Events Economy Country 2026-02-07T16:33:37+00:00

Viral Video in Rio Favela Costs Tourists $60,000 Pesos

Tourists in Brazil's Rocinha favela can pay 200 reais to star in a cinematic video. This trend, linked to the film 'City of God,' has sparked a debate on the romanticization of poverty.


Viral Video in Rio Favela Costs Tourists $60,000 Pesos

In Rio de Janeiro, within the favelas of Rocinha, a new tourist attraction has emerged: a cinematic terrace. Thousands of visitors line up to star in a viral video. According to the Argentine News Agency, this experience has become a global trend. It consists of a precisely choreographed scene filmed in high-definition drones, revealing the striking contrast between the settlement and the sea. This attraction is a direct reference to the film "City of God," a cornerstone of Brazilian cinema. Although the movie was not filmed in Rocinha, its aesthetic allows visitors to feel part of that narrative. The cost of the viral video is around 200 Brazilian reais, which is equivalent to 55,000 to 60,000 Argentine pesos. The fee covers the audiovisual production and "safe access" to the location. To enter the favela, tourists must go with local residents to guarantee their safety. The video has a nearly theatrical script. The classic shot shows the protagonist, often wearing a Boca Juniors or Argentina national team shirt, walking to the edge, arms outstretched, as the drone performs a "zoom out." This maneuver reveals the vastness of the favela's constructions, the luxury coastal buildings, and the iconic morros in the background. Despite its commercial success and viral fame, the attraction has sparked a debate about the romanticization of poverty.