Frequently asked questions

Yes. We only operate in communities we know well, with locally-born guides who live there. We track conditions in real time and never enter areas that aren't safe on a given day. In 15+ years of running tours, our safety record is spotless: zero incidents.

Always go with a community-based guide. Favelas are tight-knit communities where being introduced matters. A local guide gets you welcomed, keeps you safe, and ensures the money you spend stays in the community.

Every guide carries a phone with our 24/7 operations line. We have local partners across every community we visit. Emergency response is fast and coordinated.

Pick a tour from our tours page, choose date, time, and group size, and pay through Stripe. You'll get a confirmation email with meeting-point details and your guide's WhatsApp. Online bookings close 2 hours before the tour starts; for anything sooner, message us on WhatsApp.

Browse our tours →

All major credit and debit cards via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Apple Pay and Google Pay also supported. For group bookings, we can also arrange bank transfer.

Full refund if you cancel 7 or more days before the tour, 50% between 2 and 7 days, and no refund under 2 days or for a no-show. Rescheduling is subject to availability. Email or WhatsApp our team using the number on your confirmation.

For groups of 10+ we offer custom rates. Request a quote. Smaller groups pay the standard per-person price.

Per person, in BRL (Brazilian Real). Total updates live as you change group size at booking.

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, phone or camera, and a small amount of cash for tips or local purchases. Each tour page lists specifics under 'What to bring'.

Casual, lightweight clothes. Avoid flashy jewelry. Closed-toe shoes for hiking tours.

Of street scenes, art, and views: yes. Of people: always ask first. Your guide will tell you when and how. We respect that residents are home, not exhibits.

Most favelas are hillside communities with stairs and uneven streets, so standard tours aren't fully accessible. Email us and we can design a custom itinerary that works for your needs.

Yes: for the walking tours, ages 6+ usually. For hikes, ages 8+ depending on fitness. Contact us if you're unsure.

Small. Most tours cap at 8–10 people, so you may share the slot with up to 10 travellers.

Not by default. We provide a precise meeting point in Vidigal or at the tour location. Hotel pickup can be added on request for an extra fee.

English and Portuguese always. Spanish, French, German, and Italian on request. Let us know at booking.

Walking tours run rain or shine. We'll suggest an umbrella. Hiking tours: if conditions are unsafe, we move you to the next dry slot or refund in full.

Tips aren't expected but always appreciated. 10–15% is standard if you had a great time.

Around 70% stays inside the community, paying local guides, restaurants, transportation, and partner projects. On our Impact Experience (currently paused), every booking also directly supports the organizations you visit.

Yes. Your guide can connect you directly. We don't take a cut.

Yes. Tell us what you do and we'll connect you to the right project.

Get in touch →

Our Customized Tours product is temporarily paused, but we still take group enquiries from travel agencies, universities, schools, corporations, and impact-driven organizations. Leave your details on our B2B page and we'll get back to you.

Group & B2B enquiries →

Yes. We run study-abroad, exchange, and service-learning programs with academic partners.

See our B2B page →

Two weeks for groups under 20. Four weeks for larger groups or full programs.

Founded in 2011, Favela Experience is the world's oldest dedicated favela tour agency, with 15+ years of community relationships, a perfect zero-incident safety record, and international press coverage in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, The Guardian, and NPR.