Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro


Vidigal is a neighborhood and also a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Geography

Vidigal overlooks Ipanema Beach and Ilhas Cagarras. It is located in the South Zone of Rio, between Leblon and São Conrado neighborhoods.
In November 2011, Vidigal and its neighboring community, Rocinha, were pacified by the Pacifying Police Unit. This so-called pacification has shown to be more cosmetic than real and criminals from the ADA gang that have kept the real power unabated by police, continued to sell drugs and extort the inhabitants through the sale of overpriced gas cylinders for example.
In September 2017, a so-called coup d'état took place in Rocinha which saw its criminal control shift from ADA to CV. As of December 2017, Vidigal is a completely transformed favela, for the worse, where it is not uncommon to hear daily heavy arms fire and even see criminals carrying machine-guns on the main street Av. Presidente João Goulart at all times of day.

Morro Dois Irmãos

The Vidigal favela is located at the base of "Morro Dois Irmãos". Morro Dois Irmãos has served as inspiration for a song by Chico Buarque.
Morro Dois Irmãos is also the location of a very frequented and sought-after Two Brothers hike. Anyone wanting to complete this hike would travel to Vidigal. At the base, near the plaza, visitors may choose to ride to the Vila Olímpica soccer field by Kombi van or on the moto-taxis. There are two viewpoints in this hike before reaching the final destination of the peak. From the first, you will be able to see Rocinha, which is the largest favela in Latin America, and a clear view of Pedra da Gávea. From the second, you are able to see Serra da Carioca, Gávea, Corcovado, and Pedra Bonita. Once reaching the highest peak of the Morro Dois Irmãos you are able to see all of South Zone ranging from Botafogo to Leblon, including a beautiful view of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

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