the corcovado lookout is situated west of ipanema and bordered by morro dois irmãos (two brothers hill) - corcovado mountain boasts a bird's eye view of the area and the natural wonders it encapsulates. ipanema and leblon beach can be seen, as the cariocas below appear no bigger than ants as they swim, sunbathe, play football, and generally enjoy themselves in rio's stunning weather.

there is also no better place to gaze at pedra da gávea. the monolith rises over 842 meters about sea level and like corcovado, is located in the tijuca rainforest. it is a beautiful sight as the rock is formed out of both granite and gneiss and due to erosion the form has taken on the rough outline of a human face.

the boats and expensive yachts of botofogo bay also make for interesting viewing from the mountain, and the understated splendor of the rio yacht club is a fine sight during the evening.