special attention should be paid to the walls as rusty nails, unfinished wood and other sharp objects can protrude - just about all favelas have their fair share of both wild and vagrant domestic animals wandering about.

it is quite common to see dogs, cats and chickens walking around independently - depending on the location of the favela, the same can go for wild critters, insects and reptiles - it is best to avoid all animal interaction in favelas, especially important is refraining from feeding or calling the attention of any dogs that may have been trained as guard dogs.

a hat and cream against sunburn, insect repellant, closed-toe shoes, and bottled water should be on everyone's list of things to bring into a favela tour.