The Rocinha favela is located on the hills of Rio de Janeiro which ironically has the best views of the beautiful beaches below. Rocinha was built by refugees or former soldiers the government had no use for. Started in the late 1800’s, the government allowed public land to be used for housing, largely ignoring the poor shanty towns until it began spreading into the metropolitan areas. With an estimated 20% of Rio’s population and roughly 750 favelas surrounding Rio, the government is now taking notice.
Crime is not tolerated in the favelas. The drug lords who control the favelas are fierce about controlling any activity that might attract police presence. There is a complex network of lookout posts that make it virtually impossible for the police to enter the favela unnoticed. Rather than attend school, many of the kids prefer to work for the drug lords. The favela tour gives back to the community, donating part of the proceeds to an activity center where children go for half the day to keep them off the streets.
I am from Rocinha and you can read my opinions about what I think about favela tours.
both the good and the bad.
My BLOG: http://lifeinrocinha.blogspot.com
Thank you,
Zezinho