Rocinha Walking Tour: Get a Feel for the Brazil's Largest Favela (Shared Group)
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the authentic side of Rio on a guided tour of Rocinha Favela. See what everyday life is like for residents, getting a unique view of their vibrant, culture-filled cosmos.
Meet our guide in front of the Cardeal Arcoverde Metro main exit in Copacabana. With the tickets in hand, we take the subway towards the biggest favela in Brazil.
Get an insider's perspective escorted by a resident guide through the labyrinthine alleys and stairs. Stop by businesses and chat with locals to get a feel for the community.
Go around visiting a craft fair, street markets, capoeira performers, a resident's house, see painted murals and get to know social works. Plus, take a motorcycle taxi ride to the top of Rocinha for breathtaking views of sights like the Christ statue and beaches.
After all that, visitors might want to taste some excellent typical local food.
This is a socially conscious tour where most of the payment goes to the resident guide who hosts the visit and offers full support.
Available options
Meet Subway Cardeal Arcoverde
What's included
VAT, all taxes and handling charges.
Moto-taxi ride up to the top of Rocinha hill.
Subway / Metro tickets.
Licensed bilingual private tour guide.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
To get to know the reality of the favela up close walking down the alleys of Rocinha and experience the day-to-day life of the community, knowing the way people live.
2
Stop 2
As the favela is very widespread, to order to access some amazing viewpoints, take a moto-taxi ride uphill to have an overview of Rocinha experiencing an incredible adrenaline through the narrow alleys.
3
Stop 3
Tourists visit community centers for the production of handicrafts and take a walk through the shopping area reaching the handcraft fair. Residents sell jewelries, decorative objects and souvenirs that enchants visitors.
4
Visit the Laboriaux viewpoint, the highest point in the favela, from where you have a privileged view of the beaches and slopes of the Tijuca Forest.
5
Stop 5
Visit the studio of one of the greatest graffiti artists in Rio de Janeiro. Native from Rocinha, Wark was a pioneer in the graffiti movement in the largest favela in Brazil, which attracted the attention and handshakes of prominent Brazilian leaders, including Lula da Silva, former president of Brazil.
Wark also promotes frequent exhibitions in the city and receives hundreds of reais for his works.
Wark also founded the Wark Institute, a school for young people in Rocinha to learn and practice art.
6
Stop 6
One of the main attractions of Rocinha is the visit to the home of Mrs.Maria, who has lived in the favela for 32 years. There is stunning view of São Conrado beach and the favela itself from the slab of her house.
What's not included
Food and drinks.
Tips. (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
35 reviews
5★
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Meet the guide at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior taking the subway to Rocinha favela. You'll meet the guide and the group, and the fun gets started
• Meeting point: Subway Cardeal Arcoverde - Exit A
• Address: Praça Cardeal Arcoverde, Rua Barata Ribeiro - Copacabana
Important notes
MEETING POINT AND PICK-UP TIMES
Meet the guide at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior taking the subway to Rocinha favela. You'll meet the guide and the group, and the fun gets started
• Meeting point: Subway Cardeal Arcoverde - Exit A
• Address: Praça Cardeal Arcoverde, R. Barata Ribeiro - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22040-030
• 1) Departing time from subway: 09:00 am
• 2) Departing time from subway: 11:00 am
• 3) Departing time from subway: 2:00 pm
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In the very unlikely situation that the client are not able to locate our guide, please call our emergency telephone number below.
Contacts:
●55 (11) 21571629
●55 (11) 9 9311-9144
●55 (11) 9 4738-2606
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Top Attractions
Christ the Redeemer
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
R$84 (including train ticket)
Sugarloaf Mountain
A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.
Nature
2-3 hours
R$88 (round-trip cable car)
Copacabana Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
Beach
Half day or full day
Free
Tijuca National Park
The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Nature
Half day or full day
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Teresa
A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Feijoada
A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.
Dinner
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Pão de Queijo
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Snack
Vegetarian, but contains dairy.
Moqueca
A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.
Açaí
A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.
Dessert/Drink
Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tijuca National Park
Surfing in Arpoador
Paragliding in Pedra Bonita
Beach lounging in Ipanema
Spa treatments in Copacabana
Yoga in Botafogo
Visiting museums in Centro
Attending a samba show
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.
25-30°C
77-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time Zone
GMT-3 (Brasília Time)
Electricity
110V/220VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
- • Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
- Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
By train
Central do Brasil
By bus
Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Copacabana
Ipanema
Santa Teresa
Lapa
Botafogo
Day trips
Petrópolis
65 km (40 miles) • Full day
A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.
Paraty
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.
Búzios
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Festivals
Carnival • February/March (dates vary)
Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary)
New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31
Pro tips
- Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
- Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
- Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
- Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
