Descubiendo las Favelas: Tour a pie por Rocinha.

Información

Get to know the largest favela in Brazil on this tour that busts myths and shatters stereotypes. This isn’t a ‘slum tour’ — it’s a chance for you to learn about the urban history and experience the real culture of these favela communities on the city’s hillsides. We’ll explore streets and alleys, wander past indie shops and bars, chat with locals, and eventually reach a rooftop with an amazing view of the community and the city below. With a local guide by your side, you’ll come to understand what local life is really like, as you engage with the people who call the favelas their home.

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Experience daily life in Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil * Wander the vibrant streets of this “city” within Rio that’s full of contrasts, local stories, and colourful culture * Take in amazing views of São Conrado and Gavea Rock from a local's house rooftop * Gain a better understanding of urban development and favelas in Rio de Janeiro * Learn about the local economy and the independent businesses that make up communities like Rocinha

You’ll start your Rio tour learning about how the slums, called favelas, developed throughout the city. As we drive from the artistic, affluent area of Gavea into the massive favela of Rocinha, the contrasts in what you see out your window will highlight the inequalities plaguing Rio’s people. Rocinha is the largest, most populated favela in all of Brazil, and our first stop will be atop a hill from which you’ll have views of both sides of life in Rio de Janeiro.

As we enter the favela, the alleys ahead will tell the stories of uncontrolled urban development in one of the biggest cities in the world. Did you know, a quarter of the Carioca population still lives in favelas? And yet, despite the stereotype of dangerous neighbourhoods filled with pain and suffering, we’ll show you how these are vibrant places with lots of life and positive energy.

To help you get to truly know the area, we’ll stop at a local’s house where you can not only chat and learn about the community, but also take in an astonishing view from the house rooftop. We’ll explore around the neighbourhood, talking to locals, visiting the shops and bars, and authentically engaging with local life.

Next up, we’ll make our way downhill through the neighbourhood streets, taking in the views of colourful houses painting the landscape. At the bottom is where we reach the Boiadeiros area, where hundreds of shops and people pop up. Be prepared to soak it all in because it’s going to be hard to focus your stare with so much going on at the same time!

From there, it’ll be time to head back to your hotel… that is, unless you want to learn more about favela life. If you want to gain more perspective on the favelas, then you can join our afternoon Favela Experience tour, which heads to Santa Marta — arguably one of the most famous favelas in Rio de Janeiro, and the place where Michael Jackson filmed his music video for ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ in 1996.

Duration: 3 hours.
Start/opening time: At 9am.
Languages: English.
Included: Roundtrip private transportation from/to the designed meeting point.
Not included: Food and drinks, souvenirs and personal expenses.