Brazilian slum turns chic
Rio de Janeiro's Vidigal slum is attracting attention: A great view of the Atlantic and a lively art scene have made it a cool location for yuppies and even foreigners. But they're driving up prices for the locals, too.
Favela with flair
A famous acting school, fantastic view and street art on the walls: Once a violent no-go zone, Rio's Vidigal slum has become a place to enjoy art and nature.
The southern slums
Vidigal is situated on a steep hill in Rio's affluent south, directly above famous Ipanema Beach and the wealthy Leblon district. In the evening, lights from the surrounding homes twinkle romantically in the night sky.
Great view, steep prices
In the 1960s, many poor Brazilians moved to the hilly neighborhood because there were many jobs in nearby Leblon. But rising real estate prices and rents began making the area less affordable for the people who had moved there first.
Protests against gentrification
Even today, residents of Vidigal are still proud of the victory they achieved in the 1970s, when they successfully stood their ground against plans to build luxury apartments on their hill. At the time, they received a lot of support from artists and musicians, like Bossa Nova king Sérgio Ricardo.
All of Rio at your feet
Today, Vidigal is a much less violent slum and more of a must-see destination for many tourists. Here, they can enjoy a sweeping vista of the city and take a picture at the outlook, 'Arvrão do Vidigal.' During the day, you can see all the way to the Copacabana, where party guests gather when the sun goes down.
Vacation in Vidigal
Many tourists spontaneously decide to stay longer. Several hostels offer rooms to travelers from near and far at affordable prices - breathtaking view included.
Five-star favela
A lot of construction is going on in Vidigal. Even plans to build 5-star hotels and other luxury accommodations in the slum have been in the news in recent years. The Hotel Mirante do Arvrão is the latest of these projects. A deluxe room costs 130 euros ($175) a night.
How safe is it?
Some people say it is safer in the slums than on the Copacabana. In any case, muggings have become less frequent in Vidigal. And ever since the special UPP peace police began occupying Rio's slums, many of the drug gangs have been pushed out. The UPP has been deployed in Vidigal since January, 2012.
Space at a premium
The new hotel projects and influx of real estate buyers are driving many of the old-timers out of their homes. Once again, the community is facing a challenge to defend itself against eviction.