Backpacker ignores travel advice to go into Brazilian favela – and is shocked by what's inside

A lone British traveller, who disregarded advice against visiting the favela districts of Rio de Janeiro, has claimed that those issuing the warnings "clearly haven't been there themselves".

Kallen (@kallen_travels), a seasoned tourist currently backpacking in , decided to explore Rio - one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere - for himself. The content creator ventured into one of the city's 1,000 shantytowns, home to approximately 1.5 million of Brazil's 215 million population.

In a video that has racked up an impressive 7.7 million views in just five days, Kallen is seen walking through a rain-soaked building to a concrete enclosure featuring a 'street football' pitch.

"Amazing friendly people and a great cultural experience," he captioned the clip. Kallen then moved on to an AstroTurf football pitch, adorned with murals of Pele, panning around the deserted area.

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One fellow Brit commented on the safety aspect, saying: "Depends on part, I went multiple times," adding: "Never seemed like it was entirely safe but was robbed in the middle of the street on my third visit in daylight, go with a local if you're going to."

Another shared: "I knew a foreign exchange student from favelas, he said it's so bad if you're not a local he doesn't even walk with his phone in his pocket, it's in his waistband because pick-pocketing is so bad."

A second video takes viewers to what he calls the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro. Climbing the hills with his camera at the ready, Kallen captures the "amazing" homes of the upper class sprawling beneath as he treks through the sweltering heat to a densely populated area.

This time, the favela buzzes with activity as he zooms in on graffiti-laden concrete houses, linked by a tangle of electrical wires. "Obviously it's super poor, but the culture in that place is amazing. It was really open to tourists, there were loads of tour guides," he comments.

Kallen also suggests an adventurous approach: "Try and explore in between all the little alley ways, that's a good way to go."

However, Kallen's videos have drawn criticism from a Brazilian, who vehemently expressed frustration by writing: "As a Brazilian this 'visiting favelas' type of video drives me INSANE. You have no idea what truly happens there. Shootings, extreme poverty, drugs. Does that sound nice to you?"

The government's foreign for Rio de Janeiro also underscores the dangers. It reads: "Avoid all favelas. There are favelas located around the city, including close to the tourist area of Zona Sul and Maré."

The advisory highlights that violent incidents can occur even in areas frequented by tourists, stating: "There have been armed clashes on major roads, including the main highway to the international airport, which runs alongside a large favela. Tourists participating in favela tours have accidentally been shot dead during police operations."

The warning concludes: "There is a risk of violence spilling over into nearby areas, including popular tourist spots. Stray bullets in and near favelas have resulted in injuries and deaths." The website also cautions visitors about potential protests, organised crime and militias, theft, and the quality of tap water."

We'd recommend following the government's travel advice when heading abroad. You should always do your research and consider potential risks when planning a trip.