Favela Tour: Visit Rocinha and Vila Canoas in Rio de Janeiro for an Insightful Experience

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas with our insightful Favela Tour. Discover the complex socioeconomic structure, interact with locals, and support community projects. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rocinha - Arriving in Rocinha, explanation about the architecture, public services, local cultural aspects, carnival etc…

Visiting the Rocinha handcraft center.

Going to a local terrace, pause for pictures and images of a breathtaking view over Rocinha and Rio, talks about the security, local infrastructure and other aspects of favelas and favela life.

Driving down through the “Estrada da Gávea”, a former F1 race track.

Walking on the commercial and central area.

Visiting the “MORANGUINHOS” or “SACI SABE TUDO” community schools. These social projects are financed by FAVELA TOUR. Besides regular classes, the school teaches local kids initial computer skills, English classes, music, capoeira, ballet classes etc… These projects have absolutely no financial support from Brazilian government.

What's Included
  • Air-conditioned vehicles for a comfortable ride
Additional Information

The FAVELA TOUR is essential for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Brazil’s intricate socioeconomic landscape. This tour bridges the gap between tourists and residents, shedding new light on the favelas and their inhabitants whilst challenging their status of marginalization.

The tour takes you to Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela, as well as Vila Canoas, both are near the São Conrado district. From these locations, you’ll enjoy striking views over Rio. Stroll around the residential and commercial spaces, and, if you like, buy from local artisans.

Along with these, you’ll visit a local school funded by FAVELA TOUR and engage with other community-run initiatives. Despite common misconceptions, favelas are safer than generally perceived. However, for a foolproof experience, it’s advisable to embark on these journeys with an organized tour group, like us. Having spearheaded social tours in favelas since the early 1992, you’re in capable hands.

To truly grasp the essence of Brazil, your visit to Rio isn’t complete without the FAVELA TOUR.

Please note, tours are not conducted on Sunday afternoons. A certain number of participants are required for tours to proceed.

  • Não operamos tours nos domingos a tarde. Tours sujeitos a quorum minimo para a confirmação final
Location
Rocinha
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(369 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Erin_m
Jul 16, 2024
Well done and fascintating tour! - This was a fascinating tour of a unique community provided by the talented Barbara. She provided really vital historic perspective on the history of the Favela - I learned so much. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water!
Review provided by Viator
M5479utrobinh
Jul 12, 2024
The full story of Rio - Marcelo and Leo gave a highly personalised tour of Rocinha favela in Rio. Easy pick up from our hotel and a small group. Marcelo gave a background of the favela whilst we were driven there and then we were dropped off and Leo took over, walking us through the favela and meeting various people, including an after school club, local artists and handicraft makers, etc. We even stopped for a drink of the local fire water at one point. It was an eye opening time but at no time did we feel unsafe as we were told what to look out for and what to do and not to do. We also had a guide who was respectful of the locals and that was reciprocated. Overall I would say an essential trip to see the 'other' side of Rio and real life for many Brazilians. Note that there is a fair bit of walking involved, up and down many steps. Also you will get a free pass back on the underground to the nearest stop to your hotel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jubentino_m
Jun 30, 2024
Favela Rocinha - I’m just going to say WOW!!!!! Our guide was awesome. This Favela Rocinha that we went to I felt like I was in a movie. You will see things that will shock you. When he says turn off your cameras you will know why. Wear some good hiking shoes. Because you will be going up and down stairs. Please be in some decent shape. I don’t recommend this for kids. Just be ready. Once in a life time experience. That’s worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Willy_r
Jun 23, 2024
Amazing experience - Amazing experience, guide was extremely nice, felt very safe and would recommend. Got to go places you could never go alone, you should def try this tour if you’re in Rio
Review provided by Viator
Andres_p
Jun 22, 2024
Great tour - Great experience, worthwhile. You get to see the reality of Rio, our at least a glimpse into the low end communities. The tour is filled with very interesting stories and anecdotes.
Review provided by Viator
Laurent_m
Jun 21, 2024
Amazing visit with an amazing guide - I had a great time! Our guide was simply amazing. He was fluent in many languages and knew the favela extremely well and made sure to keep us safe at all time (it's pretty safe in general btw, nothing to worry about).
Review provided by Viator
479danielaa
Jun 11, 2024
Worth the visit - It is worth the visit to have a better understanding of what is the reality for many Brazilians. You will walk through the Favela and visit different places, for a better view and understanding of what it is living there. Since it was Sunday we didn't visit the schools. Advice: wear closed shoes
Review provided by Tripadvisor
894christelf
Jun 9, 2024
Favela Rocinha - Beautiful immersion in the Rocinha favela with guide. Return by metro appreciated. To do to immerse yourself in the city of Rio in its entirety.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cond0r
May 26, 2024
It was okay. - Advertising a bit deceptive. Header shows full day tour with price in the text. The price in the text is a half day tour not the full day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zahra_a
May 23, 2024
Good tour if the guide hadn't ruined it... - The tour was good but it was severly let down when discussions about the ongoing conflict in the middle east was brought up by the guide, unprovoked. I don't mind hearing about the politics of the country I am in, in fact I enjoy local views on current and previous goverments. However, I didn't sign up to hear about his very strong personal views on who were the agrressors and instigators in a conflict thousands of miles. It's a shame because otherwise it would have been a great tour overall.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today