BRAZIL
Brazil's best.
The 10 most popular favela tours in Brazil. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.
Walk with a local guide through Rocinha for a respectful, educational view of daily life in Rio, with Copacabana and Ipanema pickup.
“I liked everything. Ray is an excellent guide, showed us the place as it is and it seems I understood it. The tour was well organized. Powerful impression. I will recommend Ray to my friends.”
Walk Rocinha with local guides, hear real stories, learn the history behind the stereotypes, and see Rio from high viewpoints.
“I have travelled to over 45 countries and this tour is one of the best I have ever done Alberto was unbelievable - Thanks so much for this and allowing me to see this”
A 3-hour Santa Marta favela tour led by residents, with Michael Jackson Square, samba, film spots, and community projects for $28.
“Absolutely fantastic, so glad I decided to do this. Luis was an amazing guide”
Meet Gilson Fumaça on a Santa Marta favela tour for real stories, city views, and education projects that your visit helps support.
“Wow! All I can say is wow!! The vibes here are immaculate. They really made you feel like you’re part of them. Such kind, genuine, wholesome people around, especially the kids! The kids are all so friendly and caring! Gilson, was so kind and thoughtful! Showed us around and gave very informative explanations about this…”
Rocinha favela tour with a local guide: capoeira and samba intro, motorcycle ride to viewpoints, secret spots, small group, $43.
“Antonio was our guide. He was friendly, very professional, and also spoke excellent English. The tour started with a motorbike ride to the top of the favela, and then we walked back down to the meeting point. Antonio lives in the favel, so he was able to give an interesting and insightful description of living…”
Vidigal favela tour plus a hike to Morro Dois Irmaos for killer Rio views, with local context, an expert guide, and accident insurance.
“Excellent job by our guide (Kako) who ensured we were going at our own pace and helped my partner in the most difficult parts. The starting point of the hike is reached by mototaxi through the favela. Kako took also nice pictures of us during the hike and also had brought a Brazilian flag to…”
A 3-hour guided walk through Rocinha and Vila Canoas, with real local context, school support, and Rio views—safe, friendly, and not voyeuristic.
“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!”
A small-group 2.5-hour circuit in Vidigal and Morro Dois Irmãos, mixing a hike, local home views, and an eco-park project.
“I originally booked the tour to be a combination Dois Irmaos hike and Vidigal Favela tour. The latter was more of an afterthought for me; I was more interested in the hike.”
Half-day hike from Morro Dois Irmaos to Vidigal with sunrise views, a local motorcycle taxi route, and panoramic stops plus an HD photo album.
“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”
A small-group tour of Vidigal in Rio that mixes favela history, everyday life, and killer viewpoint stops over 2–3 hours.
“This was an exceptional tour and Rodrigo was a wonderful teacher, not just a guide. Mindblowing experience”
