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


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
The price is ₩244,362 per night from May 19 to May 20
₩244,362
₩305,631 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"This place was where romantics come alive. If you are that type of person there is so many things you can do here with your significant other whether it’s prepping for proposal or anniversary or first time travel trip. I had such a good time with my now fiance and would love to do it all over again. ..."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₩195,354 per night from May 5 to May 6
₩195,354
₩224,657 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,116 reviews)
"all"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Prime
4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₩40,837 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
₩40,837
₩42,878 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
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! (2,277 reviews)
A Wonderful Stay at Hotel Atlântico Prime!
"I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Atlântico Prime, and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the modern, stylish décor and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the hotel truly made the difference. Every team member ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₩213,167 per night from May 5 to May 6
₩213,167
₩248,327 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
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 breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"I am a regular to Hilton copacabana. The hotel is becoming outdated and needs renovation.Also the menu could be extended as it offers limited choices."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Windsor Oceanico
Windsor Oceanico
4 out of 5
Rua Martinho de Mesquita 129, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₩102,259 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
₩102,259
₩117,598 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,098 reviews)
"It was a decent choice of hotels but nothing special. The rooms and some common areas are showing age and could you use an upgrade."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Windsor Oceanico
Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro OFICIAL
Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro OFICIAL
5 out of 5
Av. Niemeyer, 769, Sao Conrado, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
The price is ₩195,719 per night from May 4 to May 5
₩195,719
₩205,505 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Everything was amazing."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro OFICIAL
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

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

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
Corcovado featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Alto da Boa Vista

Alto da Boa Vista is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca National Park.

Alto da Boa Vista
Ipanema which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

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

Rocinha