We HIRE LOCAL guides and families. A percentage of each tour goes back into the comunidade through investments and job opportunities, our tours directly impact lives within the Favela.
How often can you say you say to yourself "What an incredible experience". Well Experience Rio is here to do just that. Don't just pass by the Favela or hike up the mountain. Be the Favela, see what its like through the eyes of someone who lives here. With me, you'll get the most realistic experience you can get. Come walk the back alleys, find the Favela art throughout the community. Experience a lunch just like the Carioca does but with a better view. With us, you'll be more than local. You''ll be home!
Posted By : nikkipI4857MO
Went on the Vidigal Favela Tour early May with Henry Monalto. Can't remember where I stole this from but accurate - "Still a fearsome, gang-controlled collection of shelters, it now sees the economic effects wrought by gentrification, turning it into a tourist hotspot with sweeping views of Ipanema Beach."
Moto-taxis took us up about halfway to begin our walk through the Favela as Henry
provided an insightful and eye-opening tour. A very authentic experience coming from a local guide who is also passionate about supporting the families and young people living in the Favela to improve their lives via sport, education, employment, tourism, culture and the arts. One of several tours my son (24yo) and I did with Henry. I truly do not belive we could have had such a meaningful and educational experience with any one else taking us through. The lunch at a local restaurant in the Favela was great too!
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 02:04:53 
Posted By : shigetsus2023
This was a great and unique tour. Got to see another life of Rio and was really memorable. Henry was very informative and passionate which made the tour exciting. And the funny thing was that the food was actually one of the best during my time in Rio which was a pleasant surprise.
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Posted On : 2024-05-02 18:17:52
Posted By : Hanja_B
This was a really incredible experience. Rodriguez took me on a walk through the favela that he grew up in. He explained me a lot about the living conditions there and showed me his favourite beutiful spots. He speaks 5 languages, which is incredible, and we had a great exchange. We finished with a nice lunch and a beer. I loved it and would greatly recommend to anyone who is looking for an authentic experience!
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Posted On : 2023-06-11 19:21:07 
Posted By : Jayethebest
Alberto was awesome! I enjoyed touring the Favela and this bar in the Rocina had one of the best Caipirinhas in the city!
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Posted On : 2022-07-25 11:02:46
Posted By : First L
Personalised and educational look at daily favela life with Henri and Diago, felt safe at all times without any authenticity being lost, barbecue was really good and you get to experience a bit of what daily life is like, definately one of the most ethical favela experiences and even if you dont speak Portuguese you can see how well liked and respected Diago is in the community.
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Posted On : 2022-02-19 15:40:04
Posted By : 175jeaniec
A favela Tour and lunch that I will never forget! I have been staying at a hostel nearby and was recommended Experience Rio by Edu from the Hostel.
First off Henry and his Wife Thais are absolutely amazing and work super hard to provide such an excellent service for us tourists!
The food was so delicious, I mean oh my God! Let me tell you, food in Vidigal (other than fast food) is rare. Two weeks in Vidigal and I pretty much only ate burgers and Açaí.
Secondly Digão, our guide inside the Favela was absolutely the best! A local guide, passing through the alley and places no tourists could go. We didn't just pass by the main road and visit some attractions. We saw real life, real people and it was so special.
Thank you Experience Rio! 10 out of 10!! 5 stars!
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Posted On : 2021-10-02 21:27:06
Posted By : Emma90EU
I want to thank Digão for the great tour inside Vidigal and taking me to his home.. I felt like every place Digão took me, was a special place.. Nothing felt generic or forced. The tour was super fun and even with all the stairs and alleyways I couldn't stop smiling, taking photos of the children and crazy house structures. The houses are wild!!
A special thank you to Thais, Henry's wife who was the cook! Thais made a Moqueca, which is a fish stew made in a special stone bowl. I had this over rice with salad and some gin and Tonic made with tangerine.
The view was amazing. The tour was something super unique, I will not forget! Next time, I will come and hike Two Brothers mountain for sunrise!
Book with Henry & Experience Rio. Thank you!!
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Posted On : 2021-09-24 20:45:07
Posted By : chrishY2641NS
Looking for the best, safest tour guide in Rio? Look no further. I met Henry while visiting Rio in December of 2020, and booked him for at least 7 days over a 3 week period. We spent time in the favelas, visited a few parties, and I ate dinner at his house with his friends/family. He's an authentic, safe, brilliant man, that has a lot to offer his guests. I would highly recommend you book him for your Brazil adventure. It will be unforgettable!!! If you would like to see video of our adventures, visit YouTube and type in "Chris Must List". Thank you!
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Posted On : 2021-08-17 21:51:36
