Favela Santa Marta Tour: Authentic Experience by Local Guides Sharing Life Stories
4.9
273 Ratings
Botafogo

Embark on an authentic tour of Favela Santa Marta led by local guides. Discover the true essence of favela life and hear captivating life stories from those who call the favela home.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dona Marta - We will visit the Guide’s house and the drink is free for everyone. A visit where we will get to know your family, your life and watch a short video about the favela.
  • Michael Jackson Statue - We will visit the Michael Jackson Statue, bars and craft stores.
What's Included
  • Visit the residents’ association
  • Guided tour by local guide and team
  • Visit the community daycare
  • Story of the favela through alleys
  • Visit Laje do Michael Jackson and statue
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Visit the home of the local guide
  • Visit craft stores
  • Insurance for personal accidents
  • Inclined Plane (cable car)
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Explore the favela tour that boasts over 16 years of expertise, international acclaim as the top hiking tours in Latin America, and the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at the WTM Latin America 2024, this tour’s dedication to authenticity and sustainability guarantees an unforgettable and impactful adventure….

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Location
R. São Clemente, 307
Rua São Clemente
Our meeting point is at the Shell Station on Rua São Clemente 307, Botafogo, where the gas station is located. Inside the "SHELL" station there is a store called "Select", where we meet everyone inside the store when the tour is confirmed.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(273 Ratings)
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Foxyt55
Mar 25, 2025
Awsome! - Very good trip! Recomended. Tour guy Pedro was very nice, give us a lot of informations, broke the myths about Favelas and general it was really great. Young boys on the drums are awsome! Take this trip, you won't regret it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Myunghee_h
Mar 21, 2025
Very Glad That I Went - At first, I was not planning to go to see poor area as a foreigner but I am glad that I did. Favela is an integral part of the whole society. I learned and understood so much about their lifestyle, especially the cultural aspect. The tour was highlighted by Pedro. He was incredibly knowledgeable, informative and enthusiastic about his work. He has been doing this for 14 years and yet his excitement about telling to story to us so precious. Kudos to Pedro!
Review provided by Viator
Zammg2025
Mar 21, 2025
Excellent guide - Excellent guide !!! Good explanation, solve all the questions. He speaks several languages, very friendly. I felt safe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y6317vztanyap
Mar 21, 2025
Amazing - Amazing tour! Our guide Pedro was fantastic in telling us about the favela and its history. I definitely recommend this a must on a trip to brasil!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris
Mar 16, 2025
Worth the experience - Was a great experience our tour guide (Juliana) was wonderful... Filled with much information (and energy) with beautiful views from the top
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_l
Mar 14, 2025
Fantastic! - So interesting! This is a great experience that you shouldn't miss when visiting Rio. Our guide Pedro was fantastic and we learned so much from him.
Review provided by Viator
Barry
Mar 13, 2025
Fantastic and educational - Highly recommended. #Not poverty tourism. - Really interesting tour that was eye opening, educational and at times inspiring. Funicular to the top of the favela where the construction all started and then walked down though the favela where we were greeted with so much happiness and smiles despite the tough life. The favela really is not what we expected and was the only place in Rio where we were told not to worry about pickpockets or losing our phones. In fact our guide forgot his at one point and had to go back to collect it. Our guide Pedro was fantastic with really good English and Tiago, his boss and the business owner was very friendly. Tiago does amazing things for the children of the local community and his mother is simply great. We stopped off at her home for a chat along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claudioatw
Mar 8, 2025
Great learning experience - Giuliana was great. Very energetic and knowledgeable. Proud of her country and her people. She explained in a very well and respectful way this reality
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia
Mar 8, 2025
Favela Santa Maria March 2025 - This was a great experience, the tour guide was very friendly and explained so much about the Favela. We would definitely come again and would highly recommend, it was also very safe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
143emmao
Mar 5, 2025
Really good trip! - Good experience and they speak good English. Everything was very safe and easy to get around. We took the tour that started clock. 9:30.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $30
From $30
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).