The family of five were touring the country when they decided to buy some water in Angra dos Reis, close to the popular tourist island of Ilha Grande, on Sunday evening.
However, it is thought a language misunderstanding meant they were directed to the favela where a group of people approached the car and told the family to get out before opening fire.
The woman’s husband was able to drive the car to a police checkpoint where the woman was taken to hospital for immediate surgery where she is now recovering.
