Was in Rio for 4 days and we chanced upon Thiago's listing on airbnb. Initially, we were quite hesitant to stay in a favela, mainly for safety considerations but still went ahead so that we could experience the favela. Safety wasn't an issue, though fitness was (the climb to the favela was an exercise to all of us). Despite all that, we truly enjoyed our stay and Thiago's family was very hospitable.