furthermore, three of rio's landmark granite hills - morro da urca, morro cara de cão, and the iconic sugar loaf, are also part of this very charming corner of rio.  

some of the oldest known beaches are also found in this neighborhood - praia da urca, praia de fora, and praia vermelha.

facing the marina on botafogo cove, praia da urca is a very small beach where to relax watching the sailboats and the statue of christ across from it. as such, though the view is excellent, the boat traffic and general polllution have  cause a decline of the water quality, to the point that swimming is not advisable.