Explore Rio’s largest favela on a half-day walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela (shantytown) in South America. Organized by local, English speaking guides and favela hosts, the walking tour is respectful and non-intrusive to the residents. Subject of the movie "City of God," Rio’s favelas have fallen victim to unfortunate stereotypes. In order to correct this, and show you the true Rio de Janeiro, the favela tour will let you see and experience how daily life happens away from the sensationalist headlines. While other favela “zoo-tours” drive around in jeeps, you will get to walk the streets in small groups and meet the locals to hear their stories. Learn the history of the favela and its social and economic challenges. The tour cost also includes a monetary contribution to the favela community.

Visit Rio's top attractions on this private tour. See highlights, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Santa Teresa neighborhood, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Travel through a rainforest by train to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue. Then, head to the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, where artists live and have transformed ageing mansions into creative studios and artistic hotspots. Stop at the Sambadrome, where Rio’s Carnival competition takes place. Travel to the historic center of Rio and stop at Colombo Bakery, open since 1894. Visit The Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and drive past the bohemian Lapa District. Stop and explore the Selaron Staircase made of 215 colorful steps. Finally, take the cable car from Urca Hill and head to Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy views over Rio and its surroundings. End your day with transport back to your accommodation.

Your Carioca Carnival adventure begins when you’re picked up from your hotel and driven to a local samba school to watch their rehearsal for the carnival. Here you’ll witness all the excitement of warming up for one of the greatest shows on earth, Rio Carnival. Samba schools start their preparation several months before the Carnival Parade. The school you’ll visit was founded in 1953 and is one of the most traditional samba schools in carnival history, making it the perfect way to experience the powerful rhythms of the samba. The show takes place on Saturdays and has the capacity to fit 4,000 guests. You’ll have ample opportunity to buy drinks from one of the many bars and gifts from the samba souvenir shop.  The performance itself lasts around 3 hours and throughout all the excitement you’ll have your expert bilingual guide at your side for information, advice, and assistance. When the fabulous show is over, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel with unforgettable memories.