A tourist sits for a photo on a rooftop chair in Rocinha. AP Photo
One of the main points of attraction was the Rocinha favela – the largest in the city, euronews writes. Here tourists are offered organized tours with local guides, who take guests through the narrow streets and show the daily life of the area. Especially popular is the observation deck “Gate of Heaven”, where visitors can make spectacular photos and videos from drones, paying from 25 to 33 euros. Sometimes the wait for a lift takes up to two hours.
Tour organizers claim that such activities are not intended to romanticize poverty, but instead help the economy of the areas. According to representatives of local companies, all the guides are residents of favelas who receive a stable income and tips. For many, this is a chance to improve their standard of living and find a permanent job.
That said, safety remains a key issue. Despite improvements, independent visits to such neighborhoods are still considered risky. Tourists are advised to visit favelas only in organized groups. In the past, there have been tragic incidents involving conflicts between police and criminal gangs.
Interestingly, the trend has already gone beyond South America. Similar tours have also started to appear in Lisbon, where tourists are offered an alternative view of city life. Thus, “slum tourism” is gradually becoming a global phenomenon, generating both interest and controversy about its ethics.
