Inside The Favelas In Rio

Drug Traffickers Are The Norm

Image Source / The Washington PostSome of the favelas in Rio have drug traffickers operating in the open. With faces covered and always carrying a weapon, they create a terrifying presence for a lot of the favelas. Here they even openly pose for a photo holding their guns.

Police Often Take Part In Operations Against Drug Traffickers

Image Source / The Washington PostEven though the drug traffickers operate in the open, the police are still committed to cutting down on drug crime in the favelas. In some of them, it can be a normal part of the day to see police officers moving through in the middle of an operation. Most residents of the favelas would openly watch the patrols.

Murder And Crime Happens

Image Source / The Washington PostThis photo shows the aftermath in one of the favelas after a pre-candidate for a local council was shot to death. An eyewitness to the crime stands here with another resident outside the bar where the murder took place.

The Favelas Are Overlooked By Cable Cars

Image Source / The Washington PostRather than travel through the sometimes-dangerous favelas themselves, commuters can use the cable cars overhead to transport them over the favelas in northern Rio. The cable cars are seen here over the Complexo do Alemao cluster of favelas.

Members Of The Pacifying Police Unit Are Often Present

Image Souece / AljazeeraThe Pacifying Police Unit is a specific police initiative where members of the unit work to take back control of favelas from drug dealers. Here, a member of the unit can be seen standing guard while some children play on top of the Macaco favela in Rio.

Regular (And Risky) Patrols Take Place In The Favelas

Image Souece / AljazeeraWithin the favelas where drug traffickers are still in control, the police unit will take part in regular patrols. The members of this unit are trained to both watch for suspicious activity, as well as watch the backs of their fellow officers.

A Gang Member Poses

Image Souece / AljazeeraGang members, traffickers and criminals are open to posing for photographs and moving out in the open with their weapons. They have no need to hide when the people of the favelas, as well as the police units, know they exist.

A Drug Dealer Counts His Money

Image Souece / AljazeeraThere are many drug gangs that operate in the favelas of Rio - this dealer is a member of the ADA gang, and he's counting money from a recent drug transaction. The most popular drugs which are pedalled in the Brazilian favelas are cocaine and crack.

Suspects Are Patted Down For Drugs

Image Souece / AljazeeraThe favelas are filled with winding streets, tight spaces and potential danger lurking around every corner. A police officer from the Pacifying Police Unit might here be doing a routine pat down, or patting down a specific suspect. Seen against the backdrop of residents' washing hanging out to dry.

One Of The Abandoned Streets That Can Be Found In Some Of The More Dangerous Favelas

Image Souece / AljazeeraThese types of desolate streets are likely to be found in the favelas that are run by criminal organizations. The police unit operates in the favelas that haven't paid for public utilities. Instead of maintaining streets like these, or paying tax, the favelas give money to the criminals in control.

The First Favela To Be Pacified By The Police

Image Source / The GuardianA successful pacification means that the police have taken control of the favela from criminal organizations. The Santa Marta favela was the first to be pacified, and was given a bright new shade of paint in rainbow colours to help encourage more pride in the community.

Some Of The Favelas Have Amazing Views

Image Source / The GuardianWhen you associate favelas with slums, dangerous living or just lower-class lifestyle, you might not think about the amazing views some of these favelas might have. This one, the Vidigal favela, is positioned by the Dois Irmãoes mountain and has views of the surrounding beaches and ocean.

The Rochinha Favela Actually Has A Huge Community With Tours For Visitors

Image Source / The GuardianThe favelas of Rio have long since drawn attention from tourists, and now official tour guides can show you round (although you can explore them alone, too). Rocinha is the biggest favela, home to estimated 150,000 to 300,000 people. It has banks, restaurants and internet, and one of the first to set up tourist visits.

The View From The Rocinha Favela

Image Source / The GuardianAlongside the Rocinha favela being one of the biggest and drawing in tourists, another big draw is the incredible view. From the very top of the favela, you can see the buildings below, the distant ocean and the Pedra da Gávea mountain.

A Barbershop In Dona Marta Favela

Image Source / The GuardianThe favelas aren't just residential neighbourhoods - they also house businesses and facilities, too. Here is one example of a small barber shop amidst the small streets of the Dona Marta favela, as the barber chats to a neighbour taking away their trash.

The Complexo do Alemão Used To Be One Of The Most Violent Favelas

Image Source / The GuardianAlthough it isn't any longer, the Complexo do Alemão in Rio used to be one of the most dangerous and violent favelas. The recent cable-car system installed above it was actually done in an attempt to help the favela connect with the rest of the city. The cable-car itself has become a tourist attraction.

Tourists Are Led Around Zona Norte

Image Source / The GuardianThe region of Zona Norte is known for being poor and industrial, and is known as the north Zone of Rio. Here is located the Alemão complex of favelas, and this one is even poorer than the worst favelas in the south zone of Rio. But with tours like this one, tourists are shown that it's a normal neighbourhood like any other.

The Maze Pousada In Rio's Central Favela

Image Source / The GuardianOffering something a little different, looking like an art installation with its white stone walls, the Maze Pousada is located above the favela and is owned by Bob Nadkarnion, a British expat. It's full of maze-like stairways and corridors - almost like the favelas themselves - and boasts amazing views.

The Maze Hosts Events, Too

Image Source / The GuardianThis part of the favela is also host to various events, including music and partying, and for that reason is popular with tourists. The maze hosts a monthly jazz night, shown here, which have served to put this particular favela on the party circuit. The price of the events are usually too expensive for the locals, though.

The View From The Santa Marta Favelas

Image Source / The Planet DAnother example of why the views from the favelas can be incredible, and although you can see more evidence of the slums below, you can also see the distant mountains and sky. This particular favela is one of the steepest in the city.

Christ The Redeemer Can Be Seen From The Favela Streets

Image Source / The Planet DWhat would be a bucket list item for many is here a permanent fixture for the residents of this favela. You can see the winding street, colourful railings and a child playing ball overlooked by steps and other residents hanging their washing. And in the background, Christ the Redeemer watches all.

The Entrance To the Santa Marta Favelas: Location Of Michael Jackson's Music Video

Image Source / The Planet DThis is one of the most famous favelas in Rio. It was here that Michael Jackson shot the music video to his song "They Don't Care About Us". Here, at the entrance to this favela, you can see more colourful paint and a mural to the King of Pop himself, painted on the steps.

And There's Even A Statue Dedicated To Michael Jackson

Image Source / The Planet DAnd the residents take this claim to fame very seriously. Within this favela, there is even an entire square dedicated to Michael Jackson, including a life-sized statue of the man himself overlooking the incredible view.

A Community Center In The Favela

Image Source / The Planet DThis bustling favela isn't just residential houses - it's a full blown community, with community services, shops and businesses, and also includes this community center. In keeping with the rest of the favela's decor, here you can see more colourful paint and murals.

A Favela At Night By The Sea

Image Source / The Planet DThe favelas have an entirely different feel to them at night, and do look quite magical all lit up - and especially beside the ocean. But night time at the favelas could also mean a lot of violence and danger for those favelas still controlled by criminal gangs.

A Deli Shop Within The Favela

Image Source / The Planet DAmongst the tight little streets and houses are plenty of businesses and tourist spots, especially if you need a bite to eat. With tourism becoming more safe in these favelas, no doubt deli spots like this are a must-try for anyone visiting.

Some Of The Streets Are Incredibly Steep

Image Source / The Planet DAny tourist wanting to visit here needs to prepare those leg muscles! But for residents of the favelas, steep staircases like this one will just be a normality of daily life. Looking up, you can also see how tall the levels reach.

The Favelas Offer Many Different Views Of Christ The Redeemer

Image Source / The Planet DHere, at the highest point of one of the favelas, you can have a perfect view of Christ the Redeemer. Alongside the everyday items of people living here, with fabrics and personal items hanging outside windows and doors, the silhouette of the statue can be seen in the distance.

For Kids Here, This Is Their Play Area

Image Source / The Planet DMany of us might be used to green parks, playgrounds and open fields for our childhood games of football, but for the kids growing up in the favelas, they play ball openly outside on the squares or pathways, all while enjoying the surrounding views of the city.

Life In The Santa Marta Favela Seems Easier Than Some Of The Others

Image Source / The Planet DLooking at this photo, you could be mistaken for thinking it's a simple city square, with city bicycles, residents and shops, and you might not think it's in the middle of a favela. Compared to some of the more violent (and less vibrant) favelas, this one looks inviting.