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.
“It was an incredible tour and whole new experience for me to travel to Favéla, the amazing view and how the history of constructing Favéla left deep impression on me. I really appreciate the whole tour with Jean, who is a very nice and easy-going guide. With his professional and detailed explanation, I enjoyed the…”
Sunrise hike from Praça do Vidigal up to Morro Dois Irmãos, with a motorbike taxi ride and guided viewpoint time over Rio.
“The hike was incredible! Christyan was a great tour guide and allowed us to hike at our own pace since we don't hike too much on a regular basis. Plus he messages me ahead of time to let us know the meeting point and sent pictures to ensure we arrived at the correct spot. Would…”
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.
“This was an exceptional tour and Rodrigo was a wonderful teacher, not just a guide. Mindblowing experience”
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 excellent - the tour was educational, we felt safe and enjoyed it very much. Strongly recommend!”
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.
“I loved this tour to the favela and enjoyed our guide Lydia. She took us to great places--especially the viewpoints. I would've given this 5 stars but the ride to the favela for 5 people was very tight--not comfortable. It would have been sufficient if only three people, but five, it was crowded--especially since the…”
From Corcovado to Copacabana, and every way to see the city in between.
