transformed in a pop-cultural icon by the famous tim maia's song 'do leme ao pontal' (from leme to pontal), pedra do pontal is an important landmark in the south-west part of rio de janeiro. the song centers around the beauty of the beaches going from praia do leme, in the southern zone of rio, to praia do pontal, in the south-west zone of rio, just next to the pedra do pontal.

a semi-secluded island peak, which on first appearance sits just off the rio de janeiro coast, pedra do pontal plays an intriguing trick on spectators eyes. in reality the pedra do pontal is connected to the mainland via a sandy path that visitors can walk along to reach the hill, but during times of high tide, the path disappears, giving the impression of a large rock island.