This isn't a great topic to talk about but it does happen often enough so let's deal with it. If you've been robbed/mugged or have any good suggestions about how to avoid it then jump in.

A friend of mine on an extended stay in Rio recently was drugged and robbed in Rio. Somehow she spiked his drink (generally he drinks water), knocked him out for 14 hours, & cleaned him out. She took everything of value that he had (miracluously she left his passport & airplane ticket). With the arrival of winter in Rio, the number of girls has gone way done & a lot of people have gotten robbed

I'm also aware of a couple of muggings that occurred on Av. Atlantica at night. One of these occurred as 2 friends were turning left onto Atlantica (on the block between Meia Pataca & Help). Personally I feel that is a very safe area so I was extremely suprised that 2 guys would be robbed here of all places. So I think we all need to be very careful.

The other also occurred on Ave Atlantica at night but it was a bit further East more towards central Copacabana. This guy was actually with a girl & there were other people about but no one assisted him as he was robbed.

One of my friends that lives in Rio recommends avoiding Ave Atlantica at night. If necessary detour over to Ave. Nossa Senhorra de Copacabana but don't walk on Ave Atlantica at night. Definitely don't walk on the beach at night in Copacabana; I don't think there is no problem in the day time though.

My only thoughts on how to minimize the damage in terms of being drugged include -

- Don't let anyone touch your beer

- if you stay in a hotel, they generally check ( and copy) the girl's papers when you bring one back to your room. This might help the authorities track 'em down. If you stay in an apartment, they generally don't do this.

- Don't leave any money lying around your apartment/hotel. If you have a safe then use it.

- Put the key in a very safe place; definitely don't use it after you bring a girl back to your room (otherwise she'll know where the key is located).

- Travelers checks are a good thing. Carry as much of your money as possible in travelers checks as you can. There is another thread that talks about money & travelers checks; there is an American Express office in central Copacabana.

But in any event, if anyone has any thoughts or advice on safety then please chip in.

I should have mentioned this before (and it also is very obvious) but if you only go to termas then you aren't going to have to worry about getting drugged & robbed in your apartment.

Good idea for a thread YT. I had thought that we could use a crime in Rio thread. I have been a little concerned about the number of mugging reports that I have come across in my research for my first trip. A lot of them seem to be night time strong arm stuff on Atlantica, often involving knives. Sounds like when you are out at night alone using a cab is the way to go, especially for a newbie.

This thread sounds like the blind leading the blind. There are no safe streets or times in Copacabana. The corners near Help are some of the worst. Try reviewing posts on Readsnake by more experienced hands.

Rio is infinately safer today than seven years ago during Brizola's worst period of mismanagement. But, Rio is still very dangerous. Some advice for those who don't speak Poetuguese.

Never:

Stay alone in a temporada.
Go to the apartment of a girl who you do not know well.
Carry anything you can't afford to loose (a xerox of your passport and visa is plenty of ID for a tourist in Rio).
Resist if mugged.
Attempt to stop at thief (instant death).
Display anything that might appear valuable.

Always insist that your hotel follow security procedures. As desk clerks tend to be lax late at night, you should ask the girl to hand you her ID so that you can show it to the desk clerk. This tends to limit the likelyhood of being drugged or the victim of an underage scam.

When a girl leaves your room alone, the desk should call you for permission to release her. If they don't, complain to the manager the next day.

If you can spot your hotel's security guard tip him in advance. He can be your best friend if you ever have any trouble.

Bacho - Thanks for your great tips. I think that you are right this thread is about the blind leading the blind but we have to start somewhere. I think your tip regarding insisting that the front desk call your room prior to letting a woman leave sounds invaluable. And never carry anything you can't afford to loose also means carry as little cash as possible!

I've gone back and checked out Redsnake & the only advice there regarding getting mugged/etc is - don't pick up any of the prostitutes that line the street along Ave Atlantica at night as they are likely to drug you etc. This sounds like very good advice to me.

My friend who got drugged/robbed actually met the woman that robbed him in the cafe immediately in front of Help.

The area is near surrounding slums and the increadible disparity between wealth and dispair will induce people to prey on their fellow men. The image some may have from the Black Orpheus and Gabriela flicks is misleading.
The good food, beer, and music should not distract you from the fact that this town is dangerous especially at night.
Stay in the light and stick with the routes that have many other people.
Amex travelers checks are not easily cashed in South America, the Meridian on Princess Isabella was unwilling to cash mine, fortunately. They changed my USD but told me to go to Amex to cash the check. Was mugged shortly thereafter. Amex replaced my money upon return to the states.
Carry at least 2 credit cards and leave one with your luggage. Fortunately the muggers were considerate enough to toss my passport back.
Lucky to be alive after having a large knife held at my throat while my arms were pinned back and a third person went through my pockets.
I tried to drink in local bars in Rio and I have seen many people trying to sell personal effects like watches and ringsthat I think were stolen.
Shortly after, folks there were hiring death squads to eliminate the street crime and unfortuately killed a lot of street kids. Things are better now but the poverty will continue to induce desparate action. I was luck to be hit by a somewhat professional gang.
A Korean war ace had his skull fractured in Hawaii by a mugger this month, worse can happen in Rio.
Try checking the state dept advisories for updated info.

Let me offer a slightly different perspective. I was in Rio twice this year, for a week in March and a week in May. I hadn't been before this, so I was extremely nervous from what I'd heard about the crime, so I was extra careful to follow all the precautions. Let's just say that by the end of the second week I felt much safer than I have in any large city I've visited in the US. And I've been to most of the large US cities. Not ONCE did I see anyone who even looked questionable, and never did I seen any crime whatsoever. And I walked a lot, at all hours. However I never strayed out of the Ave. Atlantica/NS de Copacabana area, from Ipanema on one end to Rio Sul Shopping center and La Meridien hotel at the other. I walked every night at the wee hours from Help to Rio Roiss. From what I've gathered from others who have been there extensively, and from the girls I talked to, in the last couple of years the crime situation has improved drastically. They now have cops all over the place, including Tourist Police. Now this obviously doesn't mean that you shouldn't be careful, but it sure helped me to enjoy my stay much more. Hell, I even left a lot of change in my hotel room and it was there when I got back. If you want some more insights, try www.worldsexarchives.com in the Brazil section. Some guys with lots of Rio experience hang out there and seem to agree. Could it be that the folks on this list are referring to events that occurred a few years ago, or was I just lucky?

In all my travels, I haven't found a spot that doesn't have some kind of crime. Even in countries, where it is punishable by death, you will still find thieves.
Rio is just a tough big city like all the other tough big cities of the world. The crime there is no worst than any other city (except some asian ports). Just keep your wits about you, and have a good time. Remember that you are in a different country (third world country at that), and deal with it. In the US, who would go to Harem, The Bronx, So.Central LA, Hough, etc. and say there is crime there. If you are scared to go to those neighborhoods, it's because you have HEARD how tough they are. But to the people who live there, it's life as usual. Rio is life as usual. Don't read the press... what you don't know won't hurt you... think only the best... expect only the best... and have a good time.

I got mugged near Frank's bar in 93. Be cautious, stay in the lighted areas. Couple of guys were waiting between the cars in the parking spaces next to the street.

I think one needs to be especially cautious at night. I've meet a couple of guys who have gotten mugged at night within a couple of blocks of Help on Av. Atlantica. I guess carrying a minimum amount of cash & leaving the rest in your hotel safe (definitely get one of these) is a good practice.

A word about safety:
Just got back from a 3 week trip to Rio. While Rio has always had a reputation for violence, it seems to be getting worse ! I was mugged twice leaving HELP. Once by 6 guys (at least two had knives) on Miguel Lemos (the street between Mia Pattaca and HELP disco) about 30 meters down from Atlantica , almost on the corner of Aries Saldanha at about 2:00 am. The second time was at about 1:30 am and I was robbed by four guys all most directly in front of Mia Pattaca. All four of them had knives this time. The Military Police were only about 50 meters away and the muggers seemed to be completely unconcerned about them. ! I was was speaking with a waiter at the cafe outside of HELP and he told me that someone is mugged on the corner of Miguel Lemos and Atlantica every night. There was a third attempt to rob me on NS Copacabana by a lone unarmed guy at about 8:30 PM. Boy did this guy make a big mistake ! After getting mugged twice by multiple, armed assholes. I was in no mood to be hassled by this guy ! To make a long story short, after the beating this guy got I don’t think he will be very anxious to mug another gringo.


Remember when leaving Help Disco anytime later than 1:00 am you are better off getting a taxi. The fucked up think about the Taxis is that they will charge you R 10 for a ride to your apartment or Hotel no matter how close it is . They absolutley will not turn on the meter . I guess you are going to get robbed either way but with the Taxis at least there is know one holding a knife to your throat :-)

Ranger,

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortunes. Can you tell us a few more details. Was there any warning like someone asking for a cigarette or pointing to his wrist as if asking the time? Was there any physical contact like someone going through your pockets? A choke-hold? Were you hurt at all?

Thanks

Dohlyn
You can’t be serious with that post!!!! Your insinuation is that Rio is no worse then other big Cities!!!! That’s crazy, there are neighborhoods or areas. that the police and military will not even enter, day or night…If a guy walks thru Watts at 3:00am he may or may not get mugged, if a guy walks thru Rio at 3:00am he “will” get mugged.
I have been to Rio several times and seen my share of problems not to mention my beer glass exploding in my hand from the first bullet of a gun battle between the good guys and bad guys. But with that said, be smart and you’ll “probably” be ok. Never go out alone, no watches and jewelry and take taxi’s….My only problem with your post was it made it sound like there is not a large problem and there is. New-bee’s going should know what to expect and what to do to lessen the chances of being mugged.
Just more TP shit.

Molondro:

Yes there was physical contact both times. The first time one guy grabbed me and pushed me against the wall of a building and showed me his knife. The other guy held his knife to my ribs first and as I struggled he held it to my throat. In the mean time 4 other guys (kids actually) went through my pockets. When I started to stuggle someone hit me in the back of the head with something (a bottle or rock maybe).

The second time it was 4 men with knives, they just showed them to me and then tried to go through my pockets

Both time them can running up behind me and over took me.

Now to reply to "Tequila Please's" post I think he is as guilty at exaggerating the dangers as "Dohlyn" is at trying to dismiss them. It is true that in many of the Favelas (slums) the Police will not go into but we as tourist don't go to the Favelas. Rio is not as safe as Dohlyn makes it sound nor is it as dangerous as TP makes it sound. Just be careful and use good common sense and you will be fine. If you do get mugged do not struggle, any injuries I received was because I struggled (very stupid). These guys/kids are not out to hurt you so just don't carry any valuables, keep you money in your sock and about 20 or 30 Reals in your pocket (mugger's money) and if they come up on you don't resist. After its over go to HELP get a girl and have fun

Well said
TP.

I felt very safe in Rio but again sticked to tourist place. I feel a lot more at risk in TJ for sure.

From earlier posts, would it be safer to stay at the debret than the rio roiss? Debret is 1 block and 1/2 from help but on atlantico while Rio Roiss is 1/2 a block but on Aires Saldahna. I did walk at 3:00 am from Help, I guess I was lucky. Street was completely empty, had there been thieves, I would have been toast. Garotas were not afraid to walk with me in the 1:00 am time frame but all requested taxi money when not staying overnight.
In TJ I go there all the time and never feel secure. In Rio, I did feel very safe but rarely stayed out too late.

It is hard to get a good read on the dangers in Rio. I've asked lots of cabbies and some say it's quite bad, others disagree. The favelas, like Rochina--the most famous one, are another matter. I had trouble getting a cab driver to take me into them to take some photos, and when he finally did it was full of conditions. No stopping, shots only through the cab window and when going down hill. He was even scared when I got out of the taxi to take shots of graffiti in other areas of Rio, saying that he didn't have a knife or gun to protect me.

My sense is, Don't wander the streets at night, even around Help. It's an invitation for trouble, particularly from those addicted to glue and coke. Pay a few reales and take cabs.

I thought I'd add a little to the discussion. In Rio couple of weeks ago I was walking down Visconde Da Piraha in Ipanema at 1p.m in a suit and tie as I'd just come out of a business meeting. After 5 minutes window shopping I noticed 2 guys follwing me.Checked if true by doing the stop/go and crossing the road and they were definitely following me.Took the first cab available back to the hotel for a change of clothes and some mulling over. Conclusion :1. never wear a suit to walk the streets and 2. one can get mugged anytime anywhere in Rio. Other times I felt very safe and I don't believe we should be too fearful,only streetwise.

Well said Rakshas. I felt safe in Rio and walked the same general areas that Athos described, but never later than 1 A.M. From time to time as I walked away from the Help area and ventured off of the next main street over from Atlantico, my bandito radar started kicking in and I would return to the main streets. Away from the main tourist area, I saw lots of people that were living on the edge and I am sure that they were making it any way that they could.

This is for Athos
I was robbed at 25 yard line on the way walking back to Debret at 300am. You know that Debret is only around 100- 150 yards from Help....
Taxi, gentlemen... is only way to go. You save 10 reais taxi and in turn lost 250 reais as I did?

I just returned from Rio, what a great place 8
days and 12 garotas, (3) from Help, (2) from
Villa Mimoza, and (7) from a couple escort agencies (Panteras, and Make Love). Rented an
apartment three blocks from the Atlantico.
I never felt unsafe in Rio, there are tons of police around many areas of the Atlantico, even
at the near streets. I walked many times at about
3 and 3:30 AM. You have to be so unlucky to get
mugged.....RIO IS REALLY SAFE...NO PROBLEM AT
ALL....just use some common sense like in any
big city. I really enjoy my visit and I'm already making plans for my next trip (around June). Brazilian garotas are all GFE material...lots of bunda with the girls from the agencies. Fantastic food (Porcao, Grill Inn) and the beach what can I say....the perfect place for me.

In May, I visited with someone several times that lives in Rio, and went a few places in their car with them. They would not leave their car anywhere unless there was a person to watch it, they were afraid to walk around even in Lebon, and Ipenema. I know that many of you may have not had a bad experience in Rio, but if a local acts this bad about the place, they much either be psycho, or maybe there really is something to the rumors that Rio can be unsafe.

I personally know a friend that was robbed on the beach in Rio.

I also know a US citizen that had his whole bus stopped, and was robbed my machine gun carrying masked men between the airport and hotel in Salvador.

In Recife, I visited it last August, the person that I visited there also was constantly on the lookout.

I personally think that everywhere in Brazil is a dangerous place.

The only part of Brazil I have ever been to that felt safe to me walking around at night was Joinville which is an hour flight south of Sao Paulo. The place is mostly German, and when walking down the street at night I did not feel in danger as when walking around Rio at night.

Just be careful almost anywhere in Brazil. It is still a great place to visit, and most of the people are really friendly.

I haven't been robbed yet in Rio but I am constantly hearing stories about folks that have been. It seems to me that one can view this 2 ways - 1) I've never been robbed so it must be safe or 2) my time hasn't come yet so I'd better be as careful as I can be.

I think taking the 2nd choice is seems to make more sense.

I was in Rio for the first time Nov. 6th-17th. Around noon of the second day I took an exploratory walk down Copacabana heading north.

There is a large rock and small park where the beach ends and they have built a walkway on the ridge of the rock. I walked the length of the walkway and headed back. There were five guys standing there who had not been there before. As I passed through they were all watching me and as I passed the last one he asked for the time.

I stuck out my arm with my cheap watch and just watched him as I passed. When I passed him I thought I was safe but just then he grabbed hold of my t-shirt. I whipped around and yelled, "HEY"! My shirt ripped in half. I yanked the half out of his hands turned around and hussled out of there. I don't know why the others didn't close in on me. Maybe they wanted to rip off my watch but when they saw it was just a cheap one they didn't bother.

Anyhow, that was the only time I had any trouble in Rio. I walked back to the Deberet from Help disco about 4 times in the early morning and did not have a problem.

This event will not deter me from going back to Rio again. I have fallen in love with the beautiful and passionate garotas and I feel like I did after my first visit to LOS several years ago. What a place!

We all have fallen in love with Rio.
TJ has been ruined for me. My 4th consecutive trip tonight to TJ without getting laid.

Alocal told me today that a tourist was robbed in midday walking along ave. atlantico, be careful. He said there was no weapons being used, brings up interesting point, no way i would hand over money if i don´t see a weapon.

Fooled - you're right if the guy is unarmed then fight him. But the problem is that you really don't know if he is unarmed or not; and for that matter most of the attacks that occur in Rio involve gangs. When the rest of the gang arrives, things only get worse.

It makes a heck of a lot more sense to me to just carry a credit card or 2 , and a bit of cash. If you don't carry alot of money with you, then just give it up. It ain't worth it to me to die for $20.

The guy may not have a whole gang behind him, but you can be sure he'll have at least one backup/lookout. Yes, these things happen day or night. I've heard of daytime muggings in Ipanema as well.

I just moved some posts from here pertaining to Villa Mimoza to the Villa Mimoza topic under Rio de Janeiro

Just returned from 23 nights in Rio, never had any problems or seen any problems. A local did tell me thal a tourist was robbed in the middle of the day walking on ave atlantico. I walked up and down ave atlantico every night i was there between the hours of 10pm and 1am with no problems. Walked from Help to Debret Hotel a few times with no problems. Walked around Barbarela and the other clubs in the surronding area between 4am and 5am with no problems. I did most of this alone with no problems. I felt very safe. For the most part i rarely carried credit cards or passport, just carry a copy of passport and visa. I carried around 150R to 200R at any one time, but had it hidden in different places on me, with around 30R to 50 R in my wallet.

Foooledagain1
Can you give us the current lowdown on clubs. I never made it to Franks or Dome my last time out. Can you compare them to Barbarella and Help?
Also which termas had the best atmosphere and selection? Did you discover new restaurants or pastry shops?
As you mention, never carry your passport with you. My garota when she saw me carry my passport on my last day started to tell me to hide it right away.

Fooledagain: two nights before leaving (last January) I was walking down Atlantica around 1:30am and thinking how fortunate I've been in avoiding crime. A few minutes later a guy came up from behind and grabbed me and I manage to fend him off. This was right around the corner from Monte Carlo. Don't let your good luck make you complacent.

Athos: Many suns/moons ago I was given this advice by two buddies of mine who had extensive writing for LETS-GO series of travelbooks -- Never carry your passport around, only photocopies. Fields Dangerous places also suggests that one register with the consulate or High Commission when visiting a country -- Helps when evacuation is necessary.

I don’t care if any of you guys are robbed. Many of you will be. But, I would hate for one of you to die because I allowed so much poor advice to remain without rebuttal on this board.

I’ve posted on crime in Rio under several names. I probably have more experience in Rio than everyone else (excluding Bobbie) who has posted on this board put together.

Yesterday I was watching a store security tape of a customer being executed. Four apparently unarmed men began simultaneously demanding cash from a supermarket’s check-out stands. A forty two-year-old hardware storeowner couldn’t resist grabbing the guy who was cleaning out the check stand where he was buying groceries. He should have known better. Everyone else living in Rio does. But, tourists with a whole two or three weeks of experience offer advice that you should fight back if you don’t see a weapon. I saw the body of an Air Force officer who was executed because while sitting at a sidewalk café on Avenida Atlantica he got up to help a tourist who was being robbed.

I was robbed by a young kid with a steak knife. Rush hour pedestrians surrounded me. He just sauntered away. I and everybody around me knew better than to do anything to stop him. By the way, if you strike a minor, even one who is robbing you, you may find yourself in jail. I’ve witnessed many robberies. I’ve escaped from many because, yes, it’s ok to run, but never fight back. If someone asks you for the time or a cigarette in sign language shout and run. Don’t let them get close to you.

Some more unsolicited advice:

Don’t wear a watch, even a cheap one. I carry an old watch without a band in my pocket.

Stay away from public ATMs, and avoid using credit cards. Bring enough hundred-dollar bills for your whole trip. Change money at a cambio once or twice a week. Make a special trip to do this bringing the reals right back to your hotel safe. A popular crime in Rio is mini-kidnapping. The victim is held until after midnight so the robbers can double dip the ATM card. Pay only your hotel bill with your credit card if you have too.

Don’t stay in temporadas, short time apartment rentals. Tourists are murdered in these apartments. The guys who rent apartments aren’t going to tell you about this. If you ignore this advice be aware that girls look for guys staying in temporadas. They offer anything just to get into the apartment because they know its safe to drug a tourist or let an accomplice in to rob them. However, girls from clubs like Barbaella and Doma are far less likely to do this than ones you meet at Help or on the beach.

Stay far away from street girls. Many aren’t girls. If you get close enough to till it’s too late.

And finally some superfluous advice: Stay away from ugly girls, they’re the most likely to steal.

Another scare story.. great..

The creditbility of your scare tactics, you "posted on crime in Rio under several names" and the fact that you "... probably have more experience in Rio than everyone else (excluding Bobbie) who has posted on this board put together" doesn't sit well with me. The ATM's in Rio started closing at 10PM and don't open until 6-7am about 3 months ago. There goes your "kidnapping" story.

This could get into another "do this, do that" fest, but I'll just say this. I've lived in NY my entire life, and I feel just as safe in Rio as I do in NY. It's all about common sense and basic street smarts.

Dood

Malandro,
Thanks for the great advice!!! I am planning a first time trip to bundaland in October or November and I am a little worried about the danger. I thought about getting an apartment to save money and hassle, but I think as a newbie it could cost me more in the long run. I hope that the crime problem will not stop me from relaxing and enjoying the best that brazil has to offer....the women. I lived in Miami for 5 years ..Brazilian women will blow your mind
Any advice on where to stay???

You can access the CitiBank/Blockbuster 24 hours a day. I was there 3 weeks ago and I went to that ATM at 2AM (with about 4 buddies).

Citibank is the exception because there's an armed guard on duty at all times. That's the only one, and I forgot to mention it.

Well.. this doesn't make my argument hold up any better, although, they didn't say where it's concentrated:

Study: Brazil 2nd in Violent Deaths

.c The Associated Press

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - The rate of violent death in Brazil is second only to Colombia and getting worse, according to a new UNESCO study that said nearly 30 percent of the young Brazilians who died in 2000 were shot to death.

The rate is particularly high among Brazilians between aged 15-24, with violence accounting for 40 percent of all deaths, the Brazilian office of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said Friday.

The study compared recent figures from 60 countries. It said that in Colombia, violence accounted for 60 deaths among every 100,000 residents, while Brazil registered 26.3 violent deaths per 100,000 and Russia had 23.

Violence in Colombia is linked to the decades-long civil war, while in Brazil it is mostly related to urban crime.

In the 15-24 age group, Colombia had 101.3 violent deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Puerto Rico with 58.4 and Brazil with 48.5.

Nearly 30 percent of the 44,715 young Brazilians who died in 2000 were shot to death, said the study, entitled ``The Map of Violence.''

Brazil's homicide rate rose by nearly one-third between 1991 and 2000, an increase the study said ``can be explained exclusively by the rise in murders of young people.''

Brazil's government has submitted a bill to sharply limit the sale and possession of firearms, but it is opposed by pro-gun groups and has stalled in Congress.


05/04/02 06:49 EDT

I had somewhat of a close call last night. I was taking a cab back from Meli Melo(which by the way was packed with very attractive women) in Lagoa last night at about 4am. When the cab was approaching an intersection 2 enterprising young men with felony obviously in their hearts tried to stop us by stopping in front of the cab. I yelled to the cabdriver "NÃO ESPERA, NÀO ESPERA(I should have said nào pare, only I can think of being grammatically correct in times of danger). It was tough for the cabdriver because it was an intersection and if he sped through there was the small possibility of perpindicular traffic. He handled it pretty well, he slowed just enough to see about the traffic but fast enough so the young men couldn't attack the cab.

Hey guys,

This will be my second time to rio this year and I got a apartment this time. I am going with a buddy and were thinking about bringing back four girls to the apartment back from help. Last time we were there, we sneaked in two girls from help, we had to sneaked around, because the marriott only let us go up one couple at a time. I get so many feedback that it will be so dangerous and we shouldn't do it, and only take two girls only, but we are two guys in our late twenty's trying to take it to the max. All I can say, is use my streetsmarts and go with it.
Have anyone had any problems or have experienced this type of play. I know being alone with two or three girls, they have an upper hand on the situation, so I wouldn't do it alone.

kunhnjubl on avenida atlantica 3696 there is a temporada.the female guests have to leave id.cards at the desk when entering. and the porter are suposed too call your room and check if you miss anything before she can leave the building.a friend of mine who used to work for ericson sat outside help with a girl he left for the bathroom,while he was there she slipt a cinderella----.in his drink got him too his apartment at flamengo beach.more or less cleaned out the apartment.so just be careful and you will be alright.

Problems in Rio. Enjoy the life, but be careful.

Hombre: Photo removed

That one was too big. Here is a resize of the article.

Great article - 764 favelas. Anyone that tell you that Rio is safe probably aint mentioning the 764 favelas until after they make sure that yoour credit card clears.

Next time you land in Rio and they hand you one of those promotional tourist maps, ask what those big green sploches on the map are. Like the old joke about the elephant's dick: "that ain't nothing'"