As a single female traveling alone, I was initially a little apprehensive about staying in a favela. However, I would not have traded this for any other experience. I spent a fantastic week at the Ruffino house in Babilonia, and I will definitely stop by next time I am in Rio! The family is wonderful, attentive, and responsive, and the view is amazing (you can see the sunrise from one side of the balcony and the sunset from the other). The environment was also perfect for meeting other people from all over the world. I now have friends from Germany, UK, Denmark, Los Angeles, and RIO DE JANEIRO! :-)

I felt very welcome and safe in the Babilonia community as everyone was very warm and friendly. The walk to and from the Ruffino house is a great start and end to the day, if you want to get some exercise in. If not, just take a quick moto taxi ride up or down (those are fun). It's a short walk to the Copacabana Beach or the Cardial Arcoverde metro; make sure to stop by any of the numerous "suco" bars on the way for some freshly squeezed tropical juice.

Obrigada por tudo, familia Ruffino! Beijos, e vai com Deus!