Christ the Redeemer Statue at sunset.
Nowadays it is easier to stay safe in Rio de Janeiro than the prospective traveler might imagine. However, at some point in the past there were a lot of news on how unsafe Rio was or could be for tourists, regardless the neighborhood they chose to stay.
In fact, Rio de Janeiro has seen some not-so-safe years in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Fortunately, the scenario has improoved a lot for local inhabitants as well as for visitors from Brazil and from abroad.
Grumari: one of the greatest beaches in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is much less dangerous nowadays, and easier to stay and feel safe. Several factors have contributed to the safer Rio you can visit today:
- Rio de Janeiro has now the highest average salary in the country, beating major cities such as São Paulo, which is the economic center in Brazil.
- Unemployment in Rio has decreased and reached the mark of 5% (which is considered “excellent” compared to past figures) — more employed people safer the city becomes.
- The government has invested heavily on pacifying dozens of favelas (slums) in Rio de Janeiro turning these areas (and the districts around them) much safer than what they used to be.
Sugar Loaf: record of visitors in the past years
There are many other factors that have been contributing to a safer Rio de Janeiro such as all the investment to prepare the city to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Bear in mind though that Rio de Janeiro has 6.3 million inhabitants. In a city of such a size it is hard to stay 100% safe, but you can get very close to that mark by following the basic safety rules described in My Rio Travel Guide.
In My Rio Travel Guide you find not only updated information on how to stay safe, but also itineraries, maps, best-located hotels, places to eat local food, activities, and things to see and do in a safe way.
Don’t hesitate. Get a copy of My Rio Travel Guide now, and start planning a great and safe vacation to Rio de Janeiro.
Click below to get your copy!
