also gaining international fame is the three-day hike called 'travessia petrópolis -teresópolis'  (petrópolis -teresópolis crossing), 42 kilometers long and rich of stunning views - that should only be undertaken accompanied by a professional local guide.

adding to the wealth of the surrounding natural wonderment is parque natural municipal montanhas de teresópolis, rio de janeiro state's largest municipal park - the park is spread across an enormous 4,397 hectares and is considered the largest unit of conservational protection, created by the state of rio de janeiro.

to accompany its colossal mountains is a rich array of natural flora and fauna - the protected area is home to 121 species of birds, 31 species of mammals, including the rare yellow bat, 19 different types of reptiles, as well as many amphibians and insects.