This nice place in the middle of the favela de morro da Babilonia has got a splendid view over the beach of Copacabana. (best views in Rio are from the favelas on the hillside) When you go there by taxi the first time it might be that the cabdriver doesn't dare to drive up there. But no worries, down the road Ladeira in Leme there are moto taxis who bring you up to the top for 3 R$. You tell them you need to be at casa da Thiago and the'll drop you in front of the house.
As safe as this favela feels, the welcoming of mama Vera (Thiago's mother) is great. Although she only speaks Portugese, it feels almost like coming home. She and her husband Luis will help you with any question you got. Each morning a nice breakfast up to noon on their lovely terrace with cool breeze, a nice haven out of the heat of the city centre. The people in the favela will be very friendly and helpfull when they know you're staying in Thiago's house, you giving them the impression to be open towards blending in in there small society. We went to have a drink in the local bar and my boyfriend even got a haircut and a shave. Right away you feel the locals their appreciation. All together this was a great experience, great value, I can recommend to anyone who wants to open up his horizons, even literally...