the pista cláudio coutinho is  a preservation area, about 1200 meters long, and allows beautiful views of the morro da babilônia, the bay, praia vermelha, and the cotunduba island - plenty of local wildlife can be photographed along the walk.

the hiking trail that ascends the sugar loaf mountain  starts at the very end of the pista cláudio coutinho, but should only be accessed by experienced hikers and/or with a local guide.