About this experience
Touristic and residential areas always represent different facets of a city. Where favelas exist, there is a stark contrast between the gloss of the city center and the slums. To understand how 200,000 residents of Rio live, we will visit Rocinha. You will learn about its unique history, visit a typical residential house, see the Two Brothers Mountain from an unusual perspective, enjoy panoramic views from lookout points, and admire the sunset overlooking Pedra da Gavea rock and the ocean.
What to Expect
- By motorcycle taxi or traditional Latin American minibus, we will ascend to the highest point - the main viewpoint of Rocinha, offering views of Ipanema and Leblon beaches, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the heart-shaped Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
- We will stroll along an atypical street - quite wide by favela standards. You will learn when and why the first high-speed downhill race on cars took place here.
- You will also see the legendary Two Brothers Mountain from a close and unfamiliar angle
- The highlight of the tour is the opportunity (depending on the start time of the excursion) to witness a breathtaking sunset at the so-called "laje" - an open-air square that is part of the barbecue area
I will share the formation history of Rocinha, currently the most densely populated favela in Brazil, and where its name originates. You will learn why this favela is the only one that the government did not relocate beyond Rio de Janeiro during the "beautification of the nation" period and what allowed it to withstand. We will also discuss why a 19th-century Brazilian native, born and raised in Rio, was losing to any foreign visitor.
Who Is This Tour For
Active people of all ages who love new experiences and want to see the life of the real Rio. The tour is particularly interesting for couples in love: witnessing the sunset and seeing the sprawling lights of the favela smoothly flowing into the ocean - a romantic adventure that will stay in your memory for a long time.
Organizational Details
- The tour price includes expenses for a motorcycle taxi/minibus and entrance to the paid viewpoint for one person
- After paying the deposit on the website, the remaining cost can only be paid in Brazilian reals (cash or cashless payment) at the Google exchange rate on the day of the tour
- The tour does not require special physical preparation or equipment
- For an additional fee, groups of 4 or more people can reserve the entire "laje" for their party with Brazilian barbecue on skewers and caipirinha
