Can You Visit Favelas?

The security situation is many favelas is unpredictable, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Any visit to a favela can be dangerous. You're advised to avoid these areas in all cities, including 'favela tours' marketed to tourists and any accommodation, restaurants or bars advertised as being within a favela.

Are the favelas illegal?

A favela (Portuguese pronunciation: [faˈvɛlɐ]) is the term for a shanty town in Brazil. They are mostly found on the outskirts of urban areas. The people living in the favelas are the poor, and the rich people live in the city. ... The favelas themselves are also considered illegal, because the people do not pay tax.

Is Rio open for tourists?

Almost everyone. Brazil's government has been infamously relaxed about the pandemic -- and that includes border control. Following a brief closure in 2020, the borders are now open, including to almost all tourists, for stays of up to 90 days.