as one of rio de janeiro's areas of implausible nature beauty, it may be difficult for visitors to find the perfect spot to take in all of the native artistry that surrounds them - the mirante do morro da cruz is a viewpoint that solves this problem, where one can find a 15 meters high metal cross in commemoration of the first mass celebrated in brazil.

what motivates most visitors to make the climb up this ascending hill is to enjoy the scenery surrounding saquarema, or to witness one of the most dramatic sunsets in the country, with the backdrop of mountains, lagoons and the sea.