while it is by no means suggested exploring a favelas alone, guided favela tours are pervasive, and most include authentic touches such as a visit to a resident's home or to a local bar. in addition, many hostels, guest houses and rooms for rent are becoming available in favelas, particularly in the better-known ones.

there are nearly one thousand favelas in rio de janeiro, and most of these communities have a quite unique and a distinct local history and culture - as they came into existence in different ways, at different times, and are populated by different groups.