Local artisans, laughing children, and armed police tuck into Rocinha’s tiny alleyways. Between this colorful favela’s cramped, makeshift spaces, life flourishes despite dense urbanity and impoverished populations. Rocinha’s shortcomings are not celebrated, but it’s important to understand the neighborhood as a community that salvages its soul in spite of its obstacles.
See places to stay Save this neighborhood
The community says:
Crowded Spaces and Colorful Hillsides
Rocinha extends far into the valleys and up along the hillsides of Rio. As the city's largest favela, over eighty thousand resident crowd into its cramped, colorful spaces.
Although the neighborhood lacks infrastructure and organization, Rocinha's residents make due with their surroundings.
Rocinha's perch along the hills offers a perspective of Rio many visitors never get to see.
From Crowded to Communal
Until very recently, criminals took advantage of Rocinha's relative exclusion from the city's core concerns. Without the presence of police, drug-related crime and violent activity plagued Rocinha.
In 2011, Rio's government took action.
Although the favela's residents always supported each other, Rocinha is actively cultivating a palpable sense of community.
Championing for increased organization, Rocinha is rallying to be considered a "comunidade" instead of a favela.
Rocinha should be considered a community.
Like those living in Copacabana or Cosme Velho, Rocinha's inhabitants are proud to be a part of Rio, too.
Rocinha By Night
Rio's largest favela is also its most developed.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighborhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Andre Joaquim
Andre is both a dentist and photographer, living in Rio de Janeiro. He has a huge passion for Rio, and after shooting this project for Airbnb, he is certain that there is no place as beautiful as the city placed between the mountain and the sea.
Fabio Blaser
Fabio Blaser is a Swiss photojournalist based in Rio de Janeiro. Before moving to Brazil, he graduated from the University of Plymouth in the UK. When not behind his camera, he enjoys the beaches, waterfalls, rainforest and Brazilian way of life. He loved the opportunity to shoot the wonderful tropical city that he is privileged to call home for Airbnb.
Sam Comen
Sam Comen is a 32-year-old bon-vivant and LA native who counts Esquire, Details, Rolling Stone, and The Wall Street Journal among his clients. He has been awarded national grants and honors for his long-term portrait essays. On assignment in Rio de Janeiro for 11 days with Airbnb, Sam came to love and admire the city's environment, natural splendor, and the Cariocas' easy-going attitude.