{"id":16270,"date":"2026-07-18T13:50:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T13:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-the-truth-from-someone-who-lives-there\/"},"modified":"2026-10-06T13:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T13:37:22","slug":"is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? The Truth from Someone Who Lives There"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:417;227-643\">Rio de Janeiro is dangerous, maybe. Or maybe it depends?<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:417;227-643\">\u201cAren\u2019t you afraid to live there? Isn\u2019t Rio de Janeiro dangerous?\u201d It\u2019s the question I\u2019ve been asked most often since I moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2018. And I get it: between the news, movies, and stories from friends of friends, Rio\u2019s reputation as a dangerous city often comes before its turquoise waters and lush green mountains.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:417;227-643\">If you need advice about Rio de Janeiro or Ilha Grande, you can contact me through<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextstopilhagrande.com\/en\"> my travel agency\u2019s website,<\/a> created specifically to assist travelers planning a trip to Brazil.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:417;227-643\">\u00a0<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16272\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37.png\" alt=\"Rio de Janeiro &amp; Rio agency\" width=\"2904\" height=\"1217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37.png 2904w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-1024x429.png 1024w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-768x322.png 768w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-1536x644.png 1536w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-2048x858.png 2048w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-15.26.37-1200x503.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2904px) 100vw, 2904px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">In questo articolo<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6acd99ffda599\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6acd99ffda599\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_dangerous_Why_does_it_have_this_reputation\" title=\"Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous? Why does it have this reputation?\">Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous? Why does it have this reputation?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#What_Does_This_Mean_in_Practice\" title=\"What Does This Mean in Practice?\">What Does This Mean in Practice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#Areas_Where_Tourists_Can_Feel_Comfortable\" title=\"Areas Where Tourists Can Feel Comfortable\">Areas Where Tourists Can Feel Comfortable<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#Areas_to_Avoid_or_Visit_Only_With_a_Local_Guide\" title=\"Areas to Avoid or Visit Only With a Local Guide\">Areas to Avoid or Visit Only With a Local Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#The_practical_tips_I_always_give_my_readers_and_my_agencys_clients\" title=\"The practical tips I always give my readers and my agency\u2019s clients\">The practical tips I always give my readers and my agency\u2019s clients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_Dangerous_How_Has_the_City_Changed_Since_I_Arrived\" title=\"Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? How Has the City Changed Since I Arrived\">Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? How Has the City Changed Since I Arrived<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#My_personal_experience\" title=\"My personal experience\">My personal experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#The_Safest_Way_to_Truly_Discover_Rio_and_Its_Favelas\" title=\"The Safest Way to Truly Discover Rio (and Its Favelas)\">The Safest Way to Truly Discover Rio (and Its Favelas)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#Conclusion_Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_dangerous\" title=\"Conclusion: Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous?\">Conclusion: Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:36;645-680\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_dangerous_Why_does_it_have_this_reputation\"><\/span>Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous? Why does it have this reputation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"11:1-11:553;682-1234\">Rio de Janeiro has been dealing for decades with high crime rates, mainly linked to drug trafficking in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/what-are-favelas-i-tell-you-about-the-other-side-of-rio-de-janeiro\/\">the favelas<\/a><\/strong>, as well as petty crime (pickpocketing and snatch theft) in crowded tourist areas. These are real issues that local authorities deal with every day, and it would be dishonest to deny them.<br \/>\nBut there is a huge difference between saying \u201cRio has dangerous areas\u201d and saying \u201cRio de Janeiro is dangerous and you can\u2019t step outside your hotel without putting yourself at risk.\u201d The latter is what you often hear abroad, often amplified by people who have never even been there.<br \/>\nBut trust me when I say that this is not the reality, because you can visit Rio safely.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"11:1-11:553;682-1234\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16168\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44.png\" alt=\"rio safely&lt;br\/&gt;\" width=\"1774\" height=\"887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44.png 1774w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_35_44-1200x600.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1774px) 100vw, 1774px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"13:1-13:41;1236-1276\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_This_Mean_in_Practice\"><\/span>What Does This Mean in Practice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"15:1-15:367;1278-1644\">Living in Rio firsthand, the everyday reality feels very different from what you might expect if you only watched the news. Rio is a huge city (with more than 6 million inhabitants), and just like in any major metropolis\u2014think S\u00e3o Paulo, Mexico City, or even certain areas of Milan or Naples\u2014safety depends a lot on where you are, what time it is, and how you behave.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"17:1-17:50;1646-1695\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Areas_Where_Tourists_Can_Feel_Comfortable\"><\/span>Areas Where Tourists Can Feel Comfortable<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"19:1-19:137;1697-1833\">Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo): this is Rio\u2019s main tourist area. It is generally well-patrolled, busy, and full of life throughout the day.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"20:1-20:111;1834-1944\">Santa Teresa: a charming, bohemian neighborhood that is generally fine during the day, but where you should be more cautious at night.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"21:1-21:67;1945-2011\">Barra da Tijuca: a modern residential area that is generally very quiet. It is home to many of Rio\u2019s wealthier cariocas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"23:1-23:56;2013-2068\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Areas_to_Avoid_or_Visit_Only_With_a_Local_Guide\"><\/span>Areas to Avoid or Visit Only With a Local Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_16159\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16159\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16159\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous? Santa Marta favela\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00003-1200x900.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16159\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">favela santa marta<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"25:1-26:83;2070-2320\">\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"25:1-25:168;2070-2237\">Favelas (including \u201ctouristy\u201d ones such as Rocinha, Vidigal, and Santa Marta) should never be visited on your own. If you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/what-are-favelas-i-tell-you-about-the-other-side-of-rio-de-janeiro\/\u201c\">visit a favela<\/a>, always go with a local guide or an organized tour led by someone who genuinely knows the area and its dynamics. I can help you organize your favela experience, just <a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/+5521970437346\">send me a message here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"26:1-26:83;2238-2320\">Some areas of the city center are also best avoided, especially at night and on weekends, when the streets can become deserted and there may be a higher presence of people struggling with drug addiction and drug dealers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"28:1-28:59;2322-2380\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_practical_tips_I_always_give_my_readers_and_my_agencys_clients\"><\/span>The practical tips I always give my readers and my agency\u2019s clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"30:1-30:124;2382-2505\"><strong>Don\u2019t flaunt your valuables:<\/strong> avoid wearing flashy watches, gold necklaces, or carrying designer backpacks while walking around, especially on the beach.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"31:1-31:84;2506-2589\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/br\/pt-br\/\">Use Uber<\/a> or 99 (the local ride-hailing app) instead of street taxis, especially at night. Ubers are very affordable in Rio, so I always recommend using them to get around and avoid unnecessary problems.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"32:1-32:171;2590-2760\"><strong>At the beach, never leave your bag, phone, or documents unattended<\/strong> while you go swimming. Have someone watch your belongings, or leave valuables safely at your hotel.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"33:1-33:111;2761-2871\"><strong>At night, stick to well-lit,<\/strong> busy areas and avoid isolated streets, even in \u201csafe\u201d neighborhoods. This is exactly where thieves are more likely to operate. (Paradoxically, you might actually feel safer in a favela in Zona Sul than in some tourist areas!)<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"34:1-34:147;2872-3018\"><strong>Favelas should only be visited with experienced local guides<\/strong>, never independently. They are living communities, not tourist attractions to explore at random.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"35:1-35:107;3019-3125\"><strong>Always keep a digital copy of your documents<\/strong> and, whenever possible, leave the originals safely at your hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"37:1-37:47;3127-3173\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_Dangerous_How_Has_the_City_Changed_Since_I_Arrived\"><\/span>Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? How Has the City Changed Since I Arrived<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16162\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25.png\" alt=\"Rio de Janeiro 2026\" width=\"1774\" height=\"887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25.png 1774w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_30_25-1200x600.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1774px) 100vw, 1774px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"39:1-39:1107;3175-4281\">When I first arrived in 2018, Rio was nowhere near the \u201ctrendy\u201d destination it is today: very few Italian travelers had it on their radar, and those who did were almost always discouraged by friends and family. Today, the situation is completely different, and I\u2019m not saying this based solely on my personal experience: the data confirms it. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/embratur.com.br\/\">Embratur<\/a>, Brazil\u2019s tourism board, 2025 was a record-breaking year for international tourism in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with more than 2.19 million foreign visitors\u2014the highest number ever recorded.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"39:1-39:1107;3175-4281\">And 2026 is doing even better: in the first few months of the year, growth compared with 2025 was around 17\u201318%, with the state government aiming to welcome more than 2.5 million international tourists by the end of the year. In the first half of 2026 alone, the city welcomed more than 6 million visitors, both domestic and international. In other words, Rio has gone from being a \u201cbold\u201d destination to one of the most sought-after and fastest-growing destinations in South America, and this also means greater perceived safety, more investment, and a more developed tourism infrastructure than a few years ago.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"41:1-41:31;4283-4313\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_personal_experience\"><\/span>My personal experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_8151\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8151\" class=\"wp-image-8151 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/DSC_0587-scaled-e1588405179104.jpg\" alt=\"Vista Chinesa: What to do in Rio\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8151\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vista Chinesa March 2018<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"43:1-43:457;4315-4771\">I first arrived in Rio on January 3, 2018. I had come through a Workaway program to spend three months working at a hostel in Botafogo, one of the neighborhoods in Zona Sul.<br \/>\nI remember those first few days very clearly: I was terrified of going out alone. I constantly looked over my shoulder and avoided streets that I now walk through without a second thought. It was the classic fear of someone arriving with their head full of all the stories they had heard before starting my brazilian trip.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"45:1-45:829;4773-5601\">Then, little by little, that fear turned into love. I fell in love with the city, i<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getlostmagazine.com\/story\/after-dark-rio\/\">ts nightlife that never seems to stop,<\/a> the unique vibe you feel in the streets, on the beach, and at outdoor bars in the evening.<br \/>\nI learned to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-gb\/rio-de-janeiro-l9\/\">experience Rio<\/a> for what it really is, rather than for what people say about it from the outside. And today\u2014years later, with a city that has become even more popular and frequented by tourists\u2014I move every day between Zona Sul, the beaches, and the Costa Verde<a href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/rio-de-janeiro-and-ilha-grande-itinerary-discover-the-route-i-recommend-to-my-clients-and-plan-your-perfect-tailor-made-trip\/\"> towards Ilha Grande<\/a> with the same energy that made me fall in love with this place in the first place.<br \/>\nI take the same precautions I would in any major city in the world (perhaps a few extra), but most of the \u201cdisasters\u201d I\u2019m told about by people who have never even been here simply don\u2019t match the reality I\u2019ve experienced every day for the past eight years.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"47:1-47:62;5603-5664\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Safest_Way_to_Truly_Discover_Rio_and_Its_Favelas\"><\/span>The Safest Way to Truly Discover Rio (and Its Favelas)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_16156\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16156\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16156\" src=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous?\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image00013-1200x900.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16156\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rocinha View<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"49:1-49:503;5666-6168\">If your biggest concern is the favelas, which are often also at the heart of Rio\u2019s cultural and musical scene, the answer isn\u2019t to avoid them, but to visit them the right way: with a local guide who knows the people, the streets, and the right times to go. That\u2019s exactly what we organize with our <a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/nextstopilhagrande.com\/en\/product\/tour-nella-favela-rocinha-lanima-autentica-di-rio\/\">Rocinha Favela Tour<\/a>: an authentic experience, in a safe environment, with someone who truly knows and lives in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"51:1-51:247;6170-6416\">And if you want to see the best of Rio without worrying about the logistics, our <a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/nextstopilhagrande.com\/en\/product\/tour-rio-in-1-giorno-tutto-il-meglio-in-poche-ore\/\">Rio de Janeiro in 1 Day Tour <\/a>takes you to the city\u2019s highlights with complete peace of mind.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"45:1-45:829;4773-5601\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Is_Rio_de_Janeiro_dangerous\"><\/span>Conclusion: Is Rio de Janeiro dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"55:1-55:535;6437-6971\">Rio de Janeiro isn\u2019t a \u201cdangerous\u201d city in the way it is often portrayed. It\u2019s a major metropolis, with its bright side and its challenges, and it should be experienced with the same basic precautions\u2014no more and no less\u2014that you would take in any other major city in the world.<br \/>\nThe stories that make the most noise are almost always the exceptions, not the rule. With a few sensible precautions and, in more sensitive areas, the help of someone who genuinely knows the place, Rio reveals itself for what it really is: one of the most vibrant, beautiful, and surprising cities you can visit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\" data-sourcepos=\"57:1-57:442;6973-7414\">If, after reading this article, you feel more reassured but still have questions about planning your trip: where to stay, how to get around, which areas to choose, or how to combine Rio with a longer itinerary towards Ilha Grande\u2014<a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/i-draw-your-journey\/\">I can personally help you create a tailor-made trip,<\/a> with the peace of mind that comes from having someone who knows and lives in this city every day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rio de Janeiro is dangerous, maybe. Or maybe it depends? \u201cAren\u2019t you afraid to live there? Isn\u2019t Rio de Janeiro dangerous?\u201d It\u2019s the question I\u2019ve been asked most often since I moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2018. And I get it: between the news, movies, and stories from friends of friends, Rio\u2019s reputation as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16166,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1024,1020],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? 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Let me tell you what it\u2019s really like from someone who lives there from a very long time.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"La World Citizen\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lucia.schettino.31\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lucia.schettino.31\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-18T13:50:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-06T13:37:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-18-jul-2026-15_43_54-1024x683.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lucia\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lucia\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/is-rio-de-janeiro-dangerous-i-tell-you-the-truth\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lucia\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/laworldcitizen.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/763ebebdd11a26a976b5012c9476ec05\"},\"headline\":\"Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? 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