many visitors come to rio de janeiro with the plan to visit one of the world-famous favelas - in fact, these neighborhoods have become top destinations, part and parcel of a tourist itinerary which includes beaches, mountains, and art galleries.

classifying favelas as just another attraction would be unjust, visiting these unique neighborhoods is something that should be done with sensitivity and intelligence - favelas can not be classified simply as attraction, because they are living neighborhoods, home to families for generations, rich of history, and traditions.

part of what makes them fascinating today is also what makes up the history of the residents and their community - this is something that should be kept in mind at all times by all who choose to explore one of these unique communities.