In short
- Always visit with a local community guide.
- Do not wear flashy jewelry or bring large amounts of cash.
- Follow your guide's instructions on where to walk and take photos.
In this article
Favela Santa Marta received Rio's first Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) in 2008. Today, it is a key destination for community-led tourism. Safety depends heavily on following local rules and respecting the residents.
Is Favela Santa Marta safe for tourists?
Yes, tourists can safely visit Favela Santa Marta by joining a guided tour led by a community resident.
It is not safe to walk through the favela alone. An authorized local guide ensures you stay on approved routes. They understand the community dynamics and keep you secure. Booking a tour that includes hotel pickup from the South Zone adds an extra layer of safety.
What safety rules should I follow?
Stay with your tour group and leave valuables at your hotel.
- Do not deviate from the designated tour route.
- Avoid wearing expensive watches or flashy jewelry.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring small denominations of Reais for water or souvenirs.
- Follow your guide's instructions immediately.
Can I take photos inside the favela?
You can take photos, but you must ask for permission first.
This is a residential neighborhood with around 3,900 residents, not a museum. Respect their privacy. Only take your camera out when your guide says it is okay. Do not photograph residents, homes, or specific alleys without explicit consent.
Do I really need a guide to visit?
Yes. While entry to the community is free, tourists must not attempt to wander the favela alone.
Navigating the steep 45-degree slopes and narrow alleys is difficult without local knowledge. Community guides ensure you do not accidentally enter restricted areas. Tours usually cost from $28 to $40 USD. This fee directly supports the local guides and social projects.
Is it safe to get to the favela?
Yes, reaching the base of the favela at Praça Corumbá is generally safe using standard transport.
Taking an Uber or taxi directly to Praça Corumbá costs $3 to $6 USD from Copacabana. This is a secure way to reach your meeting point. Alternatively, book a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Transit takes 15 to 30 minutes from South Zone hotels.
What should I pack for a safe visit?
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and bring a small daypack.
The community has an incline of approximately 45 degrees. If the cable car is out of service, you will climb steep stairs. Keep your hands free during the walk. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against direct sunlight.
Questions travellers ask
When did Santa Marta get a UPP?
Favela Santa Marta was the first favela in Rio de Janeiro to receive a Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) in 2008.
How many people live in Favela Santa Marta?
The community is home to a population of approximately 3,900 residents living in roughly 1,200 houses.
How steep is Morro Dona Marta?
The favela sits on an incline of approximately 45 degrees, making it one of Rio's steepest settlements. The highest point reaches 352 meters (1,155 feet) above sea level.
