
Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 71 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta worth booking?
Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta is a 3-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $40 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 71 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (71)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue of Michael Jackson, which marked the history of the community. In addition, the tour includes visits to social projects that make a difference in the lives of residents, providing a deeper and more human insight into the reality of the favela. By choosing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable experience, but you will also directly contribute to the local economy, supporting the sustainable development of the community. It is a way to travel with purpose, where each moment lived is an exchange of experiences and learning.
What you get
About this experience
A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue of Michael Jackson, which marked the history of the community. In addition, the tour includes visits to social projects that make a difference in the lives of residents, providing a deeper and more human insight into the reality of the favela. By choosing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable experience, but you will also directly contribute to the local economy, supporting the sustainable development of the community. It is a way to travel with purpose, where each moment lived is an exchange of experiences and learning.
What's included
Included
- Train, visit Michael Jackson statue, Social Project, Neighborhood Association.
Not included
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Mirante Dona Marta
Guided tour by a guide who lives in the favela, learning about all the art, culture and social projects that boost the community and the well-being of the favela!
Pass by without stopping
Michael Jackson Statue
They will visit the statue of Michael Jackson, which became a tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, after the pop star came to the Favela!
Pass by without stopping
Free tram ride, cultural visit, caipirinha workshop. Safe tour with accredited local resident.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Tourist Information Stand of Favela Santa Marta Search for Mario Guide
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tourist Information Stand of Favela Santa Marta Search for Mario Guide
Options you can book
Favela Superstar Tour
Departure time at 9hs
Favela Top Tour
Hours at 9hs
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Favela Top Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 71 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 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.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
71 verified traveler reviews for Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Just go!
To be honest, this definitely goes in my Top 2 list of favorite Rio excursions. From the time of arrival until the end of the tour, everyone moved with professionalism. Mario was theee best tour guide. He was informative, allowed us into his home and of course took us to the locations where Michael Jackson shot his video. An added touch was how he waited with me until my Uber came. LADIES…if you go solo, Mario definitely takes iconic photos of you. Ask me how I know?😃
via Viator
Excellent tour!!
Really interesting tour of one of the smallest favelas, by someone who lives in it and spoke perfect English. Was great to see one of the houses and the main square as well as walk down the narrow steps. Highly recommended!!
via Viator
Great tour
I had a fantastic tour with Mario. As a local of Santa Marta he has all the knowledge and insights to the favelas history and its people. He is very thoughtful and friendly, knows all the people in the community and makes you feel welcome. I can totally recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Eye opening
Incredible. Amazing local guide. Great experience.
via Tripadvisor
Community LOVE!!!! ❤️
The owner of the company is a tour guide along with two other colleagues. Thing that impressed me is they live in Santa Marta favela and they know every corner of it. They are knowledgeable and respected in the area. The kids LOVE them and that already says enough about them. ❤️ I will definitely come back, because it’s not only a sacred place because of King of Pop, but because of the community that lives there. Tour guide had answers for all my questions, from the time favela was built all until today. Beautiful, local tour! We were walking all the way down, dancing to Michael’s aongs, recreating his moves through favela, even though we used a cable car to take us up. Tour last 2-3h. Local lady is making the best caipirinhas and you can pay by cash or card. SEE YOU SOON AGAIN!!!! 🍀🙌🏻❤️!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much; you are always welcome.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta cost?
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Prices start at $40 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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 71 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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Around 25 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?
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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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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Included: Train, visit Michael Jackson statue, Social Project, Neighborhood Association. Not included: Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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Tourist Information Stand of Favela Santa Marta Search for Mario Guide Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta offered in?
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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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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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 Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rio de Janeiro. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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Across 71 reviews averaging 5.0 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. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Favela Superstar Tour, Favela Top Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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