morro do leme ('rudder hill') is situated at the northeast end of copacabana beach, serviced directly by avenida atlântica. an easy 30 minute walk along the cobblestone road brings visitors to fort duque de caixas, an old military fortress on top of the hill. motorized transport is available for those who so desire.

from the top one can see across the coastline of rio de janeiro, including sugarloaf mountain, the entrance to guanabara bay, all of copacabana, corcovado and pedra da gávea in the distance.

the area on the hill surrounding the fort is a wildlife refuge that is a result of a reforestation program inaugurated by the brazilian government in the late 1980s. the road to the peak is lined with rare plants and trees in addition to being dotted with scenic lookouts. enthusiasts come from all over to see the reserve's endangered birds and butterflies.