in contrast, the forests that line the high, steep slopes along pão de açúcar, along with the city's other granite formations, thrive in a harsher climate, where there is little soil, nutrients, or water, and only specialized vegetation thrives there.

what is most famous about the city and state of rio de janeiro are the monolithic geological monuments,  contained within the parque national da tijuca and the pedra branca state park, two of the largest urban forests in the world, are gorgeous mountains reaching 3300 feet, marking the highest points in the city.

enthusiastic hikers can climb to the 1021 meters summit of pico da tijuca, while others can simply enjoy a hike up the morro do corcovado, where the christ the redeemer monumentstands at 710 meters above sea level.