Though people say it is dangerous, unclean, and disorganized, here is why Rio is still worth visiting, and an explanation to the underlying problems with crime.
Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s most famous city. It was the country’s capital from 1763 to 1960, and attracts millions of tourists from all around the world until this day. With attractions like Cristo Redentor, the famous statue that overlooks the city; Pão de Açúcar, a pair of mountains you can visit in trams; and Ipanema, the beach that has inspired poets and artists that visit it, it also has one of the highest criminal rates in Brazil. That leads one to question: is it worth the visit?
Though it is a fact that Rio is extremely dangerous, the extent of it for tourists is more of a myth. Most of the criminal activity takes place in the North region of the city, while most tourist attractions and the most visited areas are in the South. Most importantly, the criminal activity occurs in the favelas, communities built precararly built without infrastructure, located in the outskirts of the city and, in this case, the North. The main motivator for the violence is drug trafficking, a problem that has existed in the region for many decades now. However, many people living in the region are not involved in the trafficking and still fall victim to the violence, especially when it is led by police operations. The government has turned a blind eye and neglected the issues, refusing to help the community; not only by promoting brutal police task forces, but by not investing in education, healthcare, or sanitation for the area. The situation only declines as the city gets poorer and poorer.
The area of Services and Commerce is responsible for almost 44% of Rio’s economy, the main activity within that being tourism. The criminal activity existent in the city causes a huge negative impact as it is exposed by the media, seeing as people do not feel compelled to visit where its own citizens are being killed left and right, as they are afraid of what might happen to them. Despite these reasonable concerns, without the tourists that the economy rides on, the city will collapse even further. Tourism is Rio’s only chance of economic prosperity, which would help the infrastructure of the city, finally helping people in the favelas, and consequently lowering the crime rates.
The idea of visiting a place with the promise of giving it money to make it better in the future is not the most appealing. But, I assure, that is not all Rio has to offer tourists. The rampant social inequality of Brazil makes it that though some areas are very poor and neglected, others are still extremely rich and developed. This is very clearly a bad thing, but in this situation, taking advantage of it might be the only way to solve it. The South region of Rio is filled with hotels, malls, nice restaurants, and even a working transit system. Ideal for tourists. Moreover, all hotels have trusted guides and transportation to the main tourist locations, and depending on the hotel there are many beaches within walking distance. It is definitely possible to visit Rio and stay sheltered from the crime and violence.
Moreover, it is noteworthy to say that the famous tourist attractions are everything they are said to be. The Cristo Redentor is majestical, from the ride there in the national park to the moment you get to the top. Its granditude leaves it on par with the Statue of Liberty, whether it be from close up, or from far away, you can always see it with its open arms welcoming you to the city. The Museu do Amanhã, or Tomorrow Museum in English, is a modern and interactive exposition that teaches about climate change and overall displays the reality of the future in digestible ways, that will be easily absorbed and that you cannot stop yourself from reflecting on. The beaches are unlike any other in the world: the happiness and togetherness of the people is unmatched, and just sitting in the sand enjoying churrasco, a Brazilian meat dish frequently sold at beaches, or going in the water is always such a joyful experience.
Despite everything that goes on, the people of Rio de Janeiro still manage to be full of life and always welcoming to outsiders, and the landmarks will never love their magic. It is hard to ignore all the tragedy and crime that goes on, but that should not stop you from visiting. Not only will you be supporting the local people and growing the economy, you are guaranteed to have a good time.
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