Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta

Outty Ranking 81 5.0 · 70 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $50

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$50
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 70 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 $50 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 70 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
5/5 (70)
Duration
3 hours
From
$50 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 kno

What you get

  • Train, visit Michael Jackson statue, Social Project, Neighborhood Association.

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 2Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 3Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 4Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 5Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 6Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta in Rio de Janeiro, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 70 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

5 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Good for families

3 mentions

Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

Knowledge and storytelling

2 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Physical effort

2 mentions

Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

Traveler reviews

70 verified traveler reviews for Guided Tour to Favela Santa Marta. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
69
4 star
1
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
Sort
Luna_M · September 2026

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

532alexandrah · August 2026

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

nicola_hunt · July 2026

Eye opening

Incredible. Amazing local guide. Great experience.

via Tripadvisor

Dejana_D · July 2026

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

Ermelind_F · June 2026

It was a great...

It was a great experience, Luis works with his family, very passionate and proud to show me the story of Santa Marta, absolutely amazing to be at the same place that Michel Jackson shoot his videoclip, i would recommend to everyone to go and explore . Thank you Luis

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
13+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
25
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 81

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
Review evidence (18% weight)56
Booking momentum (14% weight)50
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)90
Local standing (8% weight)80
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

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 $50 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 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 70 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 13. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.

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 Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves, Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls. 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.

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