Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

Good tour. Would recommend doing multiple favela tours as each favela sort of had it's own vibe. This one did feel a little more touristy, but you do get what you pay for. They bring you to a Capoeira show (donations suggested) and a view point (required fee). Both were worth it though. It was a great/safe view and the Capoeira show was from a very passionate member (ex pro female football/soccer player) who gives back to the children in her community.

Learned a lot about the favela way of life, how the favela is controlled by its own people with no intervention by the police and what is not tolerated there. Not a place you would visit on your own but definitely a place you should visit. The bar at the top of the favela has one of the best views in all of Rio as caipirinhas too! The contrast between the elite suburb next door and the favela itself is mind boggling. However, the favela dwellers strive to make a good life for themselves and their families and consider all the people in their favela as their family. Martin our guide was full of knowledge and gave a sometimes humorous account of life in a favela but overall a realistic account of the politics of life there as well. Not to be missed.