Favela Experience: community-led favela tours in Rio de Janeiro
What our guests are saying
Tour da Favela da Rocinha
“Absolutely fantastic experience exploring the Rocinha favela. Erik was extremely knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic. The tour is eye-opening and makes you realize that there is more to the Favela than what is perpetuated in the media.”
Gregory S
TripAdvisorHighly recommend!
“Fantastic tour through the favela. Our tour guide Phillipe was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and made us feel very welcome.”
Nick
TripAdvisorAmazing experience, highly recommend
“Amazing experience. So great to see how the locals are creating new businesses and jobs in the community. Will definitely be back.”
Sarah B
TripAdvisorInsightful
“This is such an interesting trip and completely changed my impression of a favella. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rio.”
HJacq1 · Birmingham, UK
TripAdvisorA must do cultural experience!
“Eye opening experience to Brazilian culture, felt safe the entire time. Our guide was brilliant and so passionate about the community.”
Stacey Q
TripAdvisorGreat experience
“This organization does great work and it was a genuinely cool experience getting to see life in the favela from the perspective of someone who grew up there.”
Brian L
TripAdvisorUnreal authentic experience!
“What a great experience that shattered the stereotypes of a favela being a perilous place to go. Absolutely loved every second.”
Sam C · Kendal, UK
TripAdvisorBeautiful sunrise hike above the Favela!
“4 of us met Russo from Favela tours at 3am at the base of the favela. The sunrise from the top was absolutely breathtaking. Worth every second of the early alarm.”
Eric S · Denver, CO
TripAdvisorReally take this tour!!
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! He gave me a new perspective on the favela and showed me how warm, caring, and loving the people there are! The guide was absolutely wonderful and made me feel completely safe.”
Britta B
TripAdvisorSunrise hike: AMAZING!
“The sunrise hike to Dois Irmãos was the highlight of my trip to Rio. Absolutely stunning views and an incredible experience from start to finish.”
Jackie B · Lima, Peru
TripAdvisorVery insightful
“The tour was very interesting and we got to see a range of different things while on it. Our guide was lovely and knew the area extremely well. At no time did I feel uncomfortable, I recommend it to those interested in visiting a favela!”
Jaz N · Bedford, UK
TripAdvisorResponsible tourism done right
“I was fortunate to take part in a private tour of the Vidigal favela. A fascinating and moving experience, exactly the kind of responsible tourism the world needs more of.”
Michael I · London, UK
TripAdvisorTour da Favela da Rocinha
“Absolutely fantastic experience exploring the Rocinha favela. Erik was extremely knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic. The tour is eye-opening and makes you realize that there is more to the Favela than what is perpetuated in the media.”
Gregory S
TripAdvisorHighly recommend!
“Fantastic tour through the favela. Our tour guide Phillipe was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and made us feel very welcome.”
Nick
TripAdvisorAmazing experience, highly recommend
“Amazing experience. So great to see how the locals are creating new businesses and jobs in the community. Will definitely be back.”
Sarah B
TripAdvisorInsightful
“This is such an interesting trip and completely changed my impression of a favella. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rio.”
HJacq1 · Birmingham, UK
TripAdvisorA must do cultural experience!
“Eye opening experience to Brazilian culture, felt safe the entire time. Our guide was brilliant and so passionate about the community.”
Stacey Q
TripAdvisorGreat experience
“This organization does great work and it was a genuinely cool experience getting to see life in the favela from the perspective of someone who grew up there.”
Brian L
TripAdvisorUnreal authentic experience!
“What a great experience that shattered the stereotypes of a favela being a perilous place to go. Absolutely loved every second.”
Sam C · Kendal, UK
TripAdvisorBeautiful sunrise hike above the Favela!
“4 of us met Russo from Favela tours at 3am at the base of the favela. The sunrise from the top was absolutely breathtaking. Worth every second of the early alarm.”
Eric S · Denver, CO
TripAdvisorReally take this tour!!
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! He gave me a new perspective on the favela and showed me how warm, caring, and loving the people there are! The guide was absolutely wonderful and made me feel completely safe.”
Britta B
TripAdvisorSunrise hike: AMAZING!
“The sunrise hike to Dois Irmãos was the highlight of my trip to Rio. Absolutely stunning views and an incredible experience from start to finish.”
Jackie B · Lima, Peru
TripAdvisorVery insightful
“The tour was very interesting and we got to see a range of different things while on it. Our guide was lovely and knew the area extremely well. At no time did I feel uncomfortable, I recommend it to those interested in visiting a favela!”
Jaz N · Bedford, UK
TripAdvisorResponsible tourism done right
“I was fortunate to take part in a private tour of the Vidigal favela. A fascinating and moving experience, exactly the kind of responsible tourism the world needs more of.”
Michael I · London, UK
TripAdvisorAs seen on
Real community experiences in Rio de Janeiro
Authentic favela tours led by local guides
Creating real economic impact in communities
Featured in 9+ international media outlets
What sets us apart
We're all about community
For over a decade, Favela Experience has been leading the way in responsible community tourism in Rio de Janeiro. We believe travel should create positive change: every tour directly supports local families, businesses, and community projects.
Read about our impact
Go where the community takes you
Only with
Favela Experience
Community-led tours
Every tour is guided by local residents who share their real stories and daily life.
Direct economic impact
Tour revenue goes directly to local families, businesses, and community projects.
Internationally recognized
Featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, The Guardian, and NPR.
Safe & responsible
We practice responsible tourism: respectful, sustainable, and community-first.
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