You can safely visit Favela Santa Marta (Santa Marta shantytown/slum) in Rio de Janeiro on your trip to Brazil. The peaceful Favela Santa Marta has a population of 8,000 residents, and offers views to Sugar Loaf, the Christ Statue, and part of Rio de Janeiro.
The favelas are where 20 percent of Rio’s population lives, and there are hundreds of these, located on the hills surrounding the city.
The Favela Santa Marta is the first slum to be purged by the government (the local drug lord and his armed gang were eliminated). In the process, police stations were built in several areas of the favela. These actions have made Santa Marta one of the safest places in Rio. This is the favela where:
• Part of the Brazilian film “Elite Squad 2” was filmed;
• Michael Jackson filmed part of the video “They Don’t Care About Us”;
• Beyoncé and Alicia Keys filmed part of the video “Put It in a Love Song”.
It has also been visited by Madonna, former Brazilian president Lula, Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and many others. Tourists visit this favela every day and are always welcomed by this friendly, hospitable, and proud community. It is completely safe to visit, with or without a guide. The greatest danger is stepping into doggy poop!
Note: this favela has free Wi-Fi.
Opening Hours
Every day, day and night.
Best time to visit Favela Santa Marta
In the morning, to minimize the time standing in line for the lift that takes you up (it can take up to 20 minutes, or more). On Saturday, it becomes more crowded even in the morning. Arrive as early as possible! The lift is free, and starts operating at 6:30 a.m. There are 2 lifts and 5 stations.
Note: at times, the lifts are closed for maintenance; then you have the option of walking up the steps or looking at the Favela Santa Marta from the bottom.
Read more important details on how to visit Favela Santa Marta and other attractions in Rio de Janeiro by getting a copy of My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.
