An authentic, responsible, and eye-opening experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This tour of Favela Santa Marta was one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the culture and daily life of the favela in a very responsible and respectful manner. Our guide, Juliana, did an amazing job and shared so much valuable information with us. We felt warmly welcomed by all the residents we met along the way. It’s also great to know that a portion of the tour price goes directly back into social projects within the community. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a deeper, more authentic look at Rio!

Would Recommend, amazing tour - Thiago was an amazing tour guide, he was very knowledgeable and friendly during the tour answering any questions we had. The tour in general was really interesting and the touch at the end made it very special, an experience we will never forget! I would recommend anyone going to Rio and wanting to do a favela tour to book with Thiago! Obrigada

Highlight of RJ this time - This was my third time in RJ, but the very first time I visited and walked a favela. Last time, in 2015 I don't recall such tours were offered, let alone 1997 when I was first time there. That 2015 there was Teleferico Alemao which was built for local commuting in northwestern favelas and it was a cheap and safe way to visit favelas from birds perspective, however without walking through them (I mean it wasn't forbidden, but not advisable). This year I learnt that cable car was robbed by locals, taking materials from it for building houses or selling and it was dismantled. This years Favela Santa Marta Tour was a highlight of our 3rd RJ visit as all major attractions we saw before. Tour is flawlessly organized starting with a pick up at Copacabana. Santa Marta is a smaller favela above Botafogo beach and first stop is at a viewpoint. Shortly after, before entering the favela itself we were briefed how to behave, what to do and what not. Gabrielle was our tour guide - very knowledgeable and informative and answering all our questions. She gave an interesting history of Favelas as a community category in general, with all rules present there, followed by a movie we watched in her house we've visited. She gave precise instructions where we could take photos and where we had to put them in pockets without even holding them in hands when passing by heavy armed check points you see in movies. Tour starts from the highest point, descending your way down over 800 steps in uneven, narrow and of course not hygienic surroundings - therefore absolutely not suitable for people with mobility issues. Locals we were passing by were friendly, greeting us and occasionally we could sneak into their homes, small groceries, repair shops, hair saloons, etc.... We've visited two houses - one where Michael Jackson filmed his 'They don't really care about us' video and her own. Both are interesting - Michael Jackson's is on the more commercial side with selling paintings and art crafts, also with a local street dance included, yet still interesting and authentic. Her house, specially the view from the upper terrace blew me away - she has a direct view to Christ Redeemer to the right, Sugarloaf to the left and Copa beach in between (see my pics). We met her father who showed us the entire house, spread on three levels yet very tiny. The tour lasts around 3 hours and we left full of impressions, so I highly recommend this tour.

Authentic favela tour - Amazing experience very authentic! It is really a rich visit

Great adventure to the favela - The experience was great, we had a great time visiting the favela and the learning the history behind it. Our driver and tour guide were amazing! They were also very punctual.

Would be crazy NOT to take the tour - We had an amazing experience. We started at the designated spot and Thiago and Gabriela gave us all the important information straight away. The communication was easy since they speak excellent English. We had the chance to play football with the locals, saw a musical performance of Samba and even visited Thiagos house and met his mother. The day was made, when we walked down the favella for a full feeling of how life there can be hard&fun. Won't spoil the otger details.

Fun tour - It was a very enjoyable tour. The guides were also very friendly and easy to join!

To do at least once in a lifetime - Beautiful experience accompanied by an engaging and friendly guide. It was a safe but impactful experience at the same time. It was worth the thought, I recommend trying this tour!

Great experience - I loved the tour. Gabriela was very friendly and friendly with everyone. He explained the story and introduced us to some people from the favela. What I would have liked was to be given more time for the pictures with the statue of Michael which was the main reason I went. More took the time to make the drone video of a page girl who also went. Everything else was nice. I think you should also inform that for some of the experiences within the favela should be tipped, in my case almost no effective handling (cash) so I was surprised. Maybe I would definitely return 👌🏽

Great guide, Gabrielle. Hassle over agreed time slot with operator - 5 out of 5 for tour guide Gabrielle, we really enjoyed our time in the Favella. The rating is low due to hassle around the agreed time of the tour. We were put under pressure to change from pm to am the night before.