it earned its name, and its reputation, as a resting and picnic stop for nobles and bourgeois during the nineteenth century, when dom pedro ii was a frequent visitor.

one of the main reasons that this location was chosen as a picnic spot is the fabulous view that visitors are granted at its peak. this view enables visitors to see some of the most beautiful landmarks of the city, including lagoa rodrigo de freitas, the corcovado mountain, and the sugar loaf mountain.

to compliment the view, the immediate surroundings of the mesa do imperador are equally as stunning, with lush vegetation that is busting with life. not just colorful flora, but as well, exotic species of animal life from the forest are often found here, including toucans.