once there, the first view afforded is that of a bamboo looking chinese pagoda, built in 1903, and in itself very noteworthy it acts as a gazebo with benches that can be a welcome sight after the uphill trek. water and food need to be brought and the return journey should be organized in advance, since there are no services in this area.
but the views from the chinese pagoda are what the trip is all about - unobstructed and rarely seen perspectives of rio are the reward. from this vantage point it is possible to see all of the zuna sul, including corcovado to the east, păo de açúcar (sugar loaf) and lagoa rodrigo de freitas (lagoon) in the center and the morro dois irmăos (hill brothers) in the west.
in addition, the nearby mirante do imperador, also know as mesa do imperador (emperor's table) offers another breathtaking viewing point and the neighborhoods of ipanema and leblon are clearly visible with their beautiful beaches just beyond.
