Published on Jan, 2025

So this tour is run by a guy named Marco, but he's so much more than a tour guide. He has started several projects in the favela, including a project to clean up trash and replace it with trees. He also started a community garden nonprofit. He tells you all about the political system in there - they're self-governed. Incredible views. He also has a little community balcony on his property which he will show you. Everybody in town knows and respects them. I really enjoyed the narrow steps and alleyways and kinda Kowloon Walled City vibe. I of course was there to see Michael Jackson Square and it did not disappoint. You get to see the stairs from the music video too. I didn't really have any preconceived notions about a favela (again, there to see the Michael Jackson statue), and it was so much more than I expected. Really great time, a must-do if you only have a day or two in Rio - it doesn't take too much time. He takes you to visit a lady who has a lot of clocks which was a bit random

Published on Jan, 2025

Everybody knows the guide in favela, he also has very good English and explains everything very well, we had a great experience with local culture

Published on Dec, 2024

Nice and enlightening tour. Great insight into favela life. I felt very safe. Tour guide was fun, very engaging and welcomed us into his home, showed us the Michael Jackson square, other people’s homes and was very attentive.

Published on Nov, 2024

Was in Rio de Janeiro in mid-October and found this tour on Tripadvisor. I met Mario at the designated location right on schedule and ended up being the only person on the tour. We took the cable car to the top of the Favala and then walked down to the bottom of the neighborhood. Along the way Mario talked about the history of the area, and its people. We met some of the residents along the way who were all very friendly. Mario was very knowledgable and passionate about his community. I felt very at ease on the tour being with someone who was not only from the neighborhood but knew so many of his neighbors. I would highly recommend this tour

Published on Oct, 2024

Been to Rio 4 times but this was the first time visiting the favela. This is probably among the best things I've done in Rio, ever! Although one sees an unfortunate and surreal reality, another side of community and familiarity is seen (plus stunning views of Rio!) With people singing och socializing. In addition to showing his home in the favela of Santa Marta, Mario also gave the historical context of the favela while we walked the typical (and fascinating) labyrinth-like steps and hallways. It was like walking through Brazilian history...it doesn't get much more real than this! The keywords here are "unique" and "reality".