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Favela Tour: Discover Rio's Art, Culture, and Daily Life
5.0
44 Ratings
Botafogo
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas on a private tour. Discover the local way of life and support a meaningful social project called ‘Harvesting the Future’.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas on a private tour. Discover the local way of life and support a meaningful social project called ‘Harvesting the Future’.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Mirante Dona Marta - Guided tour by a guide who lives in the favela, learning about all the art, culture and social projects that boost the community and the well-being of the favela!
- Michael Jackson Statue - They will visit the statue of Michael Jackson, which became a tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, after the pop star came to the…
- Mirante Dona Marta - Guided tour by a guide who lives in the favela, learning about all the art, culture and social projects that boost the community and the well-being of the favela!
- Michael Jackson Statue - They will visit the statue of Michael Jackson, which became a tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, after the pop star came to the Favela!
- Morro Dona Marta - Free tram ride, cultural visit, caipirinha workshop. Safe tour with accredited local resident.
What's Included
- Train ride
- Visit Michael Jackson statue
- Social Project visit
- Neighborhood Association tour
- Train ride
- Visit Michael Jackson statue
- Social Project visit
- Neighborhood Association tour
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Dinner
Additional Information
A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue…
A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue of Michael Jackson, which marked the history of the community.
In addition, the tour includes visits to social projects that make a difference in the lives of residents, providing a deeper and more human insight into the reality of the favela. By choosing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable experience, but you will also directly contribute to the local economy, supporting the sustainable development of the community. It is a way to travel with purpose, where each moment lived is an exchange of experiences and learning.
Location
R. Mal. Francisco de Moura, 7
Rua Marechal Francisco de Moura
Tourist Information Stand at Favela Santa Marta
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(44 Ratings)
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Kelly_torres10
Jul 5, 2025
Favela Dona Marta: a place full of contrasts where Michael Jackson left his mark. - This tour is excellent if you want to get a closer look at the contrast between the wealth and the humility that Rio de Janeiro possesses. From the Dona Marta viewpoints, the landscape is not only geographical but also very human, which shows why it was the location chosen for the filming of Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" video. A different way to do tourism, in the safest way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wallace_k
May 21, 2025
Awesome/Authentic/Eye Opening Experience - Mario gave us a one of a kind/authentic experience! As a resident of the Santa Marta Favella, he gave us a walkthrough of what every day life is like, walking us the through the favela transport, utilities, security and residential association system, all the while providing us with a step by step walkthrough of Michael Jackson's iconic music video.
Moreover, he provided us with political perspectives and first hand account experiences most guides would not have. You will be amazed at the self sustaining ecosystem that exists in the Santa Marta favelas. Its not all romantisized violence the media generally portrays...These feveĺas have their own pizzarias, sushi shops, bars, stores, and unique/diverse lives that are seldom shown in the media. Give this tour try! You will not regret it!
Review provided by Viator
Magnus_p
May 8, 2025
Excellent tour of St... - Excellent tour of St Marta. Mario is a local who knows the place like the back of his hand and did a great job showing us around and sharing all aspects of life in the favela. We also got to enjoy some good rhythms at Michael Jackson square on the way.
You do have to be respectful of people's spaces and privacy but I felt safe on the entire tour. Mario is a well known ambassador to the community and looked after us well. In any case everyone was very welcoming.
About a quarter of the population of Rio live in favelas, each with their own character and since they are much more accessible these days it is worthwhile seeing that part of Rio as well. Though given the maze this one and others are I 100% wouldn't do it without a guide...
Review provided by Viator
Gastronomes06
May 3, 2025
Incredible visit with Marco - Visit with the Marco guide initially organized by our private guide in French. Marco is a native of this favela and from generation to generation. Passionate about his favela, he is a major player in its transformation with the implementation of the Colhendo o Futuro “harvesting the future” program, an agro-economic program. He showed us all the places to know as well as the explanations to understand how his favela works. Marco we wish you well and well for what you are doing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nadira
Apr 25, 2025
Highly recommended if you want to have a nice good English speaking guide! - Absolutely BRILLIANT! It was more than 2 hours and we really enjoyed it! Mario invited us to his home and introduced to his son.. and brother.. it was a very very eye opening tour to reality of Rio and we played football with little kids.. Sorry Brazil, England won! lol
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Florencial673
Mar 30, 2025
Favela Santa Marta, samba carioca, Michael Jackson - Excellent tour, Marco very friendly and attentive, told us the history of the place, its history, the people of Santa Marta too, super friendly, the boys played samba for us, we loved it. Super recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C_l
Jan 27, 2025
A must-do - So this tour is run by a guy named Marco, but he's so much more than a tour guide. He has started several projects in the favela, including a project to clean up trash and replace it with trees. He also started a community garden nonprofit. He tells you all about the political system in there - they're self-governed. Incredible views. He also has a little community balcony on his property which he will show you. Everybody in town knows and respects them. I really enjoyed the narrow steps and alleyways and kinda Kowloon Walled City vibe. I of course was there to see Michael Jackson Square and it did not disappoint. You get to see the stairs from the music video too. I didn't really have any preconceived notions about a favela (again, there to see the Michael Jackson statue), and it was so much more than I expected. Really great time, a must-do if you only have a day or two in Rio - it doesn't take too much time. He takes you to visit a lady who has a lot of clocks which was a bit random
Review provided by Viator
Mikhail_kov
Jan 18, 2025
Fantastic experience as a MJ fan - Everybody knows the guide in favela, he also has very good English and explains everything very well, we had a great experience with local culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L9167kfdevinb
Dec 13, 2024
Cool tour - Nice and enlightening tour. Great insight into favela life. I felt very safe. Tour guide was fun, very engaging and welcomed us into his home, showed us the Michael Jackson square, other people’s homes and was very attentive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nickce8950yy
Nov 2, 2024
fantastic tour - Was in Rio de Janeiro in mid-October and found this tour on Tripadvisor. I met Mario at the designated location right on schedule and ended up being the only person on the tour. We took the cable car to the top of the Favala and then walked down to the bottom of the neighborhood. Along the way Mario talked about the history of the area, and its people. We met some of the residents along the way who were all very friendly. Mario was very knowledgable and passionate about his community. I felt very at ease on the tour being with someone who was not only from the neighborhood but knew so many of his neighbors. I would highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor