Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide



Explore Santa Marta in an authentic way. Have drinks at the host’s house, connect with the locals, discover the handicrafts, and learn about the projects we support to make an impact in the favela.

Highlights

  • Visit the favela with one of the most beautiful views in Rio de Janeiro
  • Getyourguide award in 2019 as one of the best walking tours in Latin America.
  • See places with amazing views to take great pictures
  • The most visited tour by celebrities and famous people in the favela.
  • Visit the guide's house, meet his family and get a free drink

Description

Take the opportunity to glimpse life in the favelas on this guided tour. Your guide is a Santa Marta resident who will be able to share with you an authentic perspective of the beautiful favela they call home. Using the Santa Marta cable car, your guide will take you to the top of the favela. From here you will be able to witness one of the best panoramic views of the city. Discover Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo Beach, Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas and the entire neighborhood of Botafogo. Then, explore the streets and alleys enjoyed by both residents and Favela Santa Marta's many famous visitors, from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson. Stroll through the favela, seeing the best tourist attractions and stopping at several local craft shops along the way. Discover the guide's home, his family and the projects that Thiago carries out in the favela for children and adults. A tour that really helps the favela with activities. Beware of fake tours. Is it better to invest a little more in a quality experience, knowing it will have a positive impact on the favela and offer you a potentially transformative experience, or save a little by choosing a “superficial” tour? An important detail. In addition to other awards we have already won, our tour was chosen in the Getyourguide awards in 2019 as one of the best walking tours in Latin America and in April 2024 it won the Gentle and Responsible Tourism Awards for the greatest tourism achievement in Latin America.

Includes

Favela walking tour Welcome drink Local resident guide Visit to the guide's house Visit to the community daycare center Visit to craft stores Visit to the Residents' Association and social projects Percussion show with young people from the favela Visit to the Michael Jackson Statue

Important Information

  • By choosing our tour, you have accident insurance included, providing support in case something unexpected happens during your visit. If the Santa Marta Cable Car is not operating on the day of your tour, you will have to walk to the top of the favela accompanied by your guide - Alternatively, you can take a taxi (about R$ 20). Please bring some cash with you if you want to buy souvenirs, food or drink at local stores. The tour can take place in light rain, so please dress accordingly.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

June 2026 28 dates
Wed 3rd Jun Thu 4th Jun Fri 5th Jun Sat 6th Jun Sun 7th Jun Mon 8th Jun
July 2026 31 dates
Wed 1st Jul Thu 2nd Jul Fri 3rd Jul Sat 4th Jul Sun 5th Jul Mon 6th Jul
August 2026 31 dates
Sat 1st Aug Sun 2nd Aug Mon 3rd Aug Tue 4th Aug Wed 5th Aug Thu 6th Aug
September 2026 30 dates
Tue 1st Sep Wed 2nd Sep Thu 3rd Sep Fri 4th Sep Sat 5th Sep Sun 6th Sep
October 2026 31 dates
Thu 1st Oct Fri 2nd Oct Sat 3rd Oct Sun 4th Oct Mon 5th Oct Tue 6th Oct
November 2026 27 dates
Sun 1st Nov Mon 2nd Nov Tue 3rd Nov Wed 4th Nov Thu 5th Nov Fri 6th Nov

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