Favela tour Santa Marta com guia local

Unique experience in the favela with the guide who accompanied us safely in the heart of the Santa Marta district showing the various aspects and panoramic views of the City. We did all the climb on foot because there was no electricity and then the "inclined plane" nn worked. I can say that it was even better because it allowed us to fully live the experience. The children of the district improvised a folklore show taking up the typical feast of San Sebastiano which was a real joy to see. We were able to take some pictures discreetly and without creating disturbance to the inhabitants of the neighborhood. RECOMMENDED

Very good experience. The guide is super attentive and makes you feel at home. Very safe if you listen to the local directions. Thank you so much!

Would highly recommend this tour. We were a bit worried about the ethics of favela tours, and several of the providers we found didn't put us at ease: it looked as if you would show up in a huge bus and be shuttled around to gape at various sights. We wanted something more laid back and in touch with the locals, and this is exactly what Gilson provides. It was just me and my partner on the tour, and we essentially went on a walk through the town. Gilson knows pretty much everyone, and you really feel like you're getting an insider's perspective. The tour is more about getting a feel for the place and less about the "sights", but such as they are they include: the funicular railway, UPP station, football pitch, Gilson's house and clock collection (!), town square and church. Gilson is super knowledgeable, having lived in Santa Marta his whole life. Instead of giving a prepared spiel, at each point he gives a brief explanation and then lets you ask questions, which he's always able to answer. We preferred this approach. If you want a chill experience that really lets you feel like you're participating in the life of the favela, then highly recommend this tour.

It was actually quite bad. The guide didn’t really care it didn’t give any information about the community. We didn’t feel comfortable being around the are. After arriving at the main attraction with the graffiti there was a band playing and they insisted on giving tips, 10€ minimum. It was not okay but we were scared not to give it. In the end of the very poor guide experience he requested tips as well, we were also scared not to give some, but then he tricked us and withdrew more money than expected. Overall not recommended, you get much better experience in other favellas or other tour guides

Top! The Guide made us feel the life of the favela, the organisation and the culture! The food was delicious and very friendly!

We felt safe with our guide. The view was spectacular from the top. Expect to look down as you’re going down the stairs as there is poops from the cats and the dogs here and there.

Gilson is an amazing guy, very emphatic and genuine. Walking through the favela with him, you get the impression that he knows everyone and that everyone loves him. The biggest proof of his love for the community is that he directs all of his energy into sharing and caring about his people. The terrace of his house has the best views of the favela and the city. No fancy place on Copacabana can beat the views you get here and I have to say that I felt safer than in some central parts of Rio. Thank you Gilson for showing us everyday life in your community and helping us to understand it better. I would love to come back one day. Just like MJ sings in his song: "Don't worry what people say, we know the truth" Love❤️

Got to see Gilson’s family’s awesome clock collection as well as meet some of his friends and family. Even got to celebrate his grandmother’s 88th birthday. The family really welcomed us and made us feel a part of their family, even though is was a brief encounter.

Gilson was a fantastic tour guide. He was honest about living in a favela highlighting the sense of community but also listing its challenges. He was proud to show us Favela Santa Marta and introduce us to his family. It was a bit confusing finding the correct tour guide when meeting in the park (as there were several). We would have felt more secure with a larger group (it was just the two of us women) and we witnessed weapons present by residents at times during the tour. The tour price could have been a bit less.

Great tour! The guide is very informed and friendly! We passed through several crucial points that are part of the history of that place!! I recommend!!