the neighborhood of leme in the zona sul (south zone) is also home to incredible views, especially from morro do leme, a huge natural granite form that dominates the protruding segment of land from which the areas takes its name - an environmental protection area, east of avenida princesa isabel, hosts a wide range of wildlife on morro do leme and spans over 11 hectares of atlantic forest. rare birds, such as saddles and bishop tanagers, can be found there, as well as thrushes and the brazilian house wren.

it is possible to walk up a specially designed trail with some breathtaking views along the way. the gentle hike starts at the bottom of the hill - hikers must be aware that there is a military fort atop of morro do leme so the presence of soldiers in the area is no rarity