Forte Duque de Caxias - Hike and Lookout

The fort is located at the top of the Morro do Leme hill. The trail starts at the bottom of Morro de Leme inside a military area, this makes it a very safe place to take a walk or run. The 800 metre hike to the top and to Forte Duque de Caxias should take twenty minutes if you are fit and in shape. The trail is a well-kept cobblestone path which makes it easier for those less used to hiking to get to the breathtaking view with Sugarloaf Mountain seemingly close enough to almost touch. Along the way you will be able to see fifteen Stations of the Cross which have been placed along the pathway to commemorate the path Jesus Walked to Calvary.

Forte Duque de Caxias was originally built in 1779 as Fort of the Guard. It was part of the defence strategy of the original city of Rio as a watch outpost. It features a magnificent stone gate which still exists today. The fort was only equipped with arms in 1823 and saw action in July 1922, when two cannon shots broke through and destroyed part of the dining halls, and in 1924, when it was involved in a shootout with the rebellious Battleship São Paulo.

Forte Duque de Caxias was given its name in August 1935 by President Getulio Vargas and was deactivated in 1965. The Personnel Studies Center of the Brazilian Army now uses the fort as a teaching establishment most specifically in the area of human behaviour.

When you are asking directions, make sure to be specific as there is Forte de Copacabana at the other end of Copacabana Beach and locals may easily misunderstand and send you in the wrong direction. Also be sure to take plenty of water as it can get very hot in Rio and dehydration is a real danger. Forte Duque de Caxias is one of the more safe tourist attractions thanks to its being situated within a military base, you should still keep an eye on your things though.

Accommodations near Forte Duque de Caxias: