Favela Architectour was founded in 2008 by lifetime Rio favela residents who saw the birth of “favela tourism” many years ago and watched as it developed into the daily reality it has become. Like many locals, they had reservations and concerns about who would be leading the tours and what type of content they might provide. Over the years, they witnessed many outsiders offer tours that sensationalized violence and drug trafficking, while overlooking the majority of the residents. These types of tours offer little to no benefit for the communities themselves, and they encourage voyeurism and exploitation of the urban poor.

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In collaboration with an architect, Favela Architectour designed walking tours that provide off-the-beaten-path views that highlight the thriving creativity and resourcefulness that produce livelihood and culture inside Rio’s favelas. Winding through alleyways, beyond the reach of a van or jeep tour, guides use the built environment to explore the history and daily life of the community.