Portuguese Sisters Among 200 Tourists Detained During Rio Police Raid: Safety Guide for Portugal Travelers

Two Portugal-based sisters found themselves detained for 2 hours atop Rio de Janeiro's Morro Dois Irmãos this week, alongside roughly 200 other tourists, when a police raid targeting fugitive Ednaldo Pereira Souza—known as "Dada"—resulted in gunfire. The incident raises questions about safety protocols surrounding a popular sunrise excursion that draws hundreds of international visitors daily.

What Happened on the Mountain

The Morro Dois Irmãos trail—a 1.5 km predawn hike rewarding climbers with panoramic views over Ipanema, Leblon, and the Atlantic—typically sees hundreds of visitors each morning. On April 21, the Oliveira sisters had booked guides before their trip, a common practice for accessing this trail that begins in the Vidigal favela.

"We had already watched the sunrise, and suddenly the guides told us to sit down. That's when we started hearing the shots," Matilda Oliveira told Brazilian outlet g1. "It's always frightening, but it was controlled as much as possible. I would do it again. I wouldn't stop recommending the trail, the community, or Brazil."

Her sister Rita described the group's initial panic giving way to cautious calm: "People got anxious when we learned about the operation. Then they relaxed. We managed to see the sunrise. I don't know how many tourists were there, but it was packed."

The descent was only authorized at 7:20 a.m. local time (11:20 a.m. in Lisbon), after police confirmed the immediate threat had passed. Tourists were escorted down under police guard. No injuries were reported among civilians.

The Target and Operation

Police conducted the operation targeting Dada, a 38-year-old fugitive wanted for trafficking, weapons possession, and homicide. Though authorities conducted the raid, Dada escaped. Two other suspects were arrested during the operation.

What Portugal Travelers Should Know

If you're planning a trip to Rio—or have family visiting—here's what you need to know: favela tours require informed decision-making.

Book through licensed, established operators with insurance and emergency protocols. Check local news on the morning of your visit; police operations can shut down entire neighborhoods with little notice.

Contact information for emergencies:

• Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency consular line: +351 217 929 714

• Rio Consulate General: +55 21 2543-4200

Register your travel plans through the ministry's online portal to expedite assistance in emergencies.

Understand the reality: Police operations in favelas are frequent and unpredictable. Tourists are rarely targeted directly, but they can be caught in operational lockdowns—as this incident demonstrates. Tours resumed the following morning with full bookings, reflecting the ongoing appeal of these experiences despite the risks.

The incident confirms that while favela tourism can be safe with proper precautions, the presence of police operations and criminal activity means risks exist that are beyond your control. Exercise due diligence, stay informed through licensed guides, and maintain awareness of your surroundings.