Morro do Leme
Rio is known for its beaches, bars, samba, and Christ the Redeemer.
But it is also a city full of natural wonders and forests, all within city limits.
One of the easiest and most convenient hikes in Rio is hiding in plain sight, just a short stroll from Copacabana Beach – Morro do Leme.
From Copacabana, you follow the beach boardwalk all the way to Leme, where you’ll see a guard outpost at the base of the hill.
This is the entrance to the Morro do Leme hike and Fort of Duque de Caxias, for the low bargain price of 4 Reais.
The trail to the fort is paved and very easy. It’s a bit steep in some places, but not difficult by any means, and as part of the military compound it is very safe.
the paved trail up Morro do Leme to the fort
lots of families coming back on a Sunday afternoon from Morro do Leme
To get up to the top of the trail, and reach the fort, it takes about 20 minutes. You might want to bring water with you, as it can get quite hot, but there are also refreshments sold at the top of the fort.
woohoo! Reached the top of the fort at Morro do Leme
You’ll want to leave yourself some time to explore, as there are a lot of interesting signposted military objects (I am a museum nerd and need to read everything)…
retired military gun
check out Pao de Acucar in the background
And the views of Rio de Janeiro from Morro do Leme are the best that I’ve experienced so far.
the fabulous view of Copacabana and Leme.. and Christ the Redeemer in the right corner
view of the valley (and Christ the Redeemer right above the flag)
the view of Pao de Acucar
If you go to Morro do Leme at the very end of the day, like I did, you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself, to enjoy and take in the views and fresh breeze.
completely deserted
And make friends with the little monkeys.
I love the monkeys in Rio.. to see more click here
What is your favorite hike in Rio de Janeiro? Have you tried Morro do Leme?
To check out information on other hikes in Rio, click here
For more information on Rio de Janeiro in general, click here
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
Looks like a great hike! Janice’s brother and wife lived in Rio recently for 3 months (for work) and really got to know the city and all its leisure offerings. We visit Rio many years ago, but only for a short time so we only took in the usual tourist sites. If we were to visit today, we’d definitely put this hike on our to-do list :-).
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Hi! Rio does have so many great hikes! If you come back you should check them out, so beautiful and easy to get to… A real oasis in the city 🙂
Gorgeous! I hiked Morro da Urca last time I was in Rio but didn’t get to Leme. Next time, I hope!
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Definitely bring your camera (these photos were just shot from an old phone) – the views are so stunning!!
Let me know next time you come to Rio it’d be fun to meet up!
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Oh wait – are you back in the US now?