Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

Train, visit Michael Jackson statue, Social Project, Neighborhood Association.

Dinner

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

R. São Clemente, 320 - Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22260-004, Brazil
Tourist Information Stand of Favela Santa Marta Search for Mario Guide

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Mirante Dona Marta (Pass By)

Michael Jackson Statue (Pass By)

Morro Dona Marta (Pass By)

Additional Info

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

Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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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)

Reviews

5.0

based on 60 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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I gave this a 5 stars...

Sharon_G, Jan 2026

I gave this a 5 stars because of how interesting it was to visit. Our guide was very good. He, his father and uncle do tours in the favela. He was charming and answered questions thoroughly. On the day we were there, the tram was not working for 2/3 of the way up so many steps to climb. On the way down, after riding the tram for the last 1/3, there were lots of steps and slick surfaces. I advise to be sure-footed to do this tour. I'm 75, husband 76, friend is 68, and daughter 55. None of us are very athletic and our leg muscles are very sore. Keep in mind physical exertion necessary. The tour itself and the guide were great.

A great and informative...

Joseph_R, Dec 2025

A great and informative experience and definitely recommend. Mario the guide lives in the favela (he showed us his house) and was great at explaining things and answering questions. Locals were really friendly too and it felt really safe.

High recommendation!

William_B, Nov 2025

One of my favorite tours I’ve done on a trip. Gave so much perspective and insight while also being a good time

Excellent experience

Sonja_L, Oct 2025

1000% would recommend. Luis is from Saint Marta. Was incredibly educational and I think it’s important to see all sides of Brazil.

Highly recommend

Anna_D, Oct 2025

It was THE BEST. Mario was our guide. He spoke multiple languages. The tour was authentic and informative. Not commercial.

Awesome/Authentic/Eye Opening Experience

Wallace_K, May 2025

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!

Excellent tour of St...

Magnus_P, May 2025

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...

A must-do

C_L, Jan 2025

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

The best tour we had - discover the real Brazil and feel safe!

Nazanin_J, Jan 2024

I rarely write reviews but this tour was so heart-warming that I would like to share it with all. We were staying in copacabana and very worried how safe it will be to go to favella. To our surprise, our guide was the sweetest person who made us feel safe at every moment. It was even safe to have our mobile phones with us and take pictures. The guide is well-respected in favella and they are like community where everyone knows each other. You will see colorful, real Brazil and leave with good memories. Our guide was actually born and raised in this Favella and we even visited his house. I highly recommend the tour regardless if you are female solo traveller, couple, or family - The best tour we had of all!

Our guide was an actual...

Ebony_L, Mar 2022

Our guide was an actual resident of the Santa Marta Favela. You will explore this favela with him as he shows your around every little nook and cranny. It is very safe but this is a true-to-life tour. You will see "everything".

Spectacular

Samuel_M, Sep 2025

Spectacular 👌. Experience that must be realized at least once in a lifetime. Mario our guide made us feel and understand all the reality of favelas

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Recomendable 100%

Vicente_N, Sep 2025

great experience with a guide willing to show everything and make everything very simple. He was able to visit the whole fabela and had answers for everything.

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Excellent

Eder_B, Sep 2024

C'était excellent, une de meilleures visite à Rio, Marco un guide professionnel qui vit et connaît très bien Santa Marta, un mec bienveillant plein d'énergie positives qui nous a fait visité même sa maison avec une vue magnifique sur le christ rédempteur et le pain de sucre. Je recommande vivement cette visite. Merci Marco