the trailhead is at the base of the corcovado mountain in parque lage, which is located on rua jardim botânico next to the botanical gardens and lagoa rodrigo de freitas. visitors can stop by the art exhibition in the park before beginning the ascent. 

the experience of reaching the summit in this manner is a reward in and of itself -it is only by taking this route that one will encounter the various streams and waterfalls that dot the hillside, not to mention an up-close view of the vegetation and wildlife that live here under the protection of the park.