Rio Favela Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Not all tours are created equal! We put the Favela and community first! We strive to uplift those around us. Touring with us impacts positively those who live in Vidigal.
Walk around the Favela with a local known for his love for Vidigal. You meet locals whose family lived here for half a century. Have the opportunity to see all the amazing secrets Vidigal has to offer with the best guides available.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Vidigal
Come and explore the alleys and secret passageways of this concrete jungle. Meet the locals, get a feel of their lifestyle and discover the differences we all have. We promise a personal and truly local experience. Where you will go - (Each area has no specific time limit. Some places you may want to stay for 5 minutes and others 30! Pedra da Cruz (lookout inside the favela) Rua 25 de Dezembro (area inside Vidigal, high up) Lookout Vidigal and Rua 3 (top of Vidigal) Eco Park (ecological park) Rua 14 (lower Vidigal + art work) And more! Various secret locations and special experiences.
What‘s Included
Guide services
Alcoholic Beverages
Motorcycle Taxi
Options
Rio Favela Tour
Reviews
66 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing favela tour, educational, insightful and eye opening!
michelewS4650JT,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super insightful, educational and eye opening. The best part was it funds a local jujitsu school in the community and its run by locals! This was super authentic and focused around the reality of the favela and not views, clubs and tiktok videos with drones. So glad I booked this experience! Ricardo was a great guide, really good to do a second tour with him after two brothers at sunset. Book both, its worth it!
Favela tour not to be missed
AlainrlgMelbourne,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour if you want an insight of a Rio favela. From start to end, it was professionally handed. Great communication on WhatsApp to confirm all the details. We were only 4 with our guide Ricardo. Being a local to the Favela, he took us right away from the tourists who just head to the bars at the top. He was able to tell us about the history of favelas and answer all our questions in details. We felt safe at all time ( although the motorbike ride is quite scary). However we needed to respect that sometimes we are not allowed to take photos but plenty of times we could. Ricardo is the most friendly guide and able to share his knowledge. We highly recommend this tour!
Will totally change your perception of favela
252liuq,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour guide and amazing tour. Ricardo did a fantastic job explaining the history and life in Vidigal. This totally changed my views of favela. I'd recommend everyone coming to Rio do it.
Incredible experience to do necessarily
evaDM66,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! In the heart of the favelas, one of the best known, close to the sea, breathtaking landscape and total immersion!! Ricardo, local guide is full of surprises and historical, cultural knowledge... he speaks English with excellence, Spanish too! It is an extremely interesting and kind guide!! I highly recommend this experience, this trip to the heart of favelas and safely!!
Favela tours Vidigal
M6230WKandreasm,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour and our guide, Rodrigues, was very dedicated and good. Very interesting stories about the life of the people living in the favelas. If you are a bit uncertain about safety going here I can assure you it is most likely safer then the rest of the beautiful city of Rio
Exceptional experience
Katrin T,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an exceptional tour and Rodrigo was a wonderful teacher, not just a guide. Mindblowing experience
An unforgettable experience
Jenny S,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour of Vidigal was both beautiful and deeply touching. Rodrigo is not only a very engaged, knowledgeable and generous guide, he also manages to tell the story of the favela, its history and the current political situation from the point of view of those who live there in a way that resonates across national and cultural boundaries. This is simply unforgettable and we will carry this experience in our hearts for a very long time.
Eye-Opening & Heartfelt Experience with Ricardo
walter S,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our favela tour with Ricardo was unforgettable. From the moment we started, we rode up speeding on the back of a moto bike, he made us feel safe and welcomed, guiding us with warmth and genuine care. His explanations weren’t just facts — they were stories that brought the community to life. His passion and respect for the favela and its people were clear in every word. We didn’t just “see” a favela, we felt it. We walked through its streets, met its people, and left with a deeper understanding of the culture, challenges, and incredible resilience of the community. Ricardo’s excellent English, bright energy, and kindness made the experience not only informative but truly touching. It was more than a tour — it was a meaningful connection, one that we will carry with us.
An Unforgettable & Eye-Opening Experience
Wang W,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this favela tour with Rodrigo—it was one of the most memorable and insightful experiences of my trip to Rio! Rodrigo is an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, respectful, and deeply passionate about sharing the real story of the favelas. His connection with the community made the tour feel authentic and safe, while his storytelling brought the history, culture, and daily life of the area to life. We visited vibrant streets, met friendly locals, and learned about the challenges and resilience of the community. Rodrigo answered all our questions with honesty and warmth, making the experience both educational and deeply human. The views were breathtaking, but the real highlight was gaining a deeper understanding of a place often misunderstood by outsiders. If you want to see a different side of Rio with a guide who truly cares, book this tour with Rodrigo or Henry ! 100% worth it—don’t miss it!
100% worth it favela experience
LandaWilce,May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can’t even explain how much we learned in this trip thanks to Rodrigo. I cannot recommend more. This tour was enriching, fun and educational. We also had some amazing snacks and enjoyed a moto ride up the favela.
From US$35.00
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Operated by Experience Rio