Rio de Janeiro: The Other Side of The Tracks

Rio de Janeiro: The Other Side of The Tracks

Following yesterday's post on the recently reported increase in violence in Rio, I thought it would be a good idea to provide more detail on the city, the favelas and the danger they present. Rio has been glamorized throughout the world since Brigitte Bardot 'discovered' Buzios in the 60's. This city of sun, sand, surf, and beautiful surroundings has been attracting international visitors who fall in love with this vibrant culture and its people.

As with any big city, Rio also has its drawbacks. The upscale neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana are at the base of a hillside that houses Rio's now-famous favelas (slums). Over 1/4 of Rio's 13 million inhabitants live in the favelas. It is in the favelas where the primary drug trade takes place and children are groomed into the system from a shockingly young age. The favelas run on their own justice system and the local police force has traditionally been corrupt and incapable of enforcing any order of their own. That being said, there are a number of people living in the favelas who are not involved in the drug trade and who work hard every day for a better life, descending from the hillsides to work in Rio's hotels and restaurants.

In recent years an industry has emerged promoting tourism in the favelas. Marcelo Armstrong is one of the pioneers of this industry and has established a well run, half-day tour to the favelas. Profits from Marcelo's tours go back into the favela community through various efforts including a school that they fund, Para Ti. I recently came across this blog describing an experience on a favela tour which was not unlike my own.

If you'd like to find out more about the favelas but can't make the trip to Rio yourself there are a number of movies on the subject that are well worth seeing such as Favela Rising, City of God and My Brazil - A Journey of Faith, Strength and Struggle.