Experience the Favela-Day or Night Tour!

On my second weekend in Rio, I met up with Alex on a rainy Saturday morning to tour the Ladeira dos Tabajaras favela. We met at a nearby metro station, proceeded up the winding road into the favela on the back of a scooter, and then hiked up further to several vantage points with great views of the city. Alex expertly navigated the narrow alleyways and steep staircases of the favela that he once called his home, all the while saying hi to old friends, and introducing himself to new ones. He knew how to appropriately interact with everyone that we came in contact with, and made them feel at ease with our presence. During our walk, Alex enlightened me on the way of life in the favela, before finally leading us to a small street café where we chowed down on a rotisserie chicken and shared a giant bottle of local beer. Touring the favela with Alex is an experience that I think you’d be hard-pressed to get any other way. Plus, Alex is a cool guy and an interesting character in his own right, which only made it more enjoyable. Highly recommended.

In the ten days I spent traveling through Brazil, the afternoon I spent with Alex stays with me as one of the fondest memories of the entire trip; from the first pick-up on a motorcycle taxi to the incredible lunch and spectacular views from his favela, I saw a side of Rio that would have been absolutely impossible without Alex. Everything was handled with a fantastic feeling of spontaneity without ever feeling unsafe. Alex has an amazing story and is truly an ingratiated member his community - if you are looking to see an even more beautiful side of Rio, you want to spend a couple hours with him.

Okay....so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from A-Rio B-Don Blanquito C-Favelas in general. WOW---I was blown away. Rio is a city like nothing I have seen before, Don Blanquito/Alex Cutler is a true gem and favelas aren't just an area that are housing some 11 millions people in Brazil they are cultural hot beds, a way of life for many, rich in activity and a neighborhood that bleeds families, friends, fun, daily activities and a hustle and bustle that I have never experienced before! Going with Alex as our tour guide we were able to navigate areas that two American females would not be able to venture solo---the narrow streets, friends and family and pulse was experienced ONLY because we were with him. He gave us history and background stories, explained his own personal story about how he ended up living there and how in the Portugese speaking country of Brazil he found his home in Rio de Janiero. Truly remarkable. Highly recommend!!! Elise Peterson

My last trip to Rio was filled with all things culture - strolling the beaches of Ipanema, visiting Christ The Redemeer, and dancing in the Lapa district.. The most memorable part though, was taking a tour of the Favela's with Don B. DB brings an interesting perspective to life in Rio. His knowledge, love, and appreciation for the city makes his tours an absolute must do! Walking through the Favela with a local is a game changing and eye opening experience. It was the best part of my trip! I loved it so much that I am suggested his tour to all friends, family, and co-workers that are traveling to the city.

If you want an off-the-beaten-path favela with someone who has actually lived the favela life, then this tour with Don Blanquito/Alex Cutler is the one for you. First of all, he's super nice and is a font of information. I wasn't really sure what to expect from the favelas, given their past notoriety and recent pacification, but I definitely didn't want to go on something that felt like a zoo tour of the locals. This was the complete opposite; it felt like we were stepping inside instead of just observing from the outside. It was really fantastic to get Alex's view on the history of the favelas, the daily ins and outs of living in one (like how the locals get running water), and also what it takes to move into a favela and become accepted by the locals. The tour quickly morphed from Alex taking us around this "scary," unknown place into him introducing us to his home and neighborhood. It was exactly what I wanted and more. The highlight was the amazing views he showed us at the top; well worth the agony of climbing all those stairs! Tip: Have Alex take you on a night out in Rio if you want experience the nightlife. He also has the best restaurant recommendations! Thanks Alex!!!