another asset of the mountain are its two favela communities, babilôniaand chapéu mangueira, and the coopbabilônia, who have been working in tandem with the local residents to improve the area.

a now pacified community, both favelas are considered among the most peaceful in the city, and they welcome visitors to learn about the area, and the realities of life inside the favela.

near the beginning of the trail that enters the woods are the remains of antique single-story 'favela houses' - built with wood and mud, and very different from the modern and characteristically orange multi-story orange favela homes.