Rocinha is Brazil’s largest favela: a city within the city, leaning on the mountain above São Conrado. The tour opens riding local mototaxis to the very top — from there we walk down, into the real life of the community.
On the way down we step into a local family’s home, visit the gallery of a graffiti artist born and raised here, and pass the pitch rebuilt by a footballer from Rocinha. We close with an Italian NGO that has worked in the community for over 20 years.
I tell it all in English, Italian or Portuguese, depending on the group. Small groups, human pace, nothing staged.
What we see
- The mototaxi ride to the very top of the favela
- The panoramic view of Christ, the Lagoa, Sugarloaf and the beaches
- A local family’s home
- The gallery of a graffiti artist born in Rocinha
- The pitch rebuilt by a footballer from Rocinha
- The Italian NGO working here for over 20 years
From the tour
11 photographs
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Drag or use the arrows
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Practical info
- Meeting point
- Av. Niemeyer 780, São Conrado
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group
- min 2 · max 19 people
- Languages
- EN · IT · PT
Av. Niemeyer 780, São Conrado (Igreja Universal). The tour starts and ends at the same spot.
Included in the price
- Mototaxi to the top
- Community visitation fee
- Guide in English, Italian or Portuguese
Book this tour
Book with me, for a personalised, made-to-measure service: message me on WhatsApp or DM me on Instagram and we’ll sort out the date and availability. The platforms are here just as a showcase.
Live availability
Pick a day and book it in a couple of taps. No online payment: your place is confirmed straight away and you pay me in person on the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Where and when do we meet?+
We meet at Av. Niemeyer 780, São Conrado, in front of the Igreja Universal. The tour starts and ends at the same spot and lasts about 3 hours. Daily departures, minimum 2 people.
What is included in the price?+
€52 per person. It includes the mototaxi to the top, the community visitation fee and the guide in English, Italian or Portuguese.
How much walking is there?+
We ride mototaxis to the top and walk down: about 3 hours downhill on uneven streets and stairs. Comfortable closed shoes recommended.
Is it safe to visit a favela?+
Yes, with a guide who knows the community. I have walked these streets for 9 years and I know the people: we only go where we are welcome. I always tell you where we are and how to behave, and never photograph people without asking. Small groups, easy pace.
Is the tour ethical?+
It is not a human zoo. We enter with respect and part of what you pay stays in the community: the local guys’ mototaxis, the community fee, the families and artists we meet. I tell the real life, without turning poverty into a show.
Can I take photos?+
Yes, but not of people without asking first. Views and painted walls, always; people and homes only with their permission. I will point it out as we go.
Is it suitable for kids and families?+
Yes, the pace adapts to the group; for very young kids we will figure out the mototaxi together.
What should I bring and wear?+
Comfortable closed shoes (we walk downhill on uneven streets and stairs), water and a little cash for a coffee or local crafts. Comfortable clothes, nothing flashy; a hat and sunscreen on sunny days.
How do I book?+
You book with me: message me on WhatsApp or DM me on Instagram (@vidapiena) and we sort out the date and availability together, tailored to you. You’ll also find me on Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb and Civitatis.
What if it rains or I need to cancel?+
In heavy weather we agree on another date together. For dates, changes or cancellations just message me directly on WhatsApp or Instagram; the minimum is 2 people.