Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal-wandeltocht door Russo Guide

Thank you so much to Russo who shares his knowledge from the favella with his heart. Russo, you make such a difference ! Thank you

I loved Russo, he is a very kind guide who explains the details of Vidigal well! Having done another favela with another guide, I can confirm to you that Russo is very kind and knows Vidigal well! Thanks

We did the Dois Irmãos and Vidigal route with Russo and we loved it. He is from the community itself, super attentive and fun, and he makes you feel comfortable and safe at all times. An authentic way to get to know the favela and enjoy some spectacular views. 100% recommended!

I had a lovely tour of Vidigal with Russo. I ended up being the only traveler, and Russo was very pleasant and attentive and made sure I truly enjoyed the experience.

Russo was our tour guide, as advertised. This is a good tour to take if you plan to visit a favela in Rio. Russo was born and raised in Vidigal. He knows the locals very well, and everyone knows him there. We felt 100% safe walking around the favela with him. Russo was very informative with the history and the changes that Vidigal has seen over the years, and in his own lifetime. He took us up the steep hill in a public transport minivan, and we walked down slowly through the winding streets and alleyways of the favela. We had a stop about halfway for a rest at a restaurant - you can order a drink (self pay) and sit for a little while to enjoy the view, watch local life, even part of a football game on TV - the World Cup was on. It was a wonderful tour to see a less glamorous side of Rio, but filled with just as much culture and history. Expect almost 2 hours of walking downhill, with a nice break in between.

Russo was our tour guide, as advertised. This is a good tour to take if you plan to visit a favela in Rio. Russo was born and raised in Vidigal. He knows the locals very well, and everyone knows him there. We felt 100% safe walking around the favela with him. Russo was very informative with the history and the changes that Vidigal has seen over the years, and in his own lifetime. He took us up the steep hill in a public transport minivan, and we walked down slowly through the winding streets and alleyways of the favela. We had a stop about halfway for a rest at a restaurant - you can order a drink (self pay) and sit for a little while to enjoy the view, watch local life, even part of a football game on TV - the World Cup was on. It was a wonderful tour to see a less glamorous side of Rio, but filled with just as much culture and history. Expect almost 2 hours of walking downhill, with a nice break in between.

The Russian guide is an excellent professional!! The tour of the guide was sensational, experienced guide, attentive and with a lot of wisdom about the place!! I recommend everyone!

Brutal, he is a spectacular guide

After another guide had canceled on us at short notice, the two of us were able to do our desired combo tour in the afternoon/evening with Russo. Russo has lived in Vidigal his whole life, knows simply everything (and is not Russian, as is sometimes incorrectly translated). First, we went up by motorcycle taxi. The subsequent hike is strenuous but very doable. You are rewarded with fantastic views. First of Rocinha and Pedra da Gavea, later of Rio. During the descent all the way down, we learned a lot about life in Vidigal and made various stops at bars and pubs, from which you also had a great view. All in all, a worthy conclusion to our trip. Highly recommended!

One of the most fun experiences we had in Rio; Russo was incredibly welcoming, funny, and made us feel very comfortable/safe in Vidigal. He showed us throughout the favela, including a school, his home area, and a terrace cafe/bar with incredible views!