In this tour, we will go to the top of the favela using the Santa Marta tram (inclined plane) along with the residents, where tourists can feel the authentic atmosphere of the favela. During the walk through the streets and alleys, we will tell the local history and the visits of famous people such as Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Vin Diesel, Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Alicia Keys, Bradley Cooper, Spike Lee, among others. From the top of the favela, there is a panoramic view of the city, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo Beach, Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas, and the entire Botafogo neighborhood.
Visiting Favela Santa Marta is an enriching experience that offers a unique perspective on local life and culture. In addition to discovering fascinating stories and breathtaking views, you will support the community by contributing to social and economic projects that directly benefit the residents. This tour promotes awareness, solidarity, and mutual understanding, providing an authentic and meaningful connection with the vibrant and resilient reality of the favela.
This tour includes:
- Walking tour through the favela
- History of the favela told by a local guide (or their team)
- Visit to the first pacified favela in Rio de Janeiro
- Viewpoint with a privileged view of the city
- Immersion in the reality of the favela, its people, and projects
- Visit to the local guide’s house
- Visit to a community daycare
- Michael Jackson statue
- Visit to craft shops
- Visit to the Residents’ Association
Regular Schedule
Duration: 2:30 hours
Frequency: Daily tours
Recommendations: Wear light clothing, sunscreen, bring a camera and extra money if you plan to buy any souvenirs.
Meeting Point:
The meeting point is at the Shell gas station located at Rua São Clemente 307, in Botafogo. Inside the station, there is a store called “Select” where we will meet to facilitate identification, at the scheduled time. The waiting time at the station is 10 minutes, so try to arrive early. Important note: tourists who do not arrive on time and exceed the 10-minute waiting limit will lose the full value of the tour (no-show) with no right to a refund.
Recommendation:
If on the day of your tour the community cable car system is unavailable or not operational due to maintenance or power outage, the way to the top must be done on foot. Alternatively, an agreement between the tourists and the guide can be made to hire an Uber/Taxi to take the group to the top, with an average cost of 20 BRL and a time of about 15 minutes. This can save time and effort in case of rain, intense heat, or physical limitations of the tourists. All this will be accompanied by your local guide.
Payments and Purchases:
Try to bring cash to pay for a bottle of water, snacks along the way, or to buy souvenirs and artworks at the local family shops. Additionally, we recommend bringing a credit or debit card for greater convenience in case of purchases.
The tour will be conducted in any weather, sunny or rainy. Therefore, dress accordingly for the weather on the day of your tour.
