Once notorious no-go areas, Rio's sprawling favelas are now drawing more tourists than some of its most famous monuments. But is visiting safe and ethical?

Cosme Felippsen, a community-based favela tour guide in Rio (Photos by Kiratiana Freelon) This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited ...

On Monday, our group with the Boston Archdiocese was split into smaller groups of 12 or so and we were taken by van to the favela Santa Marta in Rio. “Favela” means plant and it is the word for the ...

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

RIO DE JANEIRO – As authorities in Brazil tackled crime earlier this decade, opening Rio de Janeiro's hillside favelas to tourists seemed like a winning idea. The views are breathtaking, the slum ...

Rio de Janeiro is a hotbed of tourism at the moment, full of visiting athletes and Olympic spectators taking in the Summer Olympic Games but these visitors aren't just taking in the Olympic village.

Brazil’s favelas have emerged as an unusual tourist destination. While the country has long been known for iconic attractions ...