Santa Marta Favela Tour

Embark on an enlightening journey through the Santa Marta favela in Rio de Janeiro, where the vibrant houses reflect the spirit of the community and unveil their connection to Michael Jackson.

Details of the Santa Marta Favela Tour

Our adventure begins at the designated time in Plaza Corumbá, from where we will make our way to the Santa Marta favela. Are you prepared to explore one of Rio de Janeiro's most lively neighborhoods?

Initially, we will ascend via a funicular train to the peak of the favela, providing us with an expansive view of the surroundings.

Next, we will wander through the alleyways while you learn about the fascinating history behind the colorful homes that house approximately 8,000 residents. Any preconceived notions about these areas will fade once you witness several of the numerous educational initiatives flourishing here.

Our route also includes visits to the Santa Marta Arts Center as well as a local sports field. You will encounter various murals of urban art and lively houses that contribute to the area's cheerful ambiance.

We will make a stop at the Laje do Michael Jackson, a viewpoint adorned with a notable statue of the iconic American artist. This site gained fame as the backdrop for the music video of Michael's renowned song, 'They Don't Care About Us.' Prepare to be captivated by the sweeping views of the mountainous landscape!

Our tour will conclude two hours later, as we return on foot to our starting point.

Santa Marta Favela Sunset Tour + Mirador do Pedrão

For an enhanced experience, you may opt for the sunset tour of the Santa Marta favela, which includes a visit to the Mirador do Pedrão. In this case, we'll gather at Rua São Clemente, 307, and proceed to climb the Morro Dona Marta to reach the Mirador do Pedrão, a location offering breathtaking views. From this vantage point, we will be able to admire the magnificent Bahía de Guanabara, the Ensenada de Botafogo, the Río-Niterói Bridge, and a striking perspective of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

After soaking in the vastness of the Brazilian landscape from this natural viewpoint, we will enter the Santa Marta favela to begin our walking tour. To cap off our experience, we'll stop at the LaGezinha Santa Marta restaurant and bar, where you can indulge in a refreshing caipirinha, beer, or a chilled soft drink alongside a local snack—choices include homemade chips or frango a passarinho (fried chicken).

This restaurant and bar is nestled at the top of the favela, offering unbeatable 360-degree views of Rio's South Zone, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer. As the sun sets, you will be enchanted by the brilliant golden and orange hues painting the sky. We will then make our way back to the meeting point, concluding our experience after a total of four hours.

Exploring Other Favelas in Rio

If you wish to delve deeper into this captivating aspect of Rio, consider joining us for a tour of the Rocinha favela.