Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide
Description
You have probably heard, ''Don't go to a favela, it's dangerous". This phrase is based on prejudice. Would you like to experience a favela, real and raw? Come with me on a free walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America, and learn what life is like here. You will walk through the neighborhood while your guide tells the story of the community and how it has developed, from the beginning to today. Following the same paths, the locals walk every day, you will experience the scenes and culture of this vibrant, friendly neighborhood. You will visit a supermarket and other local businesses, and see social projects that benefit the community. You will also see incredible views from the high hilltop and take pictures. You will need to bring money, for donations to community charities, viewpoints, souvenirs, and Moto-taxi.
Tour Options
Itinerary
From the metro station we will take a moto-taxi (Motorcycle taxi) to the top of Rocinha. From there we will start the walking tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(227)
We had a guided tour with Carlos who has lived in Rocinha for 31yrs, he gave us incredible insight into the Favella’s. It’s a genuinely safe and interesting experience, which forms a huge part of Rio’s diverse culture and pride. What you don’t hear about the favella’s as an outsider is that they are large, vibrant communities that operate on a code of respect, and they’re very safe as long as you remain respectful. Highly recommend.
Such a GREAT tour. We loved Carlos, so much fun and let us as all questions. We were going to book one with our hostel but so glad we booked with him instead. Never felt unsafe ended up actually feeling safer the Ipanema. Such interesting information from a local
It was an incredible experience and the guide was the best! The favela is definitely very different from what you hear, but you absolutely have to go with a guide.
Guide Carlos told little about real life in the favelha and the stop at a local cafe was far too long. We wanted to leave early but had to do our time there.
Carlos is an excellent guide, perfect English, a very beautiful experience, and very safe. I recommend to everyone who is still hesitating to take the plunge!
Great experience! I think visiting a favela is an important part of getting to know the local culture. The wonderful performance by the children's capoeira students left a warm impression. Thank you brother Carlos🙏
This was amazing experience and I highly recommend. Our guides, Carlos and Rafaela were very kind and trustworthy and we (50f and daughter 14f) never felt uneasy. The ride up on the motor taxis was truly exciting and unforgettable, we saw that other guides offered luxury cars but this was such an entertainment and we did not regret our choice. The kids in the capoeira class were amazing and the tight walk down the ladders and steps gave us a glimpse of how it must feel to have limited access to your own home, all the time. The rules were clear, when not to show phones, cameras or even sunglasses and these parts were the most interesting. The guides were born and raised in the favela and it was obvious that they were well known and respected and vice versa. I would truly repeat this trip. The access to the meeting point was easy.
What can I say Carlos you the man. Cracking tour and guide with great English. Carlos is very passionate about his home town and tries to get you in the zone to experience what everyday life is like for those in the Favela. You will require a few extra BR apx 25 but this is explained at time of booking. This covers the cost of transportation up to the top, then guided back down via streets and alleys. If your not a fan of getting on the back of the bike this might not be for you but it was great fun the riders do this day in and day out and as a rider myself felt safe and sound.
Carlos is an amazing tour guide. He is very detailed in what a person should do and not to do while touring his neighborhood. All of the locals respect him, and he shows respect to them. At no time does he make anyone feel unsafe or nervous. The views are amazing and the locals are welcoming and take pride in their community. The favela felt more families looking after each other which is awesome in my eyes. The community makes things happens together and not against each other. Overall, it was a great tour with Carlos and thank you for sharing your neighborhood with us.
Absolute must to see an alternative side of Rio. Carlos was excellent, a local, and felt very safe with him. Highly recommended.
