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  • 126 reviews | 1,474 travellers
    It was a day full of surprises. Fumasa, the guide, made the tour very personal and enjoyable, visiting his house and the most iconic spots. Of course, he showed us where Michael Jackson's music video was filmed and parts of the movie Fast and Furious. A must-see if you want to experience firsthand what life is like in a favela.
    10 Juna Carlos
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US$ 32.92
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Join us on a brilliant tour of the Santa Marta favela in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll see the colorful houses that characterize the neighborhood and learn all about their link to Michael Jackson.

Join us on a brilliant tour of the Santa Marta favela in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll see the colorful houses that characterize the neighborhood and learn all about their link to Michael Jackson.

Santa Marta Favela Tour Details

We'll meet up at the indicated time in Plaza Corumbá to head to the Santa Marta favela. Ready to discover one of the most colorful areas in Rio de Janeiro? 

First, we'll take a funicular train up to the highest part of the favela, where we'll enjoy the views.

Then, we'll begin walking through the streets as you hear all about the history of these colorful houses that are home to about 8,000 of the city's residents. Any negative stereotypes that you have of these neighborhoods will disappear as soon as you see some of the many educational projects that have been set up here.

We’ll also visit the Santa Marta Arts Center and the neighborhood sports field. We’ll also see various urban art murals and colorful houses, which give the favela a cheerful, vibrant atmosphere.

We'll also stop at the Laje do Michael Jackson, a viewpoint that is home to a brilliant statue of the famous American singer. The reason for this curiosity is that this was the setting for the music video of Michael's hit 'They Don't Care About Us'. You'll love the spectacular view across the region's mountains!

We'll finish the tour 2 hours later, returning on foot to the original starting point.

Santa Marta Favela Sunset Tour + Mirador do Pedrão

If you want to complete the tour, you can book the tour of the Santa Marta favela at sunset with a visit to the Mirador do Pedrão. In this case, we'll meet at Rua São Clemente, 307, and from there climb up the Morro Dona Marta until we reach the Mirador do Pedrão, a corner with incredible views. From here, we'll enjoy an impressive scenic view of the Bahía de Guanabara, the Ensenada de Botafogo, the Río-Niterói Bridge, and a spectacular perspective of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

After admiring the immensity of the Brazilian landscape from this natural balcony, we'll enter the Santa Marta favela and start a walking tour. To finish on a high note, we'll stop at the restaurant and bar LaGezinha Santa Marta. Here, you can enjoy a delicious caipirinhabeer, or a cold soft drink as you savor a typical snack. This snack can be homemade chips or frango a passarinho (fried chicken).

Plus, this restaurant and bar is located at the top of the favela, which will allow you to enjoy 360-degree views of the entire South Zone of Rio, including the famous Christ the Redeemer. You'll fall in love with the sky's golden and orange hues at sunset. Finally, we’ll head back to the meeting point, where we’ll say our goodbyes after a total of four hours.

Other Favelas in Rio

If you are eager to see even more of this fascinating side of Rio, then we also offer a tour of the Rocinha favela.

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More Information

Duration

2 - 4h.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Portuguese. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Portuguese.

Included

English–speaking guide (for the Santa Marta Favela Tour)

English and Portuguese–speaking guide (for the Santa Marta Favela Sunset Tour + Mirador do Pedrão)

Round–trip funicular ticket

A snack and drink (for the Santa Marta Favela Sunset Tour + Mirador do Pedrão)

When to book?

You can book up until 8 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Depending on the date, time, or language selected, this tour may be offered by different local suppliers: Favela Scene Corporate name: GILSON DA SILVA Registered Office: Rua Marechal Francisco de Moura 251, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): CPF 04781329721 Contact information Email: contato@favelascene.com.br Phone: 21998839021 Rio By Foot Corporate name: WELLINGTON LUIZ AGUIAR RODRIGUES 14594201792 Registered Office: rua do oriente 137, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): CPF 14594201792 Contact information Email: riobyfoottour@gmail.com Phone: +55 21 97001-8590

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Praça Corumbá (tour of the Santa Marta favela) or Rua São Clemente, 307 (sunset tour)

Depending on the date and time you have selected, your meeting point may change.

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