Leading up to the 2013 World Cup in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro's favelas become more accepting to tourist - It is now possible to wander through the hillside communities on a tour, and one of the better company to lead inquisitive travelers than Favela Tour. Local tour guides take groups right into the heart of the favelas to show them the history and culture of the areas, which now number somewhere near 950 in the state of Rio de Janeiro alone - Guides speak a number of languages and not only explain about the favelas, but reveal a previously unseen side to Brazilian society.

Hiking in Rio offers customized tours in many styles of ecotourism such as hang gliding, climbing, scuba diving, cycling, family trips, short breaks, group tours, windsurfing, kayak, canopy... and they offer complete services and support, from the information available on their website to the support provided by the guides and administrative personnel on the phone and email.