Rio Favela Tours

Favela of Rocinha

There are many tour companies in Rio de Janeiro that offer guided tours of the surrounding favelas. These guided tours generally offer much more safety than if you were to go into the favela alone. As well, these tours explain much of the history behind favelas and their part in Rio today. The better guided tours take you inside some of the houses, churches, and shops in and around the favela. This gives you an appreciation for how these poor people live day-to-day.

Some tours will take you to a stop called the "Free Market", while of course the item's aren't free, they are extremely cheap. The vast majority of the items don't cost much more than one real. But don't take any large bills, if you only have a 20 or even a 10 real bill, the merchants won't have change for you. It's best to bring smaller denominations such a 5s or even a bunch of 1s. This also provides you with better opportunity to barter over prices.

When taking a guided tour, it's reasonably safe to bring your digital camera or video camera along. By taking such tours you are helping the residents of the favela communities and they will respect you for this. Nevertheless, be cautious and know the dangers!

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