Duque de Caxias Fort: A Coastal Fortress with Panoramic Views
Explore Rio's military history at Duque de Caxias Fort, offering panoramic views of Copacabana, Sugarloaf, and the coastline from atop Leme Rock.
The Duque de Caxias Fort, also known as Forte do Leme, is an 18th-century fortress located on Leme Rock in Rio de Janeiro. Built initially to defend against invasions, it now offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the surrounding coastline.
A brief summary to Duque de Caxias Fort
- Praça Alm. Júlio de Noronha, s/n, Rio de Janeiro, Leme, State of Rio de Janeiro, 22010-020, BR
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the 20-minute walk up the cobbled service road.
- Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure clear views.
Getting There
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Walking
The Duque de Caxias Fort is accessible via a 20-minute walk from the base of Leme Beach. Start at Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha. From the square, follow the path that leads up Morro do Leme (Leme Mountain). The entrance to the trail is located within a military base. There is a nominal fee to access the trail and fort. Be prepared for a moderately steep incline along a cobbled service road.
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Public Transport
From Copacabana, several buses can take you to Leme. Look for buses with the route 'Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana'. Get off near the beginning of Leme Beach, close to Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha. From there, follow the walking directions to the fort. A single bus fare within Rio de Janeiro typically costs around R$4.05.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. A taxi from Copacabana to the base of Leme (Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha) will cost approximately R$20-R$30, depending on traffic and time of day. From there, follow the walking directions to the fort.
Discover more about Duque de Caxias Fort
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Estátua de Ary Barroso
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Estátua de Frédéric Chopin
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Sugar Loaf cable car
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Monumento Natural dos Morros do Pão de Açúcar e da Urca
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Fortaleza de São João
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Praça da Fundação do Rio de Janeiro
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Portão Histórico da Fortaleza de São João
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Museu Carmen Miranda
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Praça Nicarágua
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Red Beach
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Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar
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Pista Cláudio Coutinho
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Morro da Babilônia
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Trilha do Morro da Urca
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Earth Sciences Museum
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Morro da Urca
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Boardwalk of Copacabana
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Sugarloaf Mountain
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Essential places to dine
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Boteco Belmonte
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Terra Brasilis
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Joaquina
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Restaurante The View
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La Finestra Restaurant
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Clássico Beach Club - Urca
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La Trattoria
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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ZARA
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