whether it's a quick, traffic-free ride across the city, or a sightseeing excursion that's in store, moto-taxi trips are some of the most efficient and exhilarating ways to get around rio - the drivers tend to whizz through the streets with carefree confidence, which makes for an adrenalin-charged ride.

moto taxis in rio de janeiro are used almost exclusively to climb up the hills where most favelas are set - due to the narrow passages between homes in these neighborhoods, the only access is via mini van s towards the base of the hills, and via moto-taxi to reach the higher parts of these neighborhoods.

moto-taxis are also commonly used in santa teresa where although the roads are wider and allow for the passage of taxis and buses, moto-taxis are more easily available, especially during carnival and other city-wide celebrations - taxi-companies such as mototaxis r. pereira da silva, situated in laranjeiras, work all around the city, providing a highly sought after hassle-free trip to cariocas who experience some of the worst traffic levels in the country.