the stone-laden path to the top is flanked on both sides by moss covered trees and rocks and dripping tropical trees. along the way, visitors might come across exotic mushroom species, weird creepy-crawlers like flatworms and some of the bromeliads that are endemic to the area.

the trail also winds past old stone ruins and waterfalls as it ascends to the summit - once at the top hikers and climbers can continue on to pedra da gávea to the northeast, but will need rock-climbing gear and rappel lines.