and, once completed, a popular post-journey bonus is a swim in the crystal waters of prainha beach, looking out for the green turtles that frequent the shore.

offering visitors an alternative to the steep hikes, through rio de janeiro's extensive network of forests and mountains, is the parque natural municipal bosque da barra park.

the hike through this park is a very casual affair, centered on the exploration of the park itself, rather than an untamed wilderness.