RIO DE JANEIRO
The standout days in Rio de Janeiro.
The 15 most popular favela tours in Rio de Janeiro. The ones worth building a day around, with prices, run times and who runs each one.
Rocinha walking tour with a local guide from Copacabana/Ipanema. 2 hours inside, small group, community support, $36.
Most Popular
Walk Rocinha with local guides for a respectful, history-filled look at daily life in Rio, plus viewpoints and capoeira.
A 3-hour, community-led walk in Santa Marta: Michael Jackson Square, samba, local stories, and social projects, guided by residents for $28.
Meet Gilson Fumaça in Santa Marta for a guided favela walk, cable car views, and real community projects that create impact.
A small-group Rocinha favela tour from São Conrado with local guides, capoeira and samba moments, motorcycle rides, and secret spots.
Vidigal with locals, then hike Morro Dois Irmãos for skyline views of Rocinha, Corcovado, and Rio’s beaches with an expert guide.
A respectful, 3-hour walk through Rocinha and Vila Canoas with panoramic Rio views, community projects, and a clear picture of favela life.
A 2.5-hour Vidigal circuit mixing the Morro Dois Irmãos hike, a local break with views, and an ecological park visit.
“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.”
Sunrise hike from Praça do Vidigal up to Morro Dois Irmãos, with a motorbike taxi ride and guided viewpoint time over Rio.
“Beautiful view of the city. LOVED our friend Junior. Felt very comfortable in the favela and the motorbike ride up and down was very fun. Hike was decently challenging but lots of good pauses with amazing views.”
Half-day hike from Morro Dois Irmãos to Vidigal in Rio with sunrise option, panoramic views, local transport, and 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 Vidigal favela tour in Rio de Janeiro mixing real stories, street-level history, and big lookout views. From $35.
“I highly recommend this favela tour with Rodrigo—it was one of the most memorable and insightful experiences of my trip to Rio! Rodrigo is an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, respectful, and deeply passionate about sharing the real story of the favelas. His connection with the community made the tour feel authentic and safe, while his storytelling brought…”
A 3-hour guided walk in Rio’s Santa Marta favela with a local resident, Michael Jackson Square, a tram ride, and a caipirinha workshop.
“One of my favorite tours I’ve done on a trip. Gave so much perspective and insight while also being a good time”
Walk Rocinha in Rio with local guide Luiz. Small group, English-only, optional donation shopping, and optional family lunch.
“Luiz was a great tour guide; he took care of us the whole time. He knows a lot about trees and told us many interesting things.”
Walk Dona Marta in Rio with a local guide: arts centers, street art, sports projects, and the Michael Jackson viewpoint. 150 min.
Walk Rocinha and Vidigal with a local guide plus air-conditioned transfers. Learn history, meet residents, and see Rio viewpoints.
“You cant come to Rio and not see the favela(s)”
From Corcovado to Copacabana, and every way to see the city in between.
