
Favela Santa Marta Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 384 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Favela Santa Marta Tour worth booking?
Favela Santa Marta Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $31 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 384 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (384)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $31 per person
Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!
What you get
About this experience
Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!
What's included
Included
- Visit the residents' association.
- The story of the favela told walking through the alleys and alleys
- Visit Laje do Michael Jackson and the statue.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visit the home of the local guide.
- Visit to craft stores
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Driving by local Guide + work team.
- Insurance for personal accidents
What you'll see and do
Trailler Mirante Do Pedrao
Pause to observe the view of the Sugar Bread and the entire Guanabara Bay.
10 minutes here
Michael Jackson Statue
We will visit the Michael Jackson Statue, bars and craft stores.
20 minutes here · Admission included
We will visit the entire favela and the Guide house where the drink is free for everyone. A visit where we will meet your family, your life and watch a small video about the favela.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Favela Santa Marta Tour
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for those who have problems going up and down stairs.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 384 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
384 verified traveler reviews for Favela Santa Marta Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unreal experience, definitely recommend!
A brilliant experience, getting to know the life inside the favelas was amazing and we learnt a lot! Would definitely recommend to all who are in Rio. Felt very safe with the tour guide, had no issues and was really great to see how daily life is in the favelas. Safety issues are a misconception, the residents within the favela are kind and respectful and just expect the same back, just a fantastic tour and must-do activity when in Rio!
via Viator
once in a lifetime
It was a very nice experience and she was very kind an patient :) <3
via Tripadvisor
Santa Marta Favela
Everything was perfect, especially the guide, Gabriella.She told about everything and answers on all the questions
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience
This tour gives you an authentic, meaningful connection to the local culture and community. Our guide was super friendly and attentive to the group at all times. The people in the Favela were very friendly and we had the opportunity to visit Thiago's house and met his mother. In terms of transportation, they pick you up in a comfortable van and return you to the meeting point. We really enjoyed the whole experience. 100% recommended
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
I spent a long time researching and trying to find an ethical favela tour, and I’m so glad we chose this one. Our guide, Juliana, was absolutely phenomenal. Her knowledge of the Santa Marta community was incredible, and I asked her so many questions throughout the tour — every single one was answered with honesty, insight and compassion. What really stood out to me was Juliana herself and her own background. She has a choice about the work she does; she could be doing something else, but it was clear that this is something she is truly passionate about and wants to do. One of the highlights was spending time with Tiago’s mum and learning about the social projects they run, including the work they do to involve and support children in the community. Watching the clips and hearing about these initiatives gave a much deeper understanding of the people behind the place. Of course, we saw some of the famous locations — where Fast & Furious was filmed and the square where Michael Jackson filmed his music video. We even met someone who appeared in the background of the Michael Jackson video. One thing Juliana said has stayed with me throughout the entire trip. When I asked how residents felt about tourists walking through the favela, she explained that it reminds the world that they still exist and reminds them that their lives matter. This was an incredible ethical and respectful tour. It does not glorify life in the favela or ignore the challenges; instead, it shows the reality — a place with issues, but also a place full of love, resilience, pride and community. A truly unforgettable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $31 to $34
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 134
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Favela Santa Marta Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Favela Santa Marta Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $31 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Favela Santa Marta Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Favela Santa Marta Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 384 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Favela Santa Marta Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Favela Santa Marta Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Favela Santa Marta Tour?
+
Around 134 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Favela Santa Marta Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
+
On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Favela Santa Marta Tour?
+
Included: Visit the residents' association; The story of the favela told walking through the alleys and alleys; Visit Laje do Michael Jackson and the statue; Alcoholic beverages; and Visit the home of the local guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Favela Santa Marta Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Favela Santa Marta Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Favela Santa Marta Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Favela Santa Marta Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Favela Santa Marta Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Favela Santa Marta Tour?
+
Across 384 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Favela Santa Marta Tour.
Pick your date




