Brazil · Walking Tours

Rocinha Walking Tour: Get a Feel for the Brazil's Largest Favela (Shared Group)

3 Hours Round trip from Rio de Janeiro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Guided walking tour through Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela
  • 02 Moto-taxi ride uphill through the narrow alleys
  • 03 Visit the Laboriaux viewpoint for wide city and forest views
  • 04 Explore local shopping streets and a handicraft fair
  • 05 See the studio of Rocinha graffiti artist Wark
  • 06 Learn about daily life and community culture from a local perspective
  • 07 Visit a resident’s home with views over São Conrado beach

Discover a different side of Rio on this guided walking tour through Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela. Explore its narrow alleys, busy shopping streets, community spaces, and viewpoints while gaining insight into daily life from a local perspective.

Ride a moto-taxi uphill for sweeping views over Rocinha, São Conrado, and the slopes of Tijuca Forest, then continue on foot to places including the Laboriaux viewpoint, a handicraft area, and the studio of renowned local graffiti artist Wark. Along the way, experience the energy, creativity, and culture that shape this vibrant community.

Discover a different side of Rio on this guided walking tour through Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca Forest
Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

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.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.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.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.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.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.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Rio de Janeiro 2 cities · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Subway / Metro tickets.
  • Licensed bilingual private tour guide.
  • VAT, all taxes and handling charges.
  • Moto-taxi ride up to the top of Rocinha hill.

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks.
  • Tips. (optional)

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • 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,

    • 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:

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro, BR
Tour start
Rio de Janeiro, BR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Rio de Janeiro.

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