High above Copacabana and Lagoa rises Morro dos Cabritos. It stands 298 meters tall. Today we will explore its history.
Morro dos Cabritos is part of the Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba. This park is part of the Área de Proteção Ambiental Morro dos Cabritos e Saudade. A trail leads to Mirante do Sacopã. From there, you can see Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon.
The south face of Morro dos Cabritos descends into Copacabana. A community began forming here in 1926. Immigrants from northeastern Brazil settled on the hill. They raised goats. This is how Morro dos Cabritos got its name.
In 2010, the population was just over 1000 people in 325 homes. Since January 14, 2010, the population has grown. That was when a Police Pacifying Unit was installed.
Gilmar Lopes was born and raised in Morro dos Cabritos. He says the neighborhood association estimates 16000 to 18000 residents. As a child, he collected and sold herbs in the market and made friends. At 22, he fell in love with an English woman. He lived in London for 15 years.
Upon returning, Gilmar founded two organizations. One is Casa Eco Esportiva Sócio Cultural. The other is Tabritur. Tabritur is a community tourism company. He guides tourists around his favela. Tabritur came from CEESC. It is a space for community and private events.
Gilmar had an apartment on Rua Pompeu Loureiro in Copacabana. He sold it to build CEESC. He prefers the favela. He says he has peace, a view, silence, and tranquility here. The air is wonderful and unpolluted. He feels safer in the favela. He leaves his door open. No one robs him.
The community likes the peace and sense of community. If you need sugar, ask a neighbor. If someone is sick, many people will take them to the hospital.
There is another Morro dos Cabritos in Recreio. It is in front of Prainha. The trail there is not well marked. Some say it is dangerous. There are snakes. One woman said a snake jumped at her face. The views from the top are amazing though. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Barra da Tijuca.
Whether you choose the Morro dos Cabritos in Copacabana or the one in Recreio, remember each offers unique views and experiences. The stories and the people shape these places. They make them more than just hills.