the north and east sides of macaco fall within the boundaries of fortaleza de santa cruzand are thus restricted to official use - the is no access for civilians without special permits.

the area in front of morro do macaco was first used as a military outpost by the french in the mid-fifteenth century, until they were expelled by the portuguese in 1567. the fortalezawas then expanded and formed part of the most important point of defense for the entire bay, along with forte do rio branco, forte do imbuhy, forte de são luiz, and the forte do pico.