Favela Santa Marta Tour: Authentic Experience by Local Guides Sharing Life Stories
4.9
319 Ratings
Copacabana

Embark on an authentic tour of Favela Santa Marta led by local guides. Discover the true essence of favela life and hear captivating life stories from those who call the favela home.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dona Marta - We will visit the Guide’s house and the drink is free for everyone. A visit where we will get to know your family, your life and watch a short video about the favela.
  • Michael Jackson Statue - We will visit the Michael Jackson Statue, bars and craft stores.
What's Included
  • Visit the residents’ association
  • Story of the favela told walking through the alleys
  • Visit Laje do Michael Jackson and the statue
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Visit the home of the local guide
  • Visit to craft stores
  • Driving by local guide and work team
  • Insurance for personal accidents
Additional Information

Discover the favela tour that combines over 17 years of expertise, earning international acclaim as the top walking tours in Latin America, along with the Travelers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at the international tourism fair, WTM Latin America 2024, the commitment to authenticity and sustainability guarantees a…

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Location
Hotel Rio Othon Palace
Avenida Atlântica
The meeting point is the Rio Othon Palace Hotel, located on Avenida Atlântica, 3264, Copacabana. We will wait for you in front of the hotel, in front of the beach, at the agreed time. The waiting time is DE 5/10 minutes, so we recommend arriving early.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(319 Ratings)
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Guide710917
Nov 14, 2025
Very Informative & Safe Tour! - Our guide was Juliana. She gave us a wonderful tour. She knew all the rules and what areas to avoid. She was patient, kind, friendly, and well knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions and allowed us to take breaks when we were tired (it's a lot of steps). We got to see inside the home of one of the other tour guides, play football with some of the locals, listen to music, and stand where Michael Jackson stood during his music video in the 90s. We definitely recommend this tour. Thank you Juliana!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roam06511898804
Nov 4, 2025
Impressive favela tour - Great experience. We felt very safe. Tour, inouts of Thiago and his community engagements, lookouts and honest conversations about the favela. In the end, there were even food recommendations. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
857anakarene
Oct 17, 2025
The best guides, the best experience - Everything was amazing! The experience was wonderful from start to finish. Gabrielle and Thiago were the best tour guides, super friendly, fun and attentive to the whole group. They explained everything to us with a lot of passion and it is rating that they love what they do. I would definitely repeat this tour a thousand times more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meverick78
Oct 12, 2025
Super Favela Tour in RIO - The tour guide (guide) Ray was super friendly and informative. This is really a haunting favela tour where you can play football with the local children and enjoy a samba music performance. She gave us more insights into life in a favela than we expected. Into a house is shown the video of Michael Jackson where filming took place in the favela. Finally, take a photo stop at the Michael J. monument. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Discover03417947070
Oct 1, 2025
Great! - It was great: Thiago and Gabriella are really insightfull and tell the honest story about the favela. Also, while doing the tour you get to meet people who live there and want something better: playing football or just listening to samba music: this Tour has it all
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8449ysluisv
Oct 1, 2025
Brazil cartel - I lost my leg GG BRUV IM NOT GOING THERE AGAIN WHAT THE HELLY MASON GAVE ME A 67 HAIRCUT IT WAS TERRIBLE I CANT SEE I GOT A SOUTHSIDE FADE WITH DOWNSYNDROME BUT ANYWAYS W TRIP NICE EXPIERENCE THANK YOU I GOT AIDS BUT IT WAS WORTH IT
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelmm6798wl
Sep 30, 2025
Breno very good guide - Breno was an excellent guide, he attended us very well, he felt very warm the tour! Thanks Breno. The favela is very safe, as long as they follow the recommendations of the guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorenamef
Sep 23, 2025
Unforgettable experience - Unforgettable experience. Juliana was a very professional guide and with her we felt very comfortable. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay64914548193
Sep 18, 2025
Great Favela trip - Great experience. Felt very safe. Very friendly tour guides. Would recommend to other visitors. Especially the drum performance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rod
Sep 13, 2025
Amazing - Our excellent guide Tiago, introduced us to an amazing community and the people who live there. I highly encourage overs to participate in Tiago’s tour and I hope to go back soon when my family comes to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $32
From $32
up to 15 guests
2 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).