With elements that translate what is best in the territories, Rio de Janeiro offers besides the traditional tourist attractions, a variety of cultural attractions in the slums scattered across the city that you need to know. There is no shortage of options for those who want to go on a trip like a native carioca, praising initiatives and inspiring stories which present different scenarios from the same place, – the beloved Rio.
With the purpose of potential development already done in the region, it is ideal that visits are carried out with the support of registered local guides, besides associations or projects that welcome the audience.
VIDIGAL
A cultural development pole, Vidigal is recognized by the social work that led thousands of young people to step into theaters of Brazil and abroad. From the project “Nós do Morro”, names like Roberta Rodrigues, Thiago Martins, Marcello Mello Jr and Jonathan Azevedo. Without mentioning the visits of international stars, such as David Beckham, Kanye West and Queen Latifah.
From the top of the slum one of the most beautiful views can be appreciated. From the top of VDG (the acronym of Vidigal), is possible to spot the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Arpoador besides the blue of the sea that hypnotizes due to its immensity. Even those who are accustomed with the place are dazzled with the beauty of the place.
To get to the viewpoint one uses motorcycle taxis or a circular van of the region. For those who want to stretch out until the end of the day and enjoy the sunset the tip is Bar da Laje – that already has become one of Rio´s favorites. Over there, there are typical carioca snacks, drinks and live music with an open and pleasant environment, Bar da Laje (@bardalage) is the right choice for the end of the day. More carioca than that is impossible!
It is also possible to visit Dois Irmãos Hill, Vidigal Beach and Ecological Park of Tiê. @parque_instituto_sitie.
For information about the place and guide visits:@favelatourvidigal.
SANTA MARTA
If you want a 360 degree view of Rio the right choice is Santa Marta! The favela, located in Morro Santa Marta, shares space with the district of Botafogo, in the south zone of the city.
Of the colorful houses that look and like a frame, we see the statue of the Christ Redeemer, very close and also on the other side of the community we have the Sugar Loaf and Botafogo Beach and it is also possible to contemplate the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
The favela resides in the collective imagination since in 1996, singer and composer Michael Jackson recorded scenes from the clip “They don´t care about us”! and all the alleys stopped for a day putting the community on the world map. The feat yielded a life size sculpture of the King of Pop, made by sculptor Ique Woitschah in 2010. Since then, the place has become one of the most visited tourist attractions of the region, also visited by Madonna and Hugh Jackman.
For information about the place and guide visits: @saletetour/ @favelasantamartatour.
ROCINHA
It’s A World! For many years it was famous as the biggest slum in Latin America, Rocinha is in the mind of all Cariocas and the Brazilian people. Due to its greatness, it reached relevant proportions in all spheres. Historically the origin of its name is given by the old Farm Quebra-Cangalha divided into small estates that took advantage of the space to market products for the fair in Santos Dumont Square.
From “Rocinha” at the top of Gávea. In the thirties and forties, an automobile circuit made the region the setting for what would be Formula I races. Isn’t it a very rich history?
Jumping in time the cultural attractions, the “Laje da Mulher Maracujá”, Porta do Céu and Bar Mirante da Rocinha where you can be enchanted by the famous Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and some districts of the south zone of Rio de Janeiro, besides some parts of Guanabara Bay – from a special angle. On the menu contemporary cuisine and a list of refreshing drinks!
Discover the magic of Porta do Céu, in Rocinha
Among the alleys of Rocinha, a special place is waiting for you – Porta do Céu, a slab at the top of the hill offers a panoramic view, framing the beauty of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Overlooking the stunning landscape, Porta do Céu presents us with a unique perspective of the marvelous city.
For information about the place and guide visits: @gilmarjuniorfernandes /@ocanjicatour /@pedroleo.tour
MORRO DA PROVIDÊNCIA
From the Gamboa neighborhood, located in the central zone of the city, Morro da Providência opens the paths of history, since it is the first slum of Brazil. Its first residents were the former combatants in the Canudos War, and at that time it was called “Morro da Providência”.
Among the slopes of the community, the birth of the most celebrated Brazilian author of all times, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, better known as Machado de Assis. Author of the classics “Dom Casmurro” and “ Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas” the “ Wizard” lived his childhood and adolescence among the slum´s alleys a fact that was also essential for the cultural identity of samba, one of the richest symbols of the country.
Of so many scenarios- some of them appearing in soap operas, Morro da Providência has a visual that needs no introduction even attracting the attention of the greatest plastic artists in the world, the French JR, who together with the Brazilian photographer Mauricio Horta created Casa Amarela, with services of education, art, and social support. The space mixes the experiences of the residents with the academy, with the purpose of stimulating the territorial value of the region. With a moon on the top, it is for sure one of the easiest places to find. More than a physical space, it is a symbol of resilience and hope for the residents and for Rio.
For information about the place and guide visits: @ocosmeoficial
BABILÔNIA E CHAPÉU MANGUEIRA
Neighbors, the slums of Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira are located in the district of Leme in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro and share the most beautiful nature that involves the entire city. Despite the little distance between each of them, both have characteristics that make them unique each in their own way and space.
Chapéu Mangueira for example had its origin from the arrival of urban workers with strong activism during the years of dictatorship and the creation of residents´ associations. Babilônia appears on the list of favelas as one of the oldest, rural based and originally formed by residents of North and Northeast regions of the country.
Respecting the diversity of their trajectories the two communities make Rio de Janeiro more plural and a meeting place as for example Bar do Davi, in Chapéu Mangueira a space that is welcoming visitors and residents alike. As for cooking, the taste of homemade food is the star prepared with a seasoning that makes history due to the care with which is prepared. Besides the cuisine, the bar has also become a meeting point for local artists and Rodas de Samba presentations and live artists, always providing an atmosphere of pleasure for the visitors.
And if food is what unites us, both communities give an example of how to enjoy all food. The initiative Favela Orgânica allows visitors to get in touch with a new approach on conscious consumption, alternative cuisine, home composting and vegetable gardens in small places. The project, created by Cook Regina Tchelly, has already taken workshops and lectures for several states in Brazil, besides countries such as France, Italy and Uruguay.
For information about the place and guide visits: @amastourbabichapeu
FAVELA PEREIRA DA SILVA
A slum within a slum? It is the artistic and playful way that comes from Favela Pereira da Silva, between the districts of Laranjeiras and Santa Teresa, located in the south zone.
Popularly known as “Morro do Pereirão”, the current place where the community is located, in the past it was a farm, in the 19th century. It started with few families, over the years, gave way to a region that is currently overpopulated.
In order to present the artistic richness of the place, Projeto Morrinho (Morrinho Project) was born, an open-air gallery which portrays life and local culture in colored miniatures. In minute details the scenario is impressive, and it was done by talented young people, who use scrap and recycled material to make true works of art.