Experience an authentic favela tour in Rio de Janeiro. Learn about the local culture with a local tour guide who actually lives in the favela and visit amazing places with breathtaking views.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: Spanish, English
Pickup optional: Hotel pickup is available only in the South Zone of Rio. A mototaxi will pick you up and helmets will be available.
Small group available

Highlights

Visit one of the most beautiful favelas of Rio de Janeiro
Join a tour with a local guide who knows everything about the favela culture and history
See places with amazing views to take great pictures
Shop at the many local shops found in the Favela Santa Marta

Full description

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.

Includes

Walking tour
Local tour guide and translator

Transportation
Tips

Not suitable for

People with back problems
People with mobility impairments
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People with altitude sickness

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Meeting point

Meet at the Shell gas station located at the corner of Rua São Clemente 307 with Rua da Matriz, at Botafogo. At the station there is a store named "Select", we meet close to the store for easier identification, at the time scheduled.

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Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes
Cash

Know before you go

If the Santa Marta Cable Car is not operating on the day of your tour, the tour to the top of the favela will be done on foot with the guide, or you can choose to take a taxi (about Rs 15)
Please bring some cash with you if you want to buy souvenirs or food and drink at local stores
The tour can take place in light rain, so please dress accordingly and contact the activity partner team via whatsapp

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 360 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Value for money
4.7/5
Service
4.8/5
Organization
4.8/5

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Felipe was my guide and he made this tour a really immersive experience. His English is very good and provided a great insight into past, present and future of Santa Marta. His story is a root cause analysis of the problems more than anything else and I really appreciated that. Great tour that I would recommend to everyone.

March 12, 2020

Good journey through the favela. Allowed us to just spend time there and get a feel for the area rather than lots of talking about the how and why it existed. Our guide Felipe was excellent and very knowledgeable, particularly when asked questions. The tour takes about 3 hours rather than the 2 that are advertised.

March 9, 2020

We would highly recommend this favela tour to anyone interested in understanding the inhabitants’ side of the story. While it was very informative, it was also very respectful to the favela inhabitants and did not intrude on their privacy. Filipe was an excellent guide and his English and Spanish are just as good. Thanks!

March 7, 2020

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

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

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