Once widely regarded as no-go zones marked by violence and poverty, Rio de Janeiro’s sprawling favela communities are now attracting more international visitors than some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, reflecting a dramatic shift in global tourism trends and urban perception. But as tourism surges into these densely populated hillside neighbourhoods, questions are growing over safety, ethics and the fine line between cultural immersion and voyeurism.
On a recent Wednesday morning in May, before dawn had fully broken over Rio de Janeiro, hundreds of tourists gathered in Vidigal, one of the city’s best-known low-income communities, preparing for a sunrise hike to the Two Brothers mountain. At around 3:30 am, visitors from across the world—traveling from Europe, North and South America—assembled to catch motorcycle taxis up winding, steep roads before trekking through the Atlantic Forest. By 5:47 am, they were packed onto a narrow viewpoint as the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean, turning the sky orange as crowds jostled for space.
Despite the breathtaking setting, the experience felt anything but exclusive. Visitors described a scene more reminiscent of a packed tourist attraction than a secluded natural escape, with some remarking on the unexpectedly large crowds gathered for the same sunrise view. The hike and the surrounding favela experience have, in recent years, become one of Rio’s most popular tourism draws.
This rise in interest marks a striking reversal for areas like Vidigal and Rocinha, which for decades were avoided due to their reputation for violence and gang activity. Historically, these communities were associated with insecurity and marginalisation, but a combination of urban policing strategies, tourism development, and changing global travel preferences has transformed them into structured visitor destinations. According to official data from 2024, more international tourists now visit Vidigal and Rocinha than traditional attractions such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Selarón Steps.
In addition to walking tours and sunrise hikes, favela tourism has expanded into curated cultural experiences, including rooftop viewpoints, music events, capoeira performances and even drone photography sessions that capture visitors against the sweeping backdrop of Rio’s hillside settlements. These experiences have drawn attention from high-profile personalities as well, with international celebrities and athletes recently spotted exploring favela neighbourhoods, further boosting their visibility as tourism destinations.
Supporters of favela tourism argue that it offers a more authentic understanding of Rio beyond its beaches and postcard landmarks. Visitors often describe encounters with local communities, social projects, and everyday life within these neighbourhoods as meaningful and eye-opening. Some tourists say they are motivated by a desire to understand social realities that are often hidden from mainstream narratives about Brazil.
However, recent incidents have reignited concerns. A police operation in Vidigal earlier this year, involving an exchange of gunfire linked to alleged criminal groups, left hundreds of hikers stranded on a mountaintop and raised questions about the unpredictability of visiting such areas. While some travellers continue to view these risks as manageable, others have expressed discomfort and reconsidered whether tourism in active residential communities affected by armed conflict is appropriate.
Urban researchers note that violence in favelas has long been a reality for residents, though patterns have changed over time. Some experts argue that certain tourist-heavy favelas in Rio’s South Zone have seen reduced street crime in recent years, partly due to increased visibility and economic activity generated by tourism. In some cases, criminal groups are said to avoid targeting visitors directly, adding a layer of perceived safety for outsiders even as local conditions remain complex.
At the same time, critics of favela tourism raise ethical concerns, questioning whether such visits risk turning communities into spectacles. Some travellers themselves have expressed discomfort, wondering whether photographing daily life or passing through residential streets amounts to respectful engagement or intrusive observation.
For others working within these communities, however, tourism represents an important source of income. Local guides, taxi drivers, small businesses and cultural centres increasingly depend on visitor spending. Some community researchers and residents argue that favela tourism, when managed respectfully, can help challenge long-standing stigma while supporting local livelihoods.
Favela communities also hold deep historical significance in Brazil’s urban development. Areas like Morro da Providência in downtown Rio are considered among the earliest settlements formed by formerly enslaved and displaced populations after the abolition of slavery in 1888. Over the decades, these neighbourhoods have faced cycles of neglect, displacement and redevelopment pressures, shaping the complex social landscape that exists today.
As Rio continues to attract global tourists seeking immersive experiences, the debate over favela tourism remains unresolved. While some see it as an opportunity for cultural exchange and economic inclusion, others caution that without careful boundaries, it risks oversimplifying or exploiting communities that have long navigated inequality, resilience and survival.
