Favela Santa Marta Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

Driving by local Guide + work team.
Visit the home of the local guide.
Visit to craft stores
Visit the residents' association.
The story of the favela told walking through the alleys and alleys
Visit Laje do Michael Jackson and the statue.
Alcoholic Beverages

Drink free
Insurance for personal accidents
Air-conditioned vehicle

Transfer Executive Premium looking at the meeting point.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pay attention to the options available on your tour. Meeting point : Rio Othon Palace Hotel at 9:30 and 14:00 Meeting point : Hotel Hilton Copacabana at 9:50 and 14:20 * Free search service in Copacabana in executive black van. Carefully check the meeting point indicated on your Reservation. * If the meeting point needs to be changed due to maintenance or mechanical problems, the shipment will be transferred to Botafogo. The passenger must go to the new place informed. Transfer is courtesy. If you do not show up, there will be no refund. * Before departure, check your email and WhatsApp registered for possible updates.

Itinerary

Trailler Mirante Do Pedrao

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Michael Jackson Statue

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Dona Marta

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
Not recommended for those who have problems going up and down stairs.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Maria_m

Really enjoyed this tour. Went at a good pace. Gave a good insight into some of the realities for those living in the favela. Was also safety conscious. Only for the open minded I’d say, as some of stuff you see may be uncomfortable but the people we encountered were friendly and I loved that we went into the tour guide owners openers home, they live on the favela , and they are clearly trying to help the young people to enhance their lives- through the community centre and samba band that played for us. You can buy stuff from the community shops but no one was pushy. Really glad we did it. Great views too from the top of the favela. Our guide was energetic and really personable. A great tour.

Reviews

4.9

based on 337 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great tour by a local

Maria_m, Aug 2025

Excellent and Insightful Tour- Must See

Carl_B, Jul 2025

This tour was excellent and highly recommended to really understand Brazil and the Favelas. Pedro was Fantastic. He knew everyone, was authentic, honest, personable, funny and made the tour truly great. I know there maybe some people afraid to take this tour, there is not need to be worried. Way more crime happening everywhere around you anywhere you go, and the Favelas felt totally safe. Pedro's English was also great, so understanding the area and what we were doing was very easy. I highly recommend this tour to see the real side of Rio and definitely with Pedro!

The guide is super...

Johanna_V, Jun 2025

The guide is super friendly and explains very well the different cultural, social, and political aspects of life in the favela.

The highlight of our trip to Rio!

Yulia_G, Apr 2025

This was the absolute highlight of our trip to Brazil! The tour was very informative, opening our eyes to a completely different perspective of the everyday life in Rio. It was very safe and very educational at the same time. Our tour guide was Julianna and she tried to go above and beyond at every step of the tour, especially accomodating us when my credit card has not been accepted in the local stores. Very, very different from the touristy Rio and so much more enhoyable!

Pedro your was amazing thank you

dazmark, Apr 2025

Did this tour and our guide was Pedro. He has probably done this tour so many times but he treated it as if it was his first. He was so friendly and knowledgeable he answered all our questions even the stupid ones from my partner. Please do this tour it was really cool. Great job Pedro

Very Glad That I Went

MyungHee_H, Mar 2025

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!

Fantastic!

Sara_L, Mar 2025

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.

Great experience

Tal_T, Mar 2025

Interesting and very important one, we enjoyed . The guide was amazing The only issue was that the group size was too big

Extraordinary Experience

Mariela_M, Feb 2025

This is an amazing tour! Thiago and Breno made this an unforgettable and super safe activity. We learned all the history and way of life of the Favelas, we visited their family home and they were so welcoming and great hosts. They explained how we should behave all throughout the tour to make sure everyone was safe and we had an amazing time. Totally recommended

Best experiences ever

Ronald_R, Dec 2024

Is not a turistic trip, it’s an experience of life. We felt really safe all the time, and you really get to understand a bit how is the life (with all the pros and contras) in a favela. Highly recommended!!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for visiting our favela and choosing our tour that carries out activities in the favela and also for children.

Santa Marta Favela - Extraordinary day!

Prunau_A, Dec 2024

Very very good.Pedro was very good in explaining whole history of the Santa Marta Favela. I highly reccomend this tour!

Highly recommend

sandra_a, Dec 2024

The tour guide is phenomenal. And we enjoyed this very cultural and amazing tour. We highly recommend it.

Favela tour Santa Marta

Blodwen_P, Dec 2024

Fantastic experience. Juliette was an awesome tour guide and very knowledgeable about life in the Favelas One section of the cable car was not working on our tour, so be mindful of that when you book because there are a iot of stairs to get to the top.

The favela tour with...

DongTrieu_P, Dec 2024

The favela tour with Pedro in Santa Marta was a truly unique experience that I can highly recommend. We were lucky to be the only ones that morning which allowed us to ask a lot of questions and learn about the story of Santa Marta and life in the community. Pedro also showed us all the initiatives they have done for the community which are heartwarming. Certainly going into a favela, there is a sense of awareness and caution but we felt safe throughout the tour.

Absolutely Brilliant and Insightful

Shanice_W, Nov 2024

The tour was incredible, Pedro (Peter) was very informative and charismatic. He debunked many stereotypes Favelas get and we felt very safe. The locals were polite and welcoming. I definitely recommend, you'll enjoy the cultural experience.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Hello! We sincerely appreciate your feedback and for sharing your experience with us. Our goal is to always provide special and authentic moments, showcasing the beauty and culture of our community. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour! Come back anytime you want to explore more. A warm hug from our entire team!

Must do experience

Ina_R, Oct 2024

Super cool experience! We would recommend this tour to everyone - 2 things to improve: our guide was not coming but luckily we could go with Juliana :), second: it says we get a typical drink which we didn’t. In general it was a great experience and we really enjoyed the tour

Great tour!

Christopher_B, Jul 2024

Such a rich history and an immersive experience into the Brazilian culture. You’re able to see first hand the diverse culture in a safe way. I’m forever grateful for the time I shared with the beautiful people of the Saint Marta Favela!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

We’re so happy you enjoyed the Favela Santa Marta Tour experience! 😊 Follow our Instagram @favelasantamartatour for amazing tips on tours in Rio and updates. We hope to see you on another tour soon!

Favela Santa Marta - Must do!!!

Daxina_P, Jun 2024

Our tour of the Favela Santa Marta with Julian was incredibly eye-opening. It was fascinating to see firsthand how people live in the Favelas. Julian was very good, providing insightful information that made the experience both educational and memorable. I would definitely recommend it.

Amazing experience! And such a friendly host. Felt very safe throughout

Christopher_H, May 2024

Pietro was amazing! Very knowledgeable, and lively. He kept the experience engaging throughout. He had very good communication regarding safety, like a guardian angel. He had such a wonderful rapport with some of the locals, and it was also a great highlight seeing the Michael Jackson shrine! Colourful, a few cats to pat, and some smiles with locals along the way. Would totally recommend.

Most meaningful experience of our trip

Robert_E, Mar 2024

Our guide was incredibly friendly as where all of the folks we met in the community! The guide was very upbeat and well loved in the community which in turn helped make us feel comfortable leading to a better understanding of the different ways of life other than ours. He also did little things like buy us his favorite candy’s and small breakfast pastries to show us past of his growing up memories. He was so relatable my daughter told me after. We loved the lady in the gift shop who showed us where she was in the Michael Jackson video! One cat stoled my daughter’s heart! We even saw a turtle, but not sure how it made it up and down the steps? Very awesome experience, I wish my community was/is as friendly.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Favela Santa Marta - The people shine like the 🌞

A_P, Feb 2024

Feb 2024 - If you’re visiting Rio, you have to visit the favelas! Dispel your stereotypes and open your mind. This is an excellent way for you to interface with the people and the culture! Pedro was an amazing guide very knowledgeable and passionate on educating people on life in the Favela. Santa Marta is a beautiful place and the energy I received there was like no other! The people shine like the 🌞

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Live hardship persistently and engaging in life.

ZHONGLIN_Z, Feb 2024

We were impressed by the guide's passion to Favela Santa Marta. We learnt more than what we have imagined, expecially how Favela leadership play an important role to help with kid's education, resident's recreation activity, and many other non-for-profit initiatives. We were left an upward and proactive spirit after this tour about how people made their way in living happily even in a non-firendly social environment. Salute to the Favela leadership for all they have done so far. Keep moving !

A great day

Jason_M, Jan 2024

Absolutely brilliant tour, really recommend. Pedro was our guide & was so lovely. He was so passionate about the area and told us a lot about the history. One of our highlights of our trip to Rio!

It was amazing and very...

Sergey_S, Jan 2024

It was amazing and very friendly walking. Thank you so much, Juan! guests from Russia and Georgia =)

Family trip

ALICJA_Z, Jan 2024

Julianna and Thiago were great guides. It was nice to hear how much Thiago helps kids in favela so they stay out of trouble. We highly recommend this trip to everyone and don’t be afraid to bring your kids as we did to explore the other side/reality of Rio.

Worth to visit absolutely

Topi_H, Jan 2024

Great after tour after it got started. Due to hassle in the beginning and large size of the group the tour went one hour overtime.

A must when in Rio

Aljaz_C, Jul 2023

It's hard to imagine visiting Rio without seeing at least one of these unique settlements from up close, and Santa Marta is probably the safest and most accessible favela to tour. Our amazing tour guy did a great job of introducing us to this neighbourhood, its friendly inhabitants and also helped to break some of the stereotypes people usually have about favelas. The whole experience definitely gets two thumbs up from me.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you very much for the beautiful comment. It was a great job to do the tour with everyone and unveil the stereotypes that people always place on favela residents. Favela is power. Thank you for valuing our work.

Recommend

Tyra_H, Jul 2023

This tour was very informative. My favorite part was making music with the kids. It was rainy and cold but in glad I didn’t let the rain stop me and I got to experience this. We even watched the Michael Jackson video

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Our team works in the sun and in the rain to serve all tourists with excellence. Check back often. I hope this visit remains in your heart and memory for the rest of your life.

All around the walk, the...

AlexaMartinez, Jul 2023

All around the walk, the view and knowledge from the guide was great, the value of money was good. Thanks

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you for everything. Very happy with your visit. A really valuable visit and one you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Great guide, Great tour

JACQUELWYN_A, Jun 2023

Juan was a fabulous tour guide, very knowledgeable, very passionate, and very friendly. We enjoyed getting to experience the favela culture. This was a great tour! Well worth it! Note - there is a lot of walking involved.