the trail up the mountain is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to colonial times, and starting from the forested gardens of parque lage. located in rio's historical urca neighborhood, morro cara de cãois the perfect excursion for history buffs visiting the city.

the oldest site in the modern city, it was here, on the edge of the guanabara bay, that estácio de sá, founded the city of rio de janeiro, in 1565. the hill was of great military significance, and still holds a number of military relics, such as the fortaleza de são joão, built in 1578, at the base and on the peak of the hill.