Rio de Janeiro Off The Beaten Path Tips by HispanicYob

A thing to remember about the favelas......

....as lots of members here have said about favelas. They're places where you shouldn't go all alone, especially if you're a tourist. And that's true. If you do have a privelege to visit a favela, please remember that the people who live are human beings. They're not to be gawked at like wild animals in a zoo. This is how they live, and it's all they know. Don't be the stereotypical "Ugly American" and treat them like they're not of your class or upbringing. Treat them like how you would a good family member or good friend. This pertains especially if you go on a guided tour. Don't do anything to offend. Although, I may sound hypocritical, because to see this place I couldn't help but take a couple of pictures. But be discreet please. :)

Rocinha Favela

I had the privelege of going to Rocinha, the biggest favela in Latin America. I went with one of the employees of the hostel where I stayed, where her boyfriend lived. Together with another hostel goer we went to Rocinha. Rochina is like a city within a city. The infrastructure of such a place is a wonder. Building build on top of one another almost in a mosaic-like fashion. The best thing about this was, not only being able to go, was also for the fact that I saw it through the eyes of a local in a sense. I didn't go on no guided tour of any sort. I didn't feel like I exploited the locals in a way although I couldn't resist taking pictures of this wonderfully interesting place. If you know a local who lives there or who knows someone there, ask them to take you around. It'll open up your eyes!

Graffiti Hunt!

You know, I wasn't too big on it, despite being an artist myself, until I came to Rio. I was inspired from one of my friends I was traveling with in Rio to make an album of graffiti works from around the world. And what better way to start then in Rio? You know, Rio has quite a lot of talent when it comes to painting on walls. You gotta wonder how they spent so much time crafting these awesome pieces of work?! Some are pretty damn incredible. And unlike in America, no one tags over them with their own gang signs (well at least not a whole lot anyways) or messes them up to where it looks crappy. When you're exploring Rio take some time to take some photos of these amazing works! Some pieces have themes ranging from politics to love, others are just there just to be there.