Thousands of Olympics tourists will stay in these hostels that were built in the middle of Rio's slums — take a look inside

Pilar Olivares

Plans for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are still underway, despite political upheaval and growing concern over the spreading Zika virus.

With more tourists than hotel rooms available, visitors are looking for alternative housing options. The hostels and private homes in Rio's favelas — shanty towns within the confines of the city — might hold the answer to a more authentic Brazilian experience.

Ahead, take a look at the various hostels and private homes that are opening their doors for visitors during the Olympic games.  

According to Reuters, Rio is expecting upwards of 500,000 tourists during the Olympics. That's much more than the International Olympic Committee-required 40,000 hotel rooms.

Hostels located in neighborhood slums known as favelas — which were once considered too dangerous to visit — are opening their doors to tourists looking for affordable lodging.

Most of these lodges are located in "pacified" favelas, neighborhoods that have been regulated by the Pacifying Police Unit. This unit was specifically created to drive out gangs and crime in 2008.