even in the zona sul itself, the pacification efforts of the brazilian government in the run up to the 2014 world cup and the 2016 Olympics have converted former no-go areas into prime locations from which to observe the spectacular fireworks of copacabana and lagoa from a great height and well removed from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

the pavão-pavãozinho and cantagalo favelas, sandwiched in between the ritzy districts of ipanema and copacabana, are the best example of this new phenomenon.

tourists and locals alike pay upwards of r$250 for a spot at a festa na laje, a party on the hand-made cinderblock terraces of the neighborhood which look out over one of the best views in the city.