Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide
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Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide
By Russo Guia
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About
Have a real experience of what the Favela was like and today!
Russo Guia, has been working for 20 years within Vidigal, 17 years in a small local business, and for over 2 as a guide. With it you will have an experience that only a resident can provide, besides valuing the local culture,
Qualification, took a local Guide training course by INADH, National Institute of Human Development .Currently taking another Protur Tourism Guide Course, knows and is well known within Vidigal
Script:
- Sitiê Ecological Park, former dump and today a place for environmental education and vegetable garden!
- Vidigal Olympic Village and graffiti court from above!
- Arvrão: place with the best panoramic view and the famous bars Bar da Laje, Mirante do Arvrão and Alto Vidigal
- Pope's Chapel: place visited by Pope John Paul II in 1980!
- Arts shortcut: graffiti wall (Graffiti by local artist @ tarm1 on instagran and other outside artists!)
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-100, max of 15 per group
Duration: 150–180 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Portuguese, English, Spanish
More
- Licensed tour guide
What's not included- Drinks and Meals
- Start:
- Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, Av. Niemeyer, 121 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22450-220, BrazilWe will contact you with your reservation with more details about the meeting point.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 182315P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 182315P1
From
AU$41.49
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
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Itinerary
- Av. Niemeyer, 121 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22450-220, BrazilWe will contact you with your reservation with more details about the meeting point.
- Pass byPraia do LeblonVidigal BeachMorro Dois Irmaos
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Z2580JOdenises0 contributionsBest local right-hand man in RioI reached out to Russo asking if he could be our tour guide for the whole period we stayed in Rio and it was the best thing we've done. I was travelling with my parents (elderly), a dog, 2 gringos and my sister. Nothing was too much to ask with Russo. He took us everywhere, organised transport, tickets, pick up and drop off, Russo made our stay much more enjoyable. We felt safe and in good hands. We went to visit the Christ, the Sugar Loaf, the cultural suburd, Santa Teresa, the Vidigal favela, everything we wanted to do or visit, he would help us make it happen. Muito obrigada Russo! Super recomendo!Written 25 May 2024
- W6101CJdaisyp0 contributionsAmazing experience!!Fantastic hike the views were amazing and Russo made our experience memorable giving us insight into the local life and telling us childhood stories!! Defiantly recommend this hike!Written 31 October 2023
- 644sunnyg0 contributionsA must for all!This tour is essential for anyone visiting Rio. Russo was so kind and interesting. We all felt completely safe and really enlightened by his stories. All the people we encountered throughout the entire tour were very welcoming. A great way to open your mind and experience something unique, authentically.Written 25 October 2023
- miss_theresamarie0 contributionsLocal guide who goes above and beyond!Russo was the perfect guide who went above and beyond. Being two females we were concerned about safety, but Russo made us feel at ease. He guided us up and down the trail stopping regularly to discuss the flora and fauna. Along the way Russo took many photos and videos of us. After, he walked us safely through the favela stopping to provide information along the way. We were lucky enough to catch a community show where we sat and watched for half an hour. To top it off, Russo navigated the traffic so we could safely enter our uber. High recommend!Written 16 October 2023
- Mobile102388034250 contributionsAmazing views of Rio!The trip was super well organized and Russo explained everything in well detailed. Much recommended! The views are splendid!Written 1 October 2023
- surfscot0 contributionsExcellent experienceRusso is an excellent tour guide and knows the area very well. I would highly recommend doing this trail as you get a fantastic view of Rio once you get to the top.Written 26 September 2023
- W2362HKmariana0 contributionsAmazing tour with Russo (he is the best!!!) :-)We did the tour today with Russo and we absolutly loved it!!! We felt 100% safe with Russo, he is very friendly and nice and everyone knows him in Vidigal. He told us many stories about his life and about the favela. The hile was about 1 hour to go and then you will be at an amazing viewpoint all over Rio. We highly recommend this tour with him and we are so glad that we choose this tour. Lots of love from Germany Russo and thank you very much for the great pictures you took from us (he is such a good photographer)Written 1 April 2023
- samuelfL6149CE0 contributionsA "must do" Experience in Rio.Amazing experience that was upgraded to climb the Morro dos Dois Irmãos. Russo is a really professional guide with a huge experience, it reads the group and adjust and adapt the trip to the needs of the group, keeping always an relaxed and easy going mood around him. The trip with Russo is a "must do" experience in Rio.Written 23 February 2023
- joewA6492UB0 contributionsAmazing tour 10/10 recommendThis is a must do tour during your trip to rio. The walk up the mountain is pleasant with plenty of foot and hand holds to support your journey. The top of the mountain boasts amazing views of Rio de Janeiro including Ipanema beach, Christ the Redeemer and Rocinha. Russo was an amazing guide. He was incredibly accommodating, speaking multiple languages during the tour and told us lots of interesting fact and stories about Vidigal and Rio de Janeiro. Russo walks us through parts of the city and mountain that would otherwise be unknown to us. He is absolutely brilliant & and all round top bloke. I cannot recommend this tour enough. We had an amazing day out. Will be returning to Vidigal & to Russo for a beer next time we are in Rio.Written 11 February 2023
- H3176XGtomd0 contributionsGreat experienceThe tour with Russo was amazing! He is a great guide. The views from the top where great and the tour in the favelas was really interesting.Written 17 October 2022
- P2800FMadamr0 contributionsGuía sem igual!Russo is truly the best guide a person could hope for. A native of Vidigal, he knows his way around the favela as well as he knows the rest of town. Every excursion with Russo is a lesson in botany, local culture, national history, and even Portuguese. We hiked several trails, had several outings on the town (both day and night) and saw some live music. Russo is very resourceful and well-networked. If you want to do something that he doesn't know about directly, he has lots of friends he can ask! For instance, he helped point me in the direction of a chôro concert, which is not the easiest thing in the world to find, even in a big city like Rio. He also knows a lot of great places to eat! And everywhere we went, he seemed to be running into old friends. I know for a fact that when I book my next trip to Brazil, Russo will be my first call!Written 22 August 2022
- beldadgaby0 contributionsBest guide of Rio!We had a wonderful experience with Russo! He is very kind, accommodating, and knowledgeable. We learnt a lot from his experience as a guide and as a resident of Vidigal. It was great to learn about the community's history from his eyes. I recommend Russo 100%! ;)Written 19 August 2022
- petersonf1480 contributionsGreat experienceRusso was really great, I was born and raised in Rio but I never had visited Vidigal before, but I bought my friends from US to do the hiking on Dois Irmãos and know more about Vidigal and see the reality of the community. If you ever wants to have a great experience, Russo is your guy, he’s born and raised in Vidigal, everyone knows him and I guarantee that you will have a great time!Written 17 August 2022
- Ganoonan0 contributionsRusso is the best! Definitely the guide you want for this experience.Russo is the man!! From the moto taxi to the top of Vidigal, his extensive knowledge of the area from growing up there, to stopping at local bars on the way back down through the favela, it was the best experience I had while visiting Rio. It was clear that Russo was well known and respected in the favela, everywhere we went people were calling out his name. It will definitely change the way you think about favelas, at no point did I feel that we were in danger. I 100% recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see some beautiful views, and to learn more about what life in the Vidigal favela is really like.Written 17 August 2022
- C9006YOnatalief0 contributionsA Must Do Experience!My friend and I had such a wonderful experience on this hike. The views at the top of Dois Irmaos (and on the way up the trail) were breathtaking. Russo does an excellent job taking photos. As we walked through the neighborhood, it was clear that Russo is a well-liked member of the Vidigal community. After the hike, we happened to be able to catch the Batucavidi band members practicing outdoors. We stopped and listened for a half hour or so - they are amazing! I could not more highly recommend this unique experience with Russo.Written 12 August 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
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208
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Eric B
2 contributions
I did the Favela Tour and the Morro Dois Irmãos with Ruso in June 2021.
The favela tour was amazing. It’s the kind of place you need a guide for and Ruso took us up to the top of the community through narrow passageways, local patios, gardens and bars. The views were incredible but most incredible was seeing the favela way of life.
During the Dois Irmãos trail the next day we took some amazing photos photos of Rio at sunset. It got dark so luckily Ruso brought headlamps to light the way down.
Highly recommended!
The favela tour was amazing. It’s the kind of place you need a guide for and Ruso took us up to the top of the community through narrow passageways, local patios, gardens and bars. The views were incredible but most incredible was seeing the favela way of life.
During the Dois Irmãos trail the next day we took some amazing photos photos of Rio at sunset. It got dark so luckily Ruso brought headlamps to light the way down.
Highly recommended!
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muito obrigado pela confiança no meu trabalho e pela avaliação, voltem sempre!
Written 1 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
satong
Vancouver, Canada11 contributions
Dec 2019
It was interesting and fun to be with Russo. He was sincere and interesting. He know everyone in the favela and we felt welcome by the residence. He was keen to take pictures for us and even put a video together for us after the trip. There was lots of steps to climb and walking uphill and it was not difficult. Russo was very genuine and looked after us well. I would recommend this tour for any age group, providing you are comfortable in walking uphill or taking lots of steps.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the evaluation, it was a pleasure to receive you here, always come back to this or other trails in Rio de Janeiro!
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lívia R
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Friends
Taking the Vidigal tour with Russo was an incredible experience, as in addition to taking us around the sites, Russo told the story of himself and Vidigal. There is no price paid for local history and culture told by a native. The tour was perfect, we didn't have any problems, Russo took lots of photos and gave us his full attention.
Super attentive and sweet guide, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Vidigal!
Super attentive and sweet guide, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Vidigal!
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muito obrigado pela visita, feedback e confiança no meu trabalho, voltem sempre !
Written 29 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kyle f
Newport, UK9 contributions
Vidigal favela tour is a definite must. Trust me…
You could easily be apprehensive about the whole ‘favela’ title, but my experience of favela life with its enchanting labyrinth of multi coloured footpaths, alleyways and of course what felt like ten thousand steps to reach one of the most spectacular view points in South America is something that needs to be done/seen!!
On route, we stoped at a number of very cool spots during the trek and many great photo opportunities were had.
Unlike nearly every other favela guide, Russo has lived in Vidigal all his life, so there was no stone unturned when it came to explaining the history of Vidigal favela life.
I would definitely recommend that you wear the appropriate footwear and clothing, plus if the heat is easily overbearing then go for the afternoon session.
There is a choice of watering holes when/if you reach the top… We choose the locals bar which run by locals. The owners were so welcoming and charming towards everyone.
After a good hour of refreshments and taking in the breath talking views, we made our way back down the favela… Once again Russo didn’t fail to please!
A completely alternative route was taken, including an alleyway so narrow, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted.
We returned to our original meeting point nearly four hours later, where we sadly said our goodbye’s…
Experience favela life. It’s a must… Amazing 🙏
You could easily be apprehensive about the whole ‘favela’ title, but my experience of favela life with its enchanting labyrinth of multi coloured footpaths, alleyways and of course what felt like ten thousand steps to reach one of the most spectacular view points in South America is something that needs to be done/seen!!
On route, we stoped at a number of very cool spots during the trek and many great photo opportunities were had.
Unlike nearly every other favela guide, Russo has lived in Vidigal all his life, so there was no stone unturned when it came to explaining the history of Vidigal favela life.
I would definitely recommend that you wear the appropriate footwear and clothing, plus if the heat is easily overbearing then go for the afternoon session.
There is a choice of watering holes when/if you reach the top… We choose the locals bar which run by locals. The owners were so welcoming and charming towards everyone.
After a good hour of refreshments and taking in the breath talking views, we made our way back down the favela… Once again Russo didn’t fail to please!
A completely alternative route was taken, including an alleyway so narrow, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted.
We returned to our original meeting point nearly four hours later, where we sadly said our goodbye’s…
Experience favela life. It’s a must… Amazing 🙏
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the trust in my work, for the comment and for everything, it was a pleasure to have you here, come back often! come back often my friend Chucky Norris!
Written 14 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nico Martinelli
Verona, Italy12 contributions
Initially we were afraid that this tour might seem like a kind of “safari” and the idea did not make us feel comfortable. Good thing we finally convinced ourselves and decided to book! Russo is a really genuine person and there was feeling right away. The right Guide to live a unique experience in Vidigal! A perfect mix of his personal story and that of the favela, with long chats and moments of sharing. Unexpectedly, we had the opportunity to do a couple of extra stops and also exchange a few words with some old acquaintances we met by chance, making us feel really welcome! Recommendation to approach with a minimum of mentality. Don't go just to take some miserable pictures. Ask, talk, share. Be curious, always with respect. Greet people, smile, buy something. They will be very welcoming and grateful. If you can, avoid motorcycle taxis (as quaint as they are) and ask to take the walking tour: put on a pair of comfortable shoes, bring water and you will fully enjoy the essence of this magical place in every detail. At the end you will have climbed several steps, but it will be worth it! And what a view!!
Note: Unless you have a specific destination that can be reached by bike or on foot along the main arteries (e.g. local X or Y), it is almost impossible to orient yourself and I personally do not recommend moving independently through the alleys of Vidigal. Russo knows where to go, you are 110% safe and do not have to worry about anything.
Note 2: possibly keep yourself free of other commitments. The duration of the excursion is slightly variable but, compared to the times indicated, ours lasted almost twice... and fortunately!
Note: Unless you have a specific destination that can be reached by bike or on foot along the main arteries (e.g. local X or Y), it is almost impossible to orient yourself and I personally do not recommend moving independently through the alleys of Vidigal. Russo knows where to go, you are 110% safe and do not have to worry about anything.
Note 2: possibly keep yourself free of other commitments. The duration of the excursion is slightly variable but, compared to the times indicated, ours lasted almost twice... and fortunately!
Automatically translated
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuno Nunes
Lisbon, Portugal7 contributions
It was a tremendous experience, which exceeded any and all expectations. The guide has a lot of ownership over Vidigal, as he lives there today and has lived there his entire life. What a privilege to be so well received! We felt “at home” from the first minute, and that is a credit to him and the entire community, who welcomed us with open arms and the greatest kindness in the world. We 100% recommend this experience, it was without a doubt one of the highlights of this trip to Rio de Janeiro!
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Obrigado pela visita, confiança no meu trabalho e o comentário positivo, voltem sempre!
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew N
1 contribution
Russo is a Vidigal local who has lived his whole life in the favela.
The tour takes you to the top of the favela through the backstreets and alleyways and he takes you through the history and stories of the favela, formed by his experiences growing up there.
Russo has a great rapport with the rest of the inhabitants and it feels very safe walking the streets with Russo.
I'd highly recommend this tour, it's a great experience in Rio and Russo is a fantastic guide.
The tour takes you to the top of the favela through the backstreets and alleyways and he takes you through the history and stories of the favela, formed by his experiences growing up there.
Russo has a great rapport with the rest of the inhabitants and it feels very safe walking the streets with Russo.
I'd highly recommend this tour, it's a great experience in Rio and Russo is a fantastic guide.
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting, trusting my work and the comment, come back often!
Written 23 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joseph J
1 contribution
July 2024 • Friends
Russo is hands down the person you want to explore Vidigal with. He knows every third person in the favela, made us feel safe, and takes the most instagrammable photos. He will also go out of his way to show you shortcuts & hidden gems. Unconditionally recommend.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for trusting my work and for your visit, it was a pleasure to welcome you here, come back soon!
Written 14 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
michela554
Sao Paulo, SP2 contributions
@vidigaltours Russo is a local resident who guided us through a walking tour in Vidigal, we appreciated the time together, it was a great social experience, learning about local history, social projects, the problems and the real local life. His courtesy and active communication made our tour full of energy, I felt like I was next to a friend. Russo has a great job, his work is very important for the community, influencing others and leveraging social opportunities, congratulations, it's a pleasure to meet you Russo! Keep doing and making the difference.
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for trusting my work, visiting and commenting, come back often!
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tiana M
59 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Russo was a great tour guide! He made us feel safe throughout Vidigal and managed to give us the tour in English so that we could understand. As we walked we met some of his friends from the favela too which was a lovely experience to see the community. He has lived in the favela his whole life and it was interesting to learn about the changes he has seen throughout the years. The tour was personalised as it was just my boyfriend and I in the group, and we were able to utilise Russo’s other skill - photography! We got some great shots of us posed and candid, with the great many artworks and graffiti of Vidigal. A highlight was taking the motorbike taxi to the top of the road and the local bar with the most incredible view over the favela and Atlantic ocean. I would recommend to anyone interested in a more personalized tour and getting to know a very impressive favela in Rio. Note: there are steep slopes and steps but we found it very easy/ moderate level.
Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time does the tour start on Sunday, Dec. 8?
Do you walk up to Morro Dois Imaos?
Written 9 November 2019
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