Our tours are led by local guides who share their knowledge, stories and perspectives, giving you the opportunity to experience Rio beyond the traditional tourist attractions.
What Our Guests Say
Thousands of travelers from around the world have joined Favela Walking Tour to discover a different side of Rio.
Read what our guests have to say about their experience with our local guides, the community, and our tours.
Real Reviews from Real Travelers
“Very interesting and educational experience, with a guide who has always lived in Rocinha and is therefore able to recount very in-depth cultural aspects well”
★★★★★
“This is a tour where you directly experience the local history and daily life while walking with a local guide. Rocinha has long been a representative tourist favela in Rio, and local residents still participate as guides.”
★★★★★
“I had an absolutely amazing tour with Ray as my guide! One of the most enjoyable and interesting tours I’ve taken on any trip, period. She gave so much good information, and was very thorough. If you visit Rio, I would consider this trip an absolute must! 11/10, highly recommended.”
★★★★★
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to discover a different side of Rio.
“A fascinating and authentic experience in Rocinha.”
We had an excellent experience exploring Rocinha with our local guide, Kim. She shared fascinating insights into the community’s history, culture, and everyday life while making us feel safe and comfortable throughout the tour.
We enjoyed the motorcycle taxi ride to the top of the community, the incredible views of Rio, and visits to local cultural and social projects, including capoeira, football, and local art.
What made the experience special was that it went beyond simply visiting a favela — we had the opportunity to understand the community and meet local people.
Discover Rio Through Local Eyes
A Safe & Authentic Rocinha Experience
From the moment you meet our local guides, we take care of you throughout the tour. With local knowledge and experience, we focus on providing a safe, respectful, and authentic introduction to life in Rocinha.
Our tours go beyond sightseeing, giving you the opportunity to learn about the community, its history, culture, and everyday life while meeting local people.
Exploring Rocinha
Located on the hills overlooking São Conrado and Gávea, Rocinha is one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest and most vibrant communities. Its unique history and culture offer visitors a different perspective on life in Rio.
A Brief History of Rocinha
The Origins of Rocinha
Rocinha began in the early 20th century as migrants moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of better opportunities. With limited affordable housing, many settled on the hillsides of São Conrado, creating small informal homes.
Over the decades, Rocinha grew into a densely populated community, with houses, streets, and alleys spreading across the hills. Today, it is known for its strong community spirit, creativity, and resilience.
In the 1990s, a new form of tourism began to emerge in Rio de Janeiro: favela tours. These guided visits offer travelers the chance to experience life in communities like Rocinha firsthand. Initially controversial, favela tours have grown in popularity, attracting visitors from around the world.
Favela Tours: A Window Into Rocinha’s Reality
Purpose and Perspective
Favela tours aim to dispel stereotypes and challenge negative perceptions often associated with these neighborhoods. While the media frequently portrays favelas as centers of crime and poverty, tours highlight their rich culture, artistic expression, and the innovative ways residents overcome daily challenges. Many tours are led by local guides, ensuring an authentic and respectful representation of their community.
Rocinha remains a dynamic and ever-evolving community. While challenges persist, including issues with infrastructure and public services, the people of Rocinha continue to showcase incredible resilience and creativity. Favela tours have become an avenue for Rocinha to share its story with the world, fostering greater understanding and breaking down prejudices.