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Costão de Itacoatiara - a rock hill in Niteroi with soothing views
It wasn't an easy one for me, at some point I had a feeling than it goes up exactly under 90 degrees angle. The hike is challenging and great at the same time. Most of other hiking trails in Rio are covered with a thick forest all along the way, and you get a view only on the top. Costão de Itacoatiara hill is different though. The forest ends already at the very beginning and you can see everything around you long before you reach the top, which makes your hike much more interesting. From the top you can see 3 different cities: Niterói in front, Rio de Janeiro behind it and a part of Maricá region on the left. The way back is even more difficult, but still worth all the effort.
Situated right at the end of the Itacoatiara beach, this coastal rock hill is a feast for the eyes. But wait, there´s more, you can climb it and be rewarded with even better views. Although the rock seems steep and slippery, it can be trekked with relatively small effort. On top you find a small palm oasis, which covers the otherwise solid rock hill like a trendy haircut. The view from top is amazing, with ocean on one side, nearby mountain walls on the other side and between them a small town and beach. You can also get a glimpse of the mountains of Rio de Janeiro on the background. Just sit on the rock plateau, take sun, take in the view, think inspiring thoughts and if you happened to bring a beer with you, enjoy it!