Hundreds of demonstrators from two of Rio de Janeiro's most well-known favela slum neighbourhoods took to the streets on Tuesday (June 25) night to demand better social services including investments in education and health care.

The peaceful demonstration brought together residents from Rio's largest favela, Rocinha, and neighbouring Vidigal which overlooks some of the city's richest neighbourhoods including Leblon and the famed beaches of Ipanema.

The protest was the latest in a string of demonstrations that have swept the South American country this month, after blossoming thanks to social media and strong university student participation that has brought together Brazilians angry about corruption, poor public services and billions of dollars being spent to host football's World Cup next year.

Rocinha, Rio's largest "favela," was occupied by police and security forces in a massive mobilisation in November of 2011.

Vidigal was also later pacified and has since become a tourist attraction, hosting parties for foreigners and middle class residents. It is also home to a growing number of hostels.

The pacification of the notorious hillside neighbourhoods which overlook some of Rio's swankiest areas was considered a crucial part of the city's preparations to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics two years later.

Rocinha alone is home to about 100,000 people and was once believed to be the main drug distribution point in Brazil's second-largest city.

Some demonstrations have ended in violence and looting in Rio and other cities as activists clashed with police armed with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Presented by Adam Justice