Hey all, I had the opportunity to see the favela Rocinha as well and thoroughly enjoyed myself. What was the most fun was hanging out and just being there with the local people, Zezinho's friends and family.
I did not want to go with a huge group of people on a structured tour. And my main requirement is that I wanted my money to go to somebody, a local who lives there in the favela. Many of these companies like "favela tour" or "be a local" charge a lot of money for a short 3 hour visit and your with 10 or more people. I know, as I did research before chosing who I wanted to see the community with.
So, I was referred to a local "Zezinho" who seems to be giving back in his community and is not out to bilk some sorry as* tourist out of his greenbacks! Well worth the money spent for the 9 hours we spent there.
Its obvious this guy loves what he does. He presents the community honestly and makes sure before you leave that you will probably know more about favelas than the average Carioca does. This guy has tattoos of the favela houses on his arms and legs and everybody in the favela knows him! He is like an ambassador for the favela Rocinha.
We had a great time, just the four of us and we highly recommend local people to give you a tour of such a fascinating area of Rio. Stay away from these large companies as they do not hire local guides and the time spent there with them is not worth it. If you are looking to hang out in the favela, drink some beer, listen to music and not have a time limit (we spent 9 hours there), talk to Zezinho. He will make sure you have a great time absorbing favela culture!
Check out his website for the info you need!
~Chris
If you want to be a traveller and not a tourist, this tour is for you. I had a very good tour of the favela, the sights, the smells and some taste of the local food. You are safe with Zezinho who knows the people and his way around. Don't take a jeep tour at least (pretty insulting, these are humans not animals.) Also with Zezinho, there is no fixed schedule except your schedule so you can stay as long or as short as you want and just hang out. The people are pretty friendly (no photos where the drug gangs are though) and seem cheerful, shopping here can be cheaper than Rio Sul (some of the knock-offs are hard to distinguish from the original brands). If you get to the house of Zezinho's friend, enjoy the views. It's great! And as mentioned in the original tip, Zezinho is a guy who gives back to the community and lives in Rocinha unlike the other tours we met on the way (who seemed to be on a strict schedule or from places far away from Rocinha) Check out www.favelatour.org and if possible try the funk party tour and give your tips ! Zezinho is the best guide to his beloved neighborhood of Rocinha.
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