Santa Teresa Discovery "Small Group"

Rio de Janeiro is famed as the city of samba, carnivals and the Copacabana but behind this cheery face lies a darker side. This tour takes you into the heart of the Rio that many visitors hear about but rarely see: the favelas. Visit Santa Marta, where despite chronic poverty and meagre resources, the residents have created a colourful hillside community that even featured in a Michael Jackson pop video. Meet the locals and hear about their lives, their struggles and their aspirations.

High in the hills above the stunning Guanabara Bay are the city’s sprawling – and often misunderstood – shantytowns, known as favelas. Enjoy a rare insider’s view into the real Rio, taking in the beautiful vistas from here and then exploring Santa Marta accompanied by a local guide. Wander through the community, meeting the people who live here and seeing the places made famous in Jackson’s video for his 1995 hit single, They Don’t Care About Us.

Navigate the narrow alleys of multicoloured houses, built with random materials and with little or no planning by the masses of rural migrants who came to the big city in search of better prospects for themselves and their children. Learn about local life and dispel some of the myths about these proud communities. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking views over Guanabara Bay and the beautiful Botafogo beach.

Meeting/pick-up point: Copacabana Palace Hotel, No.1702 Avenida Atlantica.
Start/opening time: 1.30pm.
End/closing time: 4pm.
Languages: English.

Assistance or guided tour

Transport

Admissions

Santa Teresa Discovery. "Small Group Tour with a Local"

Appropriate age for child ticket from 6 to 11 years