PPG Walking Tour (Pavão and Cantagalo)

1/10

Duration2 hours
TypeWalking
Meeting pointMoto-taxi stand at Rua Sá Ferreira and Saint Roman

About the activity

The walking tour of Pavão, Pavãozinho and Cantagalo (PPG) is a dive into the cultural roots of a favela that breathes samba, funk, art and resistance. Led by a local resident, you will get to know the birthplace of great names in music and dance, walking through colorful alleys, inspiring social projects and viewpoints with breathtaking views.

Every wall in PPG is a living mural: the graffiti tells stories of struggle, rhythm and identity, revealing the sound, dance and poetry that come from the hill.

It is an invitation to walk slowly, listen, feel and see the community far beyond what you see from the outside: from small businesses to artistic expression, from creative food to social projects that change lives.

A tour rich in culture and learning, perfect for those looking for real, respectful experiences free of stereotypes.

Full itinerary

Start of the tour: Rua Saint Roman
The meeting point is at the entrance of PPG, at the beginning of Saint Roman street, across from Rua Sá Ferreira. You will ride up by moto-taxi to the first stop.
Stop 1: Pedra do Galo
10 min*
A viewpoint with a panoramic view of Ipanema Beach, Copacabana, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Dois Irmãos Hill and Pedra da Gávea. For the adventurous, you can take photos right on the rock or from the Brizolão stairs next to it.
Stop 2: Brizolão
30 min*
A building designed in the early 1960s as a hotel that is now a community services complex with 37 institutions, including CIEP 450, one of PPG's main educational and cultural hubs. With views of the Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon, it is a landmark of resistance and community development.
Stop 3: Private Rooftop
20 min*
Your guide takes you to a local home, where you are invited in to talk with the hosts and go up to their rooftop, an authentic encounter with the daily life of the community.
Stop 4: Fundação
20 min*
An open space that serves as a stage for cultural performances and community gatherings. On one side, the view of Pavão and Pavãozinho, with the iconic water tank; on the other, a community daycare that supports local families.
Stop 5: Campinho
10 min*
The heart of Cantagalo, Campinho do Galo is a court that goes far beyond football: it is a meeting point for children and adults. On the walls, graffiti tells the story of the residents and local music, a reminder that Rádio Nova Panorama, Galo's community radio, was born here.
Stop 6: Food Hub
15 min*
To finish in style, the Saint Roman Food Hub, with restaurants and bars that combine Brazilian cuisine and classic bar food.
End of the tour: Rua Sá Ferreira
The tour ends at Sá Ferreira and your guide will explain how to get back to your hotel.

*Times are estimates and may vary depending on each tour.

Package details

Qualified local guide
Tour monitored by the Na Favela Turismo app
Included: guide and moto-taxi
Average duration: 2 hours

Add-ons

Hotel pickup by transfer (only hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Leblon and Ipanema)
Drone footage
Samba class

Added at checkout.

Meeting point

Moto-taxi stand at Rua Sá Ferreira and Saint Roman

What to bring

Comfortable sneakers, light and breathable clothes, sunscreen and a hat.

Schedule

Daily departures. You choose the time at checkout.

Cancellation policy

To receive a full refund, cancellation must be requested at least 24 hours before the start of the experience. After that, the refund may not be granted or may be subject to specific conditions.

Important information

Tours run even on rainy days. You can cancel or change the date free of charge, as long as you ask at least 24 hours in advance.
Although the rule is 24 hours, if by 6 pm the day before you see the weather won't be good and want to reschedule, we'll do it at no extra cost.
If other people are joining the same tour with separate bookings, let us know up to 24 hours in advance, by email or WhatsApp, so we can place everyone on the same tour.