Understanding the favelas of Rio de Janeiro— culture, people and stories.
A project from Rio. We report what life in the morros is really like – beyond the clichés, close to the people who shape it.
More than a million people in Rio live in over a thousand favelas. They are neighbourhoods, local economies and cultural powerhouses — and far more than their reputation. Inside Favela tells their stories with respect and precision.
Seven communities, seven perspectives
From Copacabana's backyard to the Sugarloaf — every favela with a story of its own.
Morro dos Tabajaras
A quiet morro between Copacabana and Botafogo with spectacular views over the bay.
Rocinha
Latin America’s largest favela – a city within the city, with its own economy and culture.
Vidigal
Home to one of Rio’s finest views – Vidigal is a neighbourhood, a music scene and a trailhead in one.
What holds the morros together
Samba, street art, resistance — themes that keep coming back.
Why a favela is not a slum
The English term does not do justice to the reality in Rio — a case for precise language.
How samba was born in the morros
From a backyard in Estácio to the world stage: a short history of the rhythm that holds Rio together.
Travelling respectfully in Rio
What to know before a visit — factual, without scaremongering.
The people who carry this city
Michael Jackson in Santa Marta – how a music video made a favela world famous
In 1996 Michael Jackson shot parts of “They Don’t Care About Us” in Santa Marta with Spike Lee. How the shoot came about, what it changed – and what is myth.
Self-building: the architecture of the morros
How residents plan their houses stone by stone – and what urban planning can learn from it.
From the magazine
Babilônia & Chapéu Mangueira: Rio's authentic favelas above Leme
Cornerstone guide to the two neighbouring favelas above Leme: history, community, Atlantic rainforest, viewpoints, safety and practical tips.
How samba was born in the morros
From a backyard in Estácio to the world stage: a short history of the rhythm that holds Rio together.
Michael Jackson in Santa Marta – how a music video made a favela world famous
In 1996 Michael Jackson shot parts of “They Don’t Care About Us” in Santa Marta with Spike Lee. How the shoot came about, what it changed – and what is myth.
Twelve stories from Rio. Once a month.
New reports, portraits and travel tips straight to your inbox. Free, unsubscribe any time.
Guided tours with local guides
We are building a booking service for community tours whose revenue stays on site. Join the newsletter to hear about it first.