Tourist housing in Brazil

Tryna find a place to stay during the World Cup in Brazil this summer? You'd better prepare your pocketbook, because a hotel room will cost you. Even though the government has attempted to limit price increases for the event, hoteliers are taking advantage of the influx of tourists - over 3 million domestic and 600,000 foreign visitors are expected - and charging over double the normal rates. The average hotel price in the trendy Copacabana district, for example, will run $650 per night!

View from Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's largest favela. Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/30/article-2531129-1A588B1C00000578-895_634x418.jpg

But there is another way out! In addition to the tourist-friendly central areas of cities like Rio de Janeiro, there are places a bit off the beaten path where tourists can find a place to stay. Favelas are communities home to Brazil's poorest city dwellers. In Rio, they are located up in the surrounding hills and boast stunning views of the city, as well high rates of violent crime and trafficking. Many favela residents are embracing an entrepreneurial spirit and offering up rooms in their homes for tourists who cannot find or afford accommodation elsewhere. These areas are riskier, but at one third the price of more established hotels, many World Cup attendees are choosing to book in favelas like Rocinha, Brazil's largest.

The influx of tourists is likely to bring a much-needed boost to the local economies in the favelas. The big question is whether it will also bring an increase in crime. Hopefully with proper preparation and advice, like not to wander the streets alone at night and to carry all belongings on one's person, visitors will find their stays in Rio's favelas safe, fun, and affordable!

Sources:
http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/58151_expect_extortionate_hotel_prices_at_the_world_cup_in_brazil.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2531129/Desperate-World-Cup-fans-booking-accommodation-Brazils-dangerous-favelas.html

- Morgan