Rocinha favela tours compared

Who guides the Rocinha tours

Many titles promise a “local guide”, which can mean someone from Rio rather than from the favela. This site only marks a tour as resident-led when its own listing says so. For Favela Tour Guide the listing says the guide was born and raised in Rocinha; for Jupiter Tour it says the same of the founder. For Favela Walking Tour the statement comes from the operator’s description of the same tour, which calls the guide a favela resident and says part of the price goes to the community. Rio As A Local makes no statement either way.

Metrô São Conrado or a minivan from Copacabana

The São Conrado metro station sits at the foot of Rocinha, and the station tours use it as their meeting point: exit A for Favela Tour Guide and Rio As A Local. Jupiter Tour gives Estrada da Gávea 837 as its meeting point and ends at exit C. None of them collects guests from hotels. Favela Walking Tour sends a minivan to the Copacabana Palace and the Sol Ipanema instead; on its 10:30 and 16:30 departures the group meets in São Conrado.

The mototaxi ride

Some tours use a motorbike taxi for part of the climb. Favela Tour Guide, Jupiter Tour and Rio As A Local include the ride; the Favela Walking Tour listing does not mention one. Reviewers call the ride anything from a bit dangerous to exhilarating. If you would rather walk, ask before you book.

Cameras, drones and cash

Photograph people only after asking, and put the camera away where your guide asks you to. Favela Walking Tour does not allow camera glasses or other recording devices, and Jupiter Tour does not allow drones. Bring some cash in reais: tips are paid in cash, and Rio As A Local charges a small fee on site. Wear shoes with grip; there are many steps.