Located in the Tijuca National Park, between the neighborhoods of Barra da Tijuca and São Conrado, Pedra da Gávea (Gavea’s Rock) is the largest coastal monolith in the world, at 842m above sea level. But that is not the only reason why it fascinates locals and tourists alike: Legends tell that ancient Phoenicians, who would have lived in the city in 800 AD, carved the face seen on the mountain with the shape of their emperor’s face. Some also say that the geological formation near the top is a portal that can transport us to another dimension! Mysteries aside, Pedra da Gávea is a reference for the practice of mountaineering, being considered as the most challenging trail in the city due to the short sections of climbing during its ascent hike. But the effort is worth it: at the summit, we have an overwhelming panoramic view of the Tijuca Forest, the West Zone, and the entire seashore of the South Zone.