And see they will. The favelas in Rio de Janeiro are famous for their incredible views. They are located on the choicest highlands overlooking the coastline. Dangerous as they may be for the uninvited, the official favela guides have been operating these chaperoned visits for over a dozen years without a hitch. Tourism, in fact, is a legitimate and promising source of income for the favelas and it doesn’t hurt to have international visitors see, first hand, the conditions of the big city slums.

Marcelo Armstrong of Favela Tour is one such “official” guide and leads people into and around the Rocinha favela by van and on foot…through the street markets and all the way up to the highest viewpoint. It’s more than worth half a day while you’re in the marvelous city–if not for the eye-opening educational content, then for the panoramic ocean views.