Michael Jackson statue
  • Social Project visit
  • Neighborhood Association tour
What's Not Included
  • Dinner
Additional Information

A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue…

Location
R. São Clemente, 320
Rua São Clemente
Tourist Information Stand of Favela Santa Marta Search for Mario Guide
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(60 Ratings)
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Sharon_g
Jan 25, 2026
I gave this a 5 stars... - I gave this a 5 stars because of how interesting it was to visit. Our guide was very good. He, his father and uncle do tours in the favela. He was charming and answered questions thoroughly. On the day we were there, the tram was not working for 2/3 of the way up so many steps to climb. On the way down, after riding the tram for the last 1/3, there were lots of steps and slick surfaces. I advise to be sure-footed to do this tour. I'm 75, husband 76, friend is 68, and daughter 55. None of us are very athletic and our leg muscles are very sore. Keep in mind physical exertion necessary. The tour itself and the guide were great.
Review provided by Viator
Zoegdiee
Jan 7, 2026
This is definitely the highlight to our Rio visit. - What an amazing experience seeing everyday life in Favela. We felt safe and welcomed throughout the tour. Definitely recommend Favela Top Tours
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Griselda
Jan 4, 2026
Love the tour 💚 - Excellent guide Mario, very warm your reception, thank you for your attentions. We opened the doors of his house and his community, as a fan of MJ I loved the tour and the behind everything that was experienced those days of recording
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicola_hunt
Dec 14, 2025
Fab tour - Fabulous tour of the Favela. We felt very privileged to be taken around by someone lived and grew up there. The boys got to play football with the kids from the Favela. Thank you for a really enjoyable and insightful few hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joseph_r
Dec 13, 2025
A great and informative... - A great and informative experience and definitely recommend. Mario the guide lives in the favela (he showed us his house) and was great at explaining things and answering questions. Locals were really friendly too and it felt really safe.
Review provided by Viator
231alishaw
Dec 3, 2025
Excellent Favela tour - Family of 2 adults and 2 teenage boys loved this tour. Mario and Marco are local guides that have grown up and live in the Favela. Very informative. Saw all all sides of the Favela. Eye opening for the boys. They boys also enjoyed playing football with some local children. Would highly recommend and so would the kids. I would note that if catching an uber from Copacabana Beach leave with plenty of time to spare. It took us almost an hour to get there due to traffic. (And it is not far from Copacabana!).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emmasr7934bv
Nov 24, 2025
Santa Marta favella - Enlightening and educational experience with our fabulous guide Mario. You get to immerse yourself in the Santa Marta community, who are all so welcoming and friendly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcustraveller22
Nov 16, 2025
An amazing personal and in depth tour from a local boy from the favela. We even visited his house at the top. We walked for 3 hr - This was such a wonderful and authentic experience of a local favela Santa Marta in Rio.. A local boy took us through the village of 6000 up stairscases of the slum built on the side of a mountain. We saw communities and social projects. We saw the Mafia, kids at play, dogs cats and community.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_b
Nov 2, 2025
High recommendation! - One of my favorite tours I’ve done on a trip. Gave so much perspective and insight while also being a good time
Review provided by Viator
Sonja_l
Oct 14, 2025
Excellent experience - 1000% would recommend. Luis is from Saint Marta. Was incredibly educational and I think it’s important to see all sides of Brazil.
Review provided by Viator
From $40
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).