Rocinha

Rio de Janeiro

Photo by Maria Cecilia Bresolin Araujo

Take a guided tour through Rio de Janeiro’s largest and most colorful slum. Discover its proud history and experience a very different side of Rio.

Rio de Janeiro is a rich and rapidly developing city, but it is also a city of high inequality, as is evidenced by its main slum, Rocinha Favela. Situated on the southwestern hills of the city, this 0.8-square-mile (2.1-square-kilometer) neighborhood is one of Brazil’s largest and most densely populated favelas. Take a guided tour of the neighborhood to learn about its proud history and to support the charities that provide essential social services to the area.

The district began to develop in the 1940s, when people migrating to Rio could not afford the rising rents of the expanding city. They illegally settled in the forested hills, and Rocinha Favela was born. Since it was an illegal settlement, for many years Rocinha Favela received no services from the municipal government. As a result, to this day residents provide many services, like transportation and mail delivery.

Rocinha Favela’s appearance is its main attraction. The shacks and buildings are so tightly packed and yet so broadly spread out across the hillside that the slum makes a spectacular sight. Many of the buildings are also painted in vibrant colors and look like toy blocks from afar, making the area a favorite with photographers. Take a walk along the main boulevard of Estrada da Gavéa to admire the amazing street art painted throughout the neighborhood.

Guided tours through the neighborhood are available through several operators. Learn the details of Rocinha Favela’s history and see inside some residences. The best tour operators donate a large portion of their proceeds to charities that support Rocinha Favela residents.

While Rocinha Favela is commonly held to be a hub of Rio de Janeiro drug crime, the neighborhood is generally safer than people think. Check for news about the area before visiting, however, as periodic protests and police crackdowns can make the area unsafe.

Rocinha Favela is located in the hills just west of Ipanema Beach. Most of the neighborhood is only navigable on foot, so take a bus to a point just south of the neighborhood then enter it on foot.


Popular places to visit

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Rocinha Hotel Deals

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

5 out of 5
Avenida Niemeyer 121 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
$256 nightly
The price is $269 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$269 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel had a private beach with excellent pool and hot tub. The service is excellent. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. The staff and service is excellent. Mr Paulo in the breakfast staff is contagiously warm and super nice. Breakfast is excellent."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Hotel Atlântico Prime

Hotel Atlântico Prime

4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$27 nightly
The price is $29 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$29 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,674 reviews)
"The stat here was okay but the beds didn’t have sheets and the curtains had holes in them. The breakfast was not good. Yoghurts were served warm as well as milk for cereal. Only one protein source which were hot dogs in a tomato based sauce. The decor was nice outside the other things mentioned"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Boutique Hotel Castelinho

Boutique Hotel Castelinho

3.5 out of 5
R. Triunfo 38, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Boutique Hotel Castelinho
Américas Granada Hotel

Américas Granada Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Avenida Gomes Freire, 530 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$37 nightly
The price is $39 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$39 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,395 reviews)
"Good dinner."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Américas Granada Hotel
Hotel Atlântico Rio

Hotel Atlântico Rio

3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
$47 nightly
The price is $49 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$49 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,200 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again. Its clean. The staff I encountered were professional and efficient. It's not perfect but very good!"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlantico Business Centro

Hotel Atlantico Business Centro

3.5 out of 5
Rua Senador Dantas, 25, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
$33 nightly
The price is $34 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$34 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,163 reviews)
"The hotel was great,breakfast and room.People complaining about little things only reflect on how annoying they are.No place is like home.And if you’re not moving in please be considerate.The cleaning ladies are amazing and helpful.Front desk takes care of everything you ask for.So please if you ..."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Rocinha

Avenida Atlantica

São Conrado

Discover São Conrado, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in São Conrado include Sao Conrado Beach and Pedra da Gavea, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at São Conrado Station.

São Conrado
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Leblon

Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Leblon
Ipanema which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market.

Ipanema
Zona Sul featuring rugged coastline, a sunset and general coastal views

Lagoa

Travelers like the art galleries in Lagoa, and CASV Visa Applicant Service Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lagoa
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Tijuca

The mountain views and churches are just a few things visitors like about Tijuca. Shopping Tijuca and Tijuca National Park are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Uruguai / Tijuca Station or Saens Pena Station to get around the larger area.

Tijuca
Copacabana

Copacabana

Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.

Copacabana


Rocinha

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