at a glance

Santa Marta is one of the communities which has most successfully instigated a wide array of social development programs - there is now free wi-fi for all residents, a Family Healthcare Program, microcredit initiatives and vocational training courses.

The name of the community originates from a statue of the Virgin Mary which is held in a chapel at the peak of the hill, thought to have been brought to the community by a resident in the early years of the 20th Century.

There are well-loved lookouts towards the top of the favela, which offer privileged views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, a wide stretch of Rio's golden beaches and the ever-twinkling Lagoa.

In homage to the history, culture and environment of the community there is an Ecomuseum situated on the mound, which celebrates the everyday lives and achievements of residents, and works to inculcate community pride.