Tours/Rio de Janeiro/Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta
Viator · Private tour

Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta

5.0(63)Rio de Janeiro1 hour
VIATOR5.0(14)TRIPADVISOR5.0(49)

Description

A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue of Michael Jackson, which marked the history of the community. In addition, the tour includes visits to social projects that make a difference in the lives of residents, providing a deeper and more human insight into the reality of the favela. By choosing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable experience, but you will also directly contribute to the local economy, supporting the sustainable development of the community. It is a way to travel with purpose, where each moment lived is an exchange of experiences and learning.

Tour Options

Favela Top Tour
  • Hours at 9hs
Favela Superstar Tour
  • Departure time at 9hs

Itinerary

Pass by

Guided tour by a guide who lives in the favela, learning about all the art, culture and social projects that boost the community and the well-being of the favela!

Pass by

They will visit the statue of Michael Jackson, which became a tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, after the pop star came to the Favela!

Pass by

Free tram ride, cultural visit, caipirinha workshop. Safe tour with accredited local resident.

Highlights

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

What's included

Included
Train, visit Michael Jackson statue, Social Project, Neighborhood Association.
Not included
Dinner

Traveller Ratings

5.0
63 reviews
5
62
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(63)

E
Ermelind_F
June 17, 2026
It was a great...

It was a great experience, Luis works with his family, very passionate and proud to show me the story of Santa Marta, absolutely amazing to be at the same place that Michel Jackson shoot his videoclip, i would recommend to everyone to go and explore . Thank you Luis

D
Daniel O
June 4, 2026
Impressive and insightful

Very insightful tour. Our guide Raycca showed brought us to the top of the favela with the train and led us through the narrow streets and stairs down to the bottom of Santa Marta. Raycca has grown up and still lives there today. She told us everything about the Favela and also about her own personal story which is very impressive. She speaks English very well so it was easy to follow along. We felt safe throughout the whole tour. There were opportunities to play soccer with the residents and to see a samba show. But nothing is forced upon you and there is also no obligation to give money. However, you are of course welcome to do so if you wish. We recommend this tour to everyone interested in learning about Favelas an Culture.

J
Jordan B
May 19, 2026
brazil solo trip

the guide luis was very friendly and very welcoming , an excellent tour . would deffo book again

S
Sharon_G
January 25, 2026
I gave this a 5 stars...

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.

Z
zoegdiee
January 7, 2026
This is definitely the highlight to our Rio visit.

What an amazing experience seeing everyday life in Favela. We felt safe and welcomed throughout the tour. Definitely recommend Favela Top Tours

G
Griselda M
January 4, 2026
Love the tour 💚

Excellent guide Mario, very warm your reception, thank you for your attentions. We opened the doors of his house and his community, as a fan of MJ I loved the tour and the behind everything that was experienced those days of recording

N
nicola_hunt
December 14, 2025
Fab tour

Fabulous tour of the Favela. We felt very privileged to be taken around by someone lived and grew up there. The boys got to play football with the kids from the Favela. Thank you for a really enjoyable and insightful few hours.

J
Joseph_R
December 13, 2025
A great and informative...

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.

2
231alishaw
December 3, 2025
Excellent Favela tour

Family of 2 adults and 2 teenage boys loved this tour. Mario and Marco are local guides that have grown up and live in the Favela. Very informative. Saw all all sides of the Favela. Eye opening for the boys. They boys also enjoyed playing football with some local children. Would highly recommend and so would the kids. I would note that if catching an uber from Copacabana Beach leave with plenty of time to spare. It took us almost an hour to get there due to traffic. (And it is not far from Copacabana!).

E
emmasR7934BV
November 24, 2025
Santa Marta favella

Enlightening and educational experience with our fabulous guide Mario. You get to immerse yourself in the Santa Marta community, who are all so welcoming and friendly

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