RUSSO - So much fun to go out with Russo! Definitely saw the authenticity behind d his life there and he knew everyone around. 10/10

Great experience - It’s been on my bucket list to visit a Brazilian favela, wonderful experience, lots of exercise, people there a nice, I highly recommend it, never felt unsafe either

Highlight of Rio Trip - Russo was the best tour guide we have ever had! He made us feel safe, gave us the true favela experience as a local himself, and is basically a professional cameraman! His photo and video skills are exceptional and on par with his tour guide skills! My husband was hesitant to do this tour given the notorious reputation or favelas but this tour ended up being his highlight of our entire Rio trip (and my highlight too)! I’m sooo glad we did this - if you’re on the fence, I HIGHLY recommend you book this tour with Russo. You will not regret it and thank me later! ;)

Russo gave us an experience we won’t soon forget. Thank you! - Russo was a great tour guide! He made us feel safe throughout Vidigal and managed to give us the tour in English so that we could understand. As we walked we met some of his friends from the favela too which was a lovely experience to see the community. He has lived in the favela his whole life and it was interesting to learn about the changes he has seen throughout the years. The tour was personalised as it was just my boyfriend and I in the group, and we were able to utilise Russo’s other skill - photography! We got some great shots of us posed and candid, with the great many artworks and graffiti of Vidigal. A highlight was taking the motorbike taxi to the top of the road and the local bar with the most incredible view over the favela and Atlantic ocean. I would recommend to anyone interested in a more personalized tour and getting to know a very impressive favela in Rio. Note: there are steep slopes and steps but we found it very easy/ moderate level.

Safe and authentic visit. Best experience in Rio! - The Russian was amazing! It is a place that knows all the corners and all the people of Vidigal. We felt safe and very welcome by everyone. The Russian was sharing his history and stories of Vidigal. It was a very personal and close tour. We highly recommend! Thank the Russian for the competent and passionate work.

Absolutely recommended - Unfortunately I had to interrupt the tour spontaneously due to illness and Russo offered a private tour for my friend in the afternoon and showed him the favela. My friend was very enthusiastic about the informative guidance and Russo's commitment.

Real immersion in local reality - Russo, a guy born and raised in Vidigal, accompanies the tour that is rich in history, experiences and landscapes. I recommend!!

A Real look at the Real Rio! (AMAZING TOUR GUIDE!!) - My girlfriend and I went to Rio with little knowledge on exactly what we would do while we were there, and we were there for a little over a week. We stumbled upon this tour with Russo and both agreed it was the coolest, most adventurous thing we did! Russo not only was super friendly and took lots of photos for us (and we didn't even ask he was just a super nice guy) but he also grew up and lives in Vidigal so he knows his stuff and has watched Vidigal change throughout the years so it was awesome to get to hear the history of the favela and also some of the "insider knowledge" that many other tour guides definitely wouldn't be able to provide. It felt like we saw a little bit of everything during our tour from getting to ride through Vidigal on the back of mopeds through all the curvy roads to getting a nice local meal which was an amazing experience! If you're looking for an authentic Brazilian tour, Russo is definitely your guy :)

Unforgettable experience! - Initially we were afraid that this tour might seem like a kind of “safari” and the idea did not make us feel comfortable. Good thing we finally convinced ourselves and decided to book! Russo is a really genuine person and there was feeling right away. The right Guide to live a unique experience in Vidigal! A perfect mix of his personal story and that of the favela, with long chats and moments of sharing. Unexpectedly, we had the opportunity to do a couple of extra stops and also exchange a few words with some old acquaintances we met by chance, making us feel really welcome! Recommendation to approach with a minimum of mentality. Don't go just to take some miserable pictures. Ask, talk, share. Be curious, always with respect. Greet people, smile, buy something. They will be very welcoming and grateful. If you can, avoid motorcycle taxis (as quaint as they are) and ask to take the walking tour: put on a pair of comfortable shoes, bring water and you will fully enjoy the essence of this magical place in every detail. At the end you will have climbed several steps, but it will be worth it! And what a view!! Note: Unless you have a specific destination that can be reached by bike or on foot along the main arteries (e.g. local X or Y), it is almost impossible to orient yourself and I personally do not recommend moving independently through the alleys of Vidigal. Russo knows where to go, you are 110% safe and do not have to worry about anything. Note 2: possibly keep yourself free of other commitments. The duration of the excursion is slightly variable but, compared to the times indicated, ours lasted almost twice... and fortunately!

Experience you can't miss - Our experience with Russo was fantastic. Nobody better to enter the world of favela. With someone who lives there you have a different look. Highly recommended.