FAVELA TOUR – ROCINHA

Rocinha favela is world-renowned and has become a major tourist attraction in the city of Rio de Janeiro. In 1920, there was a coffee farm and later, in 1927, these lands were divided into large plots for agricultural use. Most of these plots were owned by the Portuguese company Cássio Guidon, where people cultivated vegetables to be sold in other locations, such as the Gávea neighborhood. When consuming these products, customers would ask where the products came from and would hear in response “from the farm” and for this reason, the region was affectionately called Rocinha.

Rocinha, located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, is the 3rd largest favela in Latin America and for several decades was considered the largest favela in Brazil, currently occupying the second position in our country. Rocinha was transformed into a neighborhood on July 18, 1993, and today houses tens of thousands of people in a scenario where a rich culture, intense nightlife, social projects, entrepreneurship initiatives, and unique artistic, musical, and gastronomic expressions stand out.

Tourism has been increasingly highlighted as an instrument for generating income and revenue for the people who live in the locality, at least in the way that Xperiencer Tour Brazil develops this important economic activity in the favela, integrating tourists with the local community. Our team has created a proposal in order to provide an authentic experience in Rocinha Favela, and for this reason, we present an amazing itinerary:

• Tourists will take a walking tour through the favela, but first, they’ll hop on a motorcycle taxi just like the locals do to get to the meeting point. It will be a truly immersive experience!
• Besides the bilingual guide from Xperiencer Tour Brazil the tourists will have a local guide, a resident of the region so the visitors will benefit from the insights of a local guide who lives in the area.
• A stroll through the backstreets and alleyways of the favela.
• Visit Rocinha’s social projects.
• Watch a capoeira performance (mix of martial art and Brazilian dance).
• Learn samba steps (Brazilian dance).
• Check out art spaces and get the lowdown on favela art and learn about the artistic expressions of the favela.
• Learn the history and customs of the community.
• Explore local shops in Rocinha to find and buy some unique souvenirs.
• Check out the viewpoints and be blown away by the incredible views. Rocinha has a bunch of lookout points with stunning views of São Conrado Beach, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Pedra Bonita, Pedra da Gávea and other city mountains.
• Tour by the local restaurants and bars and taste the local gastronomy.