the parque estudal da pedra branca  (white rock state park) in the neighbrhood of  jacarepaguá constitutes the largest urban forest in the world. the highest point of the park is the peak of the white granite rock known as pico da pedra branca, which rises to over a thousand meters in altitude.

the mountainous terrain and the many creeks and rivers that flow throughout create the perfect conditions for some of the most stunning cachoeiras (waterfalls) in metropolitan rio de janeiro.

the water of rio dos ciganos (river of the gypsies) has formed many impressive waterfalls over the years including the cascata grande and cascata dos ciganos. some of these falls are well hidden and therefore difficult to reach but the trail that leads alongside the river is full of wildlife and fauna.