If you’re planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro or are already there, you might be wondering how safe it is to visit the favelas in Rio .

Let me share my experience. I visited one favela in Rio—without a tour—along with two other girls I met at Misti Hostel. I was staying at Selina Hostel In Copacabana, but we met on the beach, and after hearing from other tourists about the amazing sunset views from Alto Vidigal, we decided to check it out. From up there, you can see breathtaking views of Leblon and Ipanema.

Which Favelas in Rio Are the Safest?

In Rio, the safest and most peaceful favelas—those that have already established themselves as peaceful zones—are Vidigal and Rocinha. It is totally safe to visit them, either with a tour or with a group of friends.

How to Get to Vidigal Favela?

In my case, I visited Vidigal. If you’re staying near Ipanema, Copacabana, or Leblon, you can easily take an Uber to the base of the favela, you can type on the Location you are going to Vidigal. The Uber will leave you at the base of the Favela and from there, you’ll need to cross the street and you’ll see a line of motorcycles, all with yellow vests. Walk toward them, and you’ll find that people are queuing up to hop on the bikes.

A few things to note:

• The motorcycle drivers don’t provide helmets for passengers, so if you’re not comfortable riding without one, it’s best to book a guided tour.
• The ride costs around 10 reais (roughly 2 USD) one-way, so make sure you bring cash for the trip (20 reais round trip).

Tell the driver you want to go to Alto Vidigal. Once you’re there, you’ll find several restaurants in the area.

Restaurants at the top of the Favela

Be aware that there’s an entrance fee for some restaurants like the Restaurant Mirante do Arvrão, which is around 120 reais, you can check in their social media account before going. However, I found a spot where I paid only about 60 reais which is called Alto Vidigal, they also had live music and the food was delicious.

I tried milanesa parmigiana in Alto Vidigal, and it was absolutely delicious!

I visited the favela around 6 PM, but unfortunately, we missed the sunset because we took a bit longer getting ready. However, we stayed until around 10:00 PM and had a great time.

Final Thoughts:

Is it safe to visit favelas in Rio like Rocinha or Vidigal? Absolutely. Whether you go with a group tour or with friends, visiting the favelas in Rio can be a great and safe experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to see a different side of the city. As a Colombian, I’ve had the chance to experience similar areas, like Comuna 13 in Medellín, which has become a popular and tourist-friendly favela. Just like in Rio, the community has worked hard to make it a safe and welcoming space for visitors.

I know not all countries have favelas or places like this, but for me, coming from Colombia, visiting the favelas in Rio was a unique and enjoyable experience—and I’m sure it would be for you too! The vibrant street art, the local food, the music, and the stunning views make these areas unforgettable. And beyond the tourist attractions, the experience gives you a deeper appreciation of how resilient and strong the people in these communities are. It’s an opportunity to connect with a side of the city that many travelers never get to see.