Favela tour Santa Marta with local guide

Would highly recommend this tour. We were a bit worried about the ethics of favela tours, and several of the providers we found didn't put us at ease: it looked as if you would show up in a huge bus and be shuttled around to gape at various sights. We wanted something more laid back and in touch with the locals, and this is exactly what Gilson provides. It was just me and my partner on the tour, and we essentially went on a walk through the town. Gilson knows pretty much everyone, and you really feel like you're getting an insider's perspective. The tour is more about getting a feel for the place and less about the "sights", but such as they are they include: the funicular railway, UPP station, football pitch, Gilson's house and clock collection (!), town square and church. Gilson is super knowledgeable, having lived in Santa Marta his whole life. Instead of giving a prepared spiel, at each point he gives a brief explanation and then lets you ask questions, which he's always able to answer. We preferred this approach. If you want a chill experience that really lets you feel like you're participating in the life of the favela, then highly recommend this tour.