Rocinha

Rocinha is situated between Gávea and São Conrado. We will take a bus that runs along the South Zone to Rocinha and get out at the first stop in Rocinha where the artist's market is.

We will walk up to the viewpoint at the big tree in Laborió the highest located part of Rocinha and then navigate along the Gávea Street and through shotcuts, staircases and alleyways down to the New Street, (former Street 4) where the new social houses are situated. We will pass various institutions like a municipal school, the pavillion for cultural activities, one of the residents' associations, and the library. We carry on to the Caminho do Boiadeiro, one of the streets forming together with the Via Apia and Valão the main commercial area of Rocinha. We will have a stroll through the area and then cross the footbridge designed by Oscar Niemeyer to the other side of the busy street where we will see the new sports complex, the hall of the Samba school and a community crafts shop.

Rocinha is considered the biggest favela in Brazil.

It is not the biggest agglomeration of favela houses in Brazil, other areas are far larger in extension, but they are considered groups of favelas, or 'complexes'.

Examles in Rio de Janeiro are the complex of Maré, the complex of Alemão, Penha (including the favelas Vila da Penha, Penha, Penha Circular), etc.

Rocinha has between 69.000 and 400.000 inhabitants, depending on the sources.

The tour starts at your place of stay in the South Zone. You will get a lot of well-researched information about Rio in general, favelas, and some local information about Rocinha.

Duration: 5 h

Difficulty: easy 

What do you need: Your camera; we are walking in urban areas so there are possibilities to buy drinks and snacks.