South America · FAVELA TOURS
Prices, durations and what travellers said, for 8 favela tours. The top entry is there for a reason, so start at it and work down.
Spend about two hours walking through Rocinha with a local guide such as Ray, Bruno, or Carlos. The educational tour covers daily life, local challenges, and Rio from a different angle. Air-conditioned minivan transport connects meeting points in Copacabana, Ipanema, or São Conrado with this small-group experience.
“Learnt about the Favela and save how people live very safe”
Walk through Rocinha with an English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking local guide. You’ll learn how the community developed, hear personal stories, visit a capoeira school, and stop at a rooftop viewpoint. Guides such as Wellington, Alberto, Daniel, and Martin have been praised for making the visit thoughtful, clear, and reassuring.
“The tour was absolutely fantastic, the favela was so different then expected. This is a must-do tour when you are in Rio if you ask me. I learned a lot today about the culture also. Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic! you can really feel he loves to do his work and explained everything very well, he is also a very funny guy! I will never forget the experience of today!”
Travel from central Bogotá to El Paraíso with a Spanish or English-speaking guide such as Samuel, David, or Jorge. Ride the cable car, walk through mural-lined streets with a local guide and security escort, meet community leaders, enjoy a Colombian snack, and support the Juan Manuel Ortiz community library.
“David was an excellent guide, very informative and passionate about the development of the favellas. Both David & John made us feel very safe and comfortable. We came to see the whole country and found this tour very interesting indeed. Would highly recommend. Special thanks to David and John and the driver who went out of his way to drop us back at our hotel.”
Walk Santa Marta with a resident guide such as Mario, Luis, or Marco, visiting Michael Jackson Square, Mirante Dona Marta, local projects, shops, and a guide’s home. Expect samba, football, honest stories, and a close look at daily life. The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours, with English, Portuguese, and Spanish guides.
“Marco was a great guide, got to go to his house, great experience”
Walk through Rio’s Santa Marta favela with resident guide Gilson Fumaça, who was born there and has led community work for decades. You’ll ride the cable car, visit his family home, see Michael Jackson’s filming locations, meet local projects, and take in views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. The tour runs in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
“Just great in all aspects, obrigado Gilson and best wishes for your future and your many projects!!”
Meet your guide outside São Conrado metro station and spend 150 minutes exploring Rocinha, Rio’s largest favela. Local guides such as Malu, Jade, Gisele, Felipe, and Antonio lead the walk, explain community life, arrange a motorcycle ride uphill, and point out views, art, local businesses, and a capoeira or samba presentation. Extra cash is needed for transport and secret spots.
“Gisele was a wonderful guide!! She knows English and Spanish! Would do this tour again! Thank you Gisele!!”
Join Favela Tour, operating since 1992, for a three-hour visit to Rocinha and Vila Canoas. A multilingual guide explains Brazil’s social contrasts while you walk alleyways, visit a handcraft center and a school supported by the tour. Pickup is available near hotels in Rio’s South Zone.
“Geweldige tour met een goed Engels sprekende gids. Je leert echt wat over de favela’s en de locals. Mooie ervaring”
Spend 150 minutes walking Santa Marta with a local resident guide in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. Ride the funicular to the top, visit arts and social projects, browse handicrafts, and stop at the Michael Jackson viewpoint. The tour is private or small-group, with guides such as Marco available depending on your booking.
“Mauvaise expérience. Début initiale à 10h, notre guide n’est arrivé qu’à 10h45 et nous avions stipulé une visite en français hors le guide attribué ne parlais que quelques mots. Pas beaucoup d’explication sur la visite et juste une balade dans la Favela.. bref, très mauvaise expérience et très peu d’information sur l’histoire de ce lieu.”
Pick a coastline, an altitude or a kitchen.
