Favela do Vidigal.

The vast majority of Rio’s shanties are not safe to visit, but a few of the ‘pacified’ favelas are open to outside visitors without much fuss – Vidigal is the city’s most accessible, and best explored with a local. Felipe Paiva from Inside Outings / insideoutings.com / is a cluedin, English-speaking resident and photographer, and will whisk you up the serpentine streets by foot or van. On a nice day, opt to combine with a hike up Dois Irmãos hill for a million-dollar Ipanema panorama (and no tourists). Call Felipe on 97425 0660 or email paivafotografias@gmail.com / have your taxi drop you at the Vidigal entrance / leave bling at home