Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
If you're looking for a unique travel experience that will challenge your perspective and broaden your cultural horizons, then a Rio Favela tour should definitely be on your bucket list.
While favelas (informal settlements) in Rio de Janeiro have a reputation for being dangerous and impoverished, they are also vibrant communities full of life, music, and culture.
A favela tour offers a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Brazil's complex social and economic issues, while also getting to know the welcoming and resilient people who call these neighborhoods home.
From stunning panoramic views of the city to delicious street food and local art, a favela tour provides a truly authentic and unforgettable travel experience.
So, if you're ready to step outside of your comfort zone and explore a side of Rio that most tourists never see, then book this tour and discover why a favela tour should definitely be on every travel bucket list.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Transporte Público desde o Bairro do Catete até a entrada da favela (15 min.)
The Maze - The Favela Art and architecture Gallery entrance ticket.
Guia
Private transportation
What are favelas? Favelas, also known as comunidades, are informal settlements that are typically located on the outskirts of urban areas. They are often characterized by poverty, overcrowding, and lack of basic infrastructure such as running water and sewage systems. Favelas emerged in Brazil in the late 19th century, as rural migrants moved to cities in search of work. Over time, favelas became a permanent fixture of Brazil's urban landscape, and today they are home to millions of people across the country. History of favelas in Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the largest and most well-known favelas in Brazil. The first favela in Rio, Morro da Providência, was established in the late 19th century by soldiers returning from the Canudos War. Over time, other favelas emerged in Rio as rural migrants and others seeking housing moved to the city. Today, Rio is home to over 700 favelas, many of which are located in the hills overlooking the city. You will be visiting and interacting with local favelas' entrepreneurs.
Feira da Glória
Duration: 3 hours
1 snack and 1 refresh drink
Sedan or Mini van
Walking Tour in Santa Teresa
Duration: 4 hours
Van com ar Condicionado: Subway or bus
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
639lashellem,
Dec 6, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Favorite tour of our entire trip. A favela is not at all what you think it is. So much history learned!
Sari012767,
Nov 3, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
I really enjoybtye trip especially understanding the history… visiting little africa, santa theresa, and walk around the city.

charlottefF6091RH,
Oct 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful day tour with Damiana and Marcello who allowed us to customize the tour as we wanted. We started with a tour of Little Africa, followed by a visit to Parque Das Ruinas in Santa Teresa where we had beautiful views of the city. They then took us to a place with wonderful views over Rio for lunch. As it was Saturday we couldn't resist the Feijoada. Finally, we ended our 6-hour trip with a visit to Tavares Bastos Favela & The MAZE, a superb building decorated with dozens of mosaics and great views. We were initially unsure about Damiana's proposal to visit a favela, feeling uncomfortable with potentially objectifying the resident who live there or taking advantage of their misfortune for our own enjoyment but she convinced us that the purpose of the tour was to change people's perception about life in favellas and celebrate the strong and resilient communities that live there. She was right. After the tour, she sent us a very nice pdf with pictures and stories of the tour, for us to remember this very special day. I would 100% recommend this tour. You will learn a lot and have a wonderful experience with a fantastic carioca!
MTomo82,
Dec 22, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
I took this tour with a friend.. Our guide was Damiana a super friendly happy lady from Brazil. She speaks very good English and has a lot of knowledge about Brazil and the area of Santa Teresa especially. She took us from the top of the mountain where we had amazing views of the city. Then down to the small streets where we ate fantastic local food in local places. This area is full of history, great architecture, street art, live music and fantastic street food. We always felt safe had lots of time to take pictures. We ended the tour in a famous bar called 'Beco do Rato' where we watched and listened to an amazing group of female samba singers..... Incredible! From start to finish the tour was amazing, good price, safe, friendly, interesting and fun. I cannot recommend more. Thankyou to the team and especially to Damiana. Obrigado xx









Operated by Florencios Tour