4.6 (525) · Rio de Janeiro · By Favela Tour Free cancellation
FAVELATOUR offers an essential experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of Brazil's socioeconomic issues, providing insightful information and a unique perspective.
This tour integrates visitors into the local community, showcasing a different side of favelas, Rio de Janeiro, and its people, challenging their reputation of exclusion.
You will visit Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela, and potentially Vila Canoas, depending on the day's itinerary. From these vantage points, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rio.
We will guide you through both the residential and bustling commercial areas. Handicrafts are available for purchase if you wish.
Additionally, we will take you to a local school supported by FAVELA TOUR, highlighting other community projects.
Favelas are generally safer than many believe, but regardless of your adventurous spirit, it's best to explore a favela with an organized tour. We have been pioneers in social tours to favelas since 1992.
To truly grasp Brazil, don't miss the FAVELA TOUR when in Rio. Tours may require a minimum number of participants to proceed.
1 Salocin Tour
Upon arrival in Rocinha, you'll receive explanations about the architecture, public services, local culture, and carnival traditions.
Visit the Rocinha handicraft center.
Proceed to a local terrace for breathtaking views of Rocinha and Rio, with discussions on security, local infrastructure, and favela life.
Drive down the "Estrada da Gávea", a former F1 race track.
Walk through the commercial and central areas.
Visit the "MORANGUINHOS" or "SACI SABE TUDO" community schools. These social projects, funded by FAVELA TOUR, offer local children computer skills, English, music, capoeira, and ballet, with no financial support from the Brazilian government.
· 1 h 30 min
2 Copacabana Beach
The journey to and from the favela includes a drive past most of Rio's South Zone beaches.
· Non-stop passage
3 Praia do Leblon
The route back from the favela passes by Leblon Beach, showcasing Rio's South Zone coastline.
· Non-stop passage
4 Ipanema Beach
The return trip from the favela also includes a drive along Ipanema Beach, offering views of the South Zone's famous shores.
· Non-stop passage
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
We offer pickups from most hotels and accommodations in Rio's South Zone. If your hotel is not listed, please still inform us of your location.
We provide transportation to and from your hotel.
Please provide your hotel or accommodation details so we can arrange your pickup.
Public transportation options are available nearby. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. We offer transport from/to the meeting hotel. Tours do not operate on Sunday afternoons. Tours are subject to a minimum participant quorum for final confirmation. Favela Tour Rocinha Pickup included Book in advance, especially during peak season. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be open-minded and respectful of the local community. Consider purchasing local handicrafts to support the community. For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 122228P1
Activity offered by Favela Tour via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers interested in social issues. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. Those looking for a unique perspective on Rio. Gain a deeper understanding of Brazil's socioeconomic realities. Experience authentic community life in Rocinha favela. Enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Support local community projects and schools. Benefit from the expertise of pioneer social tour operators since 1992.
Population 6,211,223 (2022)
Elevation 31 m
Currency Brazilian real
Official language Portuguese
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, N · 127 V
Emergency number 190
Capital city Brasília Average temperatures 26° Jan 26° Feb 25° Mar 24° Apr 22° May 22° Jun 21° Jul 21° Aug 22° Sept 23° Oct 23° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
Is it safe to visit a favela? + Favelas are generally safer than commonly believed, especially when visited with an organized tour like ours, which has been operating since 1992.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guided experience through the favela, including visits to community projects.
Can I buy souvenirs? + Yes, handicrafts are available for purchase if you wish to support local artisans.
What if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather or low participation? + The tour may be cancelled if there are not enough participants or due to bad weather. We will notify you in such cases.
What is the cancellation policy? + You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Viator review
Fabulous Favela Tour
Avtar_S, October 2026
We booked this tour to get an insight into the favelas. Marcelo picked us up from the hotel and gave us a good insight into the runnings of Brazil on the way to the favela where we met with our tour guide Barbara. She was calm, very very informative and made us feel safe throughout. She engaged with us not only as a group but individually as well.We didn’t feel rushed at any point. At the end of the tour we were slightly disappointed that our transport back had been cancelled by the Office. No fault of Barbaras. Barbara offered to pay for the tickets to go via the subway back to the hotel. A fantastic gesture from a wonderful woman, we decided to catch an Uber back as it would be quicker and they aren’t expensive in Rio. This tour was exceptional and we would recommend you book this tour without hesitation. Avtar and Nin
★★★★★ Viator review
Excellent experience
Gina_J, October 2026
Our tour was very informative and such an eye opening experience about Rio's favela population. We went deep into the community for first hand knowledge of the population and community. The people are extremely resourceful and we felt very safe throughout the tour. Brenda was excellent and spoke fluent English.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Interesting tour through another world
johnroeg, September 2026
Interesting tour through the largest favela in Brazil. You see all sorts of things, including the more exciting matters. I felt 100% safe throughout the entire tour. The tour is completely structured. Our guide had to check in about 8 times in the favela for control.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A Rio Must Do
AndrewS4957, September 2026
If there is one trip you must do in Rio then this is it. An amazing insight into life in Rio for many locals. Great information and insight from our guide too!
★★★★★ Viator review
Spectacular.
mabel_a, September 2026
Spectacular, the guide was excellent, I felt very comfortable. A place that must be visited to learn its history.
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