it was here in santa marta that lula inaugurated the program 'rio top tour,' an initiative aimed at promoting community tourism inside the favelas, managed by residents of the communities.

the concept of turismo comunitário is to train members of the community as tour guides and offer them opportunities to showcase the unique music and art of the area to visitors through the eyes of a local. 

this creates immediate economic benefit to the residents, as well as facilitating cultural exchange and education.  Another effect of the program is an increased sense of pride and ownership of the favela's cultural heritage by it's community..

programs like this offer an alternative to the larger commercial  tours operators. readers specifically interested in turismo comunitário can read more about this initiative here.