About FAVELA ADVENTURES Programs
FAVELA ADVENTURES was created in April 2009 by Dj Zezinho. Zezinho saw that the favela had many people in the community who were very talented who needed to show the world their talents. The idea came to light after posting an ad in a Jiu Jitsu forum 2 years ago. For the past 4 months, Zezinho has received many emails requesting information about where people can train Jiu Jitsu and do other activities in Rio de Janeiro.
After referring people to schools in Rio, Zezinho thought, why can’t these same people train in Rocinha. Just because it is a favela, does not give the jiu jitsu less value. Currently, there are 2 Jiu Jitsu schools in Rocinha with dedicated students. These schools are very open to receiving visitors as the cross cultural exchange will aid in breaking down barriers of discrimination and promote dialogue of understanding. Some of the best athletes are from favela communities!
Zezinho was later approached by other instructors in the community to help set up exchanges with their groups. Rocinha has so many different cultural activities available for you to explore!
Your experience will include staying in the favela, the unlimited practice of your chosen activity, a complete tour of the neighborhood, a gym membership, and learning more about the culture inside Rocinha. There are also numerous free activities to participate in as well.
Although your experience would be enhanced by the ability to speak Portuguese, it is not a requirement to take part in these programs. The organizers are prepared to give you a full tour of the neighborhood and show you important points of interest.
Because Rocinha receives over 200 tourists a day through various tour companies, Rocinha like any neighborhood is safe for visitors. After being associated with different non profits in the favela, we have never experienced any problems with visitors or residents.
For more information please contact us at: info@favelatour.org.