pedra do elefante, at 412 meters, is the highest point in niterói. its name means 'elephant rock,' and it is also variably called alto morão and 'false sugarloaf.' it lies just west of itapuaçu beach in serra da tiririca state park, a short distance from rio de janeiro.

because of this proximity and the great size of pedra do elefante, it is possible to see guanabara bay, sugar loaf, corcovado and pedra da gávea from its peak.

perhaps the most breathtaking sights are the mountains in tiririca and the massive expanse of itapuaçu. more specifically, this rock marks the dividing point between itapuaçu and itacoatiara.