at a glance

in fact, closed shoes provide a better grip on the soil and protect against potential injuries caused by loose objects such as glass, wood, and sharp rocks. - to the unfamiliar visitor, favelas may seem maze-like communities with seemingly no order or consistency in their arrangement and the layout of pathways throughout.

This is one of the key reasons why it is important to enter a favela accompanied by a local guide - without someone that knows well the routes throughout the favela, it is easy to become lost as the unmarked, makeshift streets and open pathways can turn to tunnels and enclosed areas, quickly leading to a loss of orientation and  anxiety that can make it even more difficult to find the way out.

Almost all favelas have moto taxi stations at their points of entry, with plenty of drivers waiting to provide a ride to any accessible part of the community for just a few reals - This type of access is the most common on favelas set on hillsides, across metropolitan rio de janeiro - The ride can be a thrill with moto taxis drivers often performing the task in a showy manner, taking on oncoming traffic without fear and sometimes even racing other moto taxis drivers.