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A Controversial 'To Do' in Rio: Touring the Favelas

Where: Rua Antonio Joaquim Batista, casa 13 , Rio de Janeiro, Laranjeiras, Brazil
January 6, 2010 at 5:02 PM | by | Comments (0)

If you're Brazilian, or, a Cariocaphile (a Rio lover) then you've already started the countdown for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Back in October, we were down in the "Marvelous City" and right smack in the middle of Copacabana Beach with the rest of Rio for the world announcement. Don't worry, our writer Shira Levine cased the joint to check things out for those of you considering getting your Olympic Games on in, uhhh six and half years. Questions or suggestions? Let us know.

Slum Tourism has its place in travel for the voyeuristicly curious vacationing in a post "City of God" and "Slumdog Millionaire" world. While it's a controversial alternative to the crashpad, there are some safe, noteworthy and creative partnerships that bring business and business opportunities to the lovely people living in the slums while also giving tourists a chance to see another side of Rio.

Pousada Favelinha, located in the favela Pereira de Silva, is an international guesthouse run by a German and Brazilian couple. Business improved dramatically in 1999 after a showdown in the favela where police up and killed all the drug dealers in one single day. Here's the scoop as described on their website: “In 1999 there was one big "blow" by the police who killed or caught all of the favela´s drug dealers in a single day.”

With crime in favela Pereira de Silva the last decade's problem, it's refreshing then to note that the website also says: "We also have a terrace with over 120 square meters to chill out, enjoy the views, drink a caipririnha and relax in a hammock!"

Would you tour the favelas in Rio? Why or why not? Let us know in comments below.

Related Stories:
· Where to Samba in Rio De Janeiro [Jaunted]
· 'Slumdog Millionaire' Tour: Effective or Exploitative? [Jaunted]
· Rio De Janeiro: Drug Lord Style [Jaunted]

[Photo: Favelinha]

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