In short
- Santa Marta is a compact community with roughly 3,900 residents.
- The 45-degree slope requires using a cable car or climbing steep stairs.
- Santa Marta features the Michael Jackson statue and painted houses.
In this article
Both favelas offer guided walking tours to help visitors understand local life in Rio de Janeiro. Santa Marta was the first to receive a Pacifying Police Unit in 2008. It stands out for its steep layout and colorful facades in the Botafogo neighborhood.
How do the sizes of Santa Marta and Rocinha compare?
Santa Marta is a much smaller community than Rocinha.
Rocinha is widely known as one of the largest favelas in Brazil. In contrast, Santa Marta occupies just 53,706 square meters. It houses approximately 3,900 residents living in roughly 1,200 houses. This compact size makes it easy to explore on a standard walking tour.
| Santa Marta Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approx. 3,900 residents |
| Area | 53,706 square meters |
| Houses | Roughly 1,200 |
Is Favela Santa Marta steeper than Rocinha?
Yes, Santa Marta sits on a 45-degree incline, making it one of Rio's steepest settlements.
Because of this steep slope, residents and visitors rely on a free funicular cable car with 5 stations. When the cable car is busy or out of service, you must walk up steep stairs. You need sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for this terrain.
What unique sights are in Favela Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is famous for its Michael Jackson statue and brightly painted houses.
Michael Jackson filmed scenes for his 'They Don't Care About Us' music video here in 1996. The community also features brightly colored facades initiated by the Favela Painting project. You will reach an altitude of 352 meters (1,155 feet) for panoramic city views.
How much does a favela tour cost?
Guided walking tours in Santa Marta typically cost between $28 and $40 USD.
These tours last between 2 and 3.5 hours. Entry to the favela itself is free, but you must only visit via guided tours led by locals. A small $5 BRL tourist tax is sometimes applied on top of the tour price.
Which favela is closer to the South Zone?
Santa Marta is located in the Botafogo neighborhood, very close to Copacabana.
An Uber to Praça Corumbá at the base of the favela takes 10 to 15 minutes from Copacabana. This ride costs $3 to $6 USD. Some guided tours also include hotel pickup and drop-off directly from South Zone hotels.
Which tour should you choose?
Choose Santa Marta if you want a compact, highly visual walking tour with a local resident.
The smaller scale of Santa Marta allows for a personal look at daily life. Always book a tour operated by local community members. This ensures your visit directly supports the local guides and social projects.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a guide to visit a favela in Rio?
Yes. Always visit with an authorized local guide. Do not attempt to wander the favela alone.
How high is Favela Santa Marta?
The highest point of the community reaches an altitude of 352 meters (1,155 feet) above sea level.
Is the Favela Santa Marta cable car free?
Yes, the funicular cable car is free. It transports residents and visitors up the steep 45-degree slope.
