Pedra do Cão Sentado

One of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the Nova Friburgo area, a distinctive rock formation whose profile resembles a seated dog when seen from the valley. The peak stands at around 2,100 metres and is reachable on foot via trails from the district of Campo do Coelho, a hike of moderate to strenuous difficulty that passes through Atlantic Forest and offers views that expand dramatically as you climb.

The final approach to the summit involves scrambling over exposed granite, and guides are recommended for the full ascent. Tour operators in Nova Friburgo organise half-day and full-day hiking trips to Pedra do Cão Sentado, often combining it with other peaks or viewpoints in the area. The view from the top on a clear day extends south toward the coast.

things to do sight
A story
The rock formation's name — Seated Dog — was given by local settlers who saw in the profile of the stone the silhouette of a large dog sitting with its head raised, visible from the valley below. Whether you see it depends on which angle you approach from; from the north it is unmistakable. The stone has been a landmark for hikers in the region for generations and its summit was once used as a surveying point for early maps of the serra.