Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide

Trip up to the favela by motorcycle taxi: extra supplement to pay just like the access to the rooftop Peculiar experience, I do not know if I would recommend it…. Nice guide who gives us the instructions to follow, but a bit of a waste of time on the rooftop with the Q&A being too long.

An incredible discovery of the Rocinha favela thanks to the man on the ground, Carlos, and his adorable assistant. All our sympathy and support to all these good people who live there. Hats off for the organization and management, which were more than perfect, regarding this activity. Everything has been said and very well explained. Follow the guide, Carlos, sincerely, is the best. Bravo! !! ! And a big thank you to all these people.

Real authentic look into the flavela crafted and guided by locals, carlos was a great guide who showed us the different sides of the flavela!

Our guide Carlos was so informative and the view from the "rooftop" was amazing. The ride on the motorcylce was very fun. Make sure you bring money for the moto ride, as it is not included in the price. Really worth finding out about how life in the favelas are like. Very sobering.

Carlos is a great guide. He speaks fluent English and makes the tour and explanation of life in the district very interesting and fun. We have not felt unsafe or unwelcome for a moment. It was a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone. For us this was the absolute highlight of 3 days Rio.

I had heard so much about the Favelas of Rio that I took the opportunity to visit one on my trip with friend to Rio this month. Our guide was Carlos A., born and raised in the Rocinha Favela that we visited. Carlos is a very down to earth guide who does not hold back in laying bare the truth about the Favela in its physical, social, economic and historical dimensions. You will get to walk up and down the narrow streets of the favela and see its residents as they go about their daily lives. We were treated to a demonstration of Capoeira, a Afro-Brazilian blend of martial arts, acrobatics, dance and music at a local school. All-in-all I enjoyed the time spent learning about the Favela and seeing up close how the reality compares to the the stories one hears about these places. Be forwarned that the trip up the favela is by mototaxi. You are basically riding shotgun on a motorcycle up a narrow winding road with lots of traffic. It can be a little nerve wracking, but well worth the excitement once you reach the higher points with their view over the homes and other structures that make up Rocinha. The way down to the starting point is by foot down narrow alleyways that would difficult for people with disabilities. I highy recommend this tour for a view into a part of Rio de Janeiro that contrasts sharply with its beautiful mountains and beaches.

Excellent experience, good guide, bring cash, safe method for taking the tour. Pura vida

Excellent experience. Having a local guide was key. His knowledge and experience of living there provided a genuine insight. Support local guides!

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