I Visited The World’s Largest Open Air Crack Market

In São Paulo, Brazil - there is a place called Cracolandia which is known as one of the world’s most infamous open-air drug markets, where thousands of people gather daily to consume and trade illegal substances. This area is notorious for its harsh living conditions and the social challenges it presents. Despite multiple government efforts to clear the area, Cracolândia continues to linger due to its deep-rooted issues like poverty, addiction, and the lack of long-term rehabilitation solutions. The scale of this crisis has made it a symbol of the complex relationship between drug abuse, homelessness, and public health in Brazil.

Walking through Cracolândia feels like stepping into a different world — like I'm living among the Walking Dead. All I experienced was a chaotic zone, about the size of a football field, filled with addicts, dealers, and makeshift shelters. For visitors and locals alike, Cracolândia is both a shocking reality and a wild reminder of the social inequalities that continue to plague major urban centers. And despite its reputation, it also serves as a critical case study for understanding the larger global issue of urban drug epidemics.

I'd love to get your thoughts on Cracolândia in the comments down below. Thanks for watching.