natural monument · Nova Friburgo, RJ
Pedra do Cão Sentado
A rock formation about 100 meters tall whose profile looks like a sitting dog, in the group of caves and boulders known as Furnas do Catete. A trail of about 1 kilometer, with rustic bridges and stairs, leads to the viewpoints.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pedra do Cão Sentado
The Pedra do Cão Sentado (Sitting Dog Rock) is the symbol of Nova Friburgo. It is a tall, isolated block of rock in the middle of the forest, whose profile looks like a dog sitting and gazing at the horizon. It is inside the Parque Cão Sentado, in the Furnas neighborhood, by the road that links Nova Friburgo to Bom Jardim.
The park was created in 1962. According to local legend, a dog howled for two days over the death of its Indigenous friend, climbed to the top of the hill, gave one last bark and was struck by lightning, turning to stone. Around the rock is the group known as Furnas do Catete: large stacked gneiss boulders that form caves, dens and narrow passages.
A short trail, with stairs and wooden structures, crosses the Atlantic Forest and passes these formations, such as Toca da Onça, Toca do Morcego and Quilha do Navio, to the viewpoint facing the Cão Sentado. The park also has a lake and is popular with climbers, with mapped routes on the rock.
The outing takes light to moderate effort and suits families with children used to walking. There are steps, rocky stretches and tight passages in the caves, so it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A morning or an afternoon is enough to walk the trail at a relaxed pace, go into the caves and spend some time at the viewpoint.
Best time
In the drier months, from fall to winter, the trail is less slippery and the sky is usually clear; choose the morning, when the light falls well on the rock and there are fewer people.
How to get there
The park is in the Furnas neighborhood, in the district of Conselheiro Paulino, on the RJ-116 highway toward Bom Jardim, near the toll plaza. Access is from the highway itself, a few minutes by car from downtown Nova Friburgo.
Tip
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and sneakers with good grip, and have cash on hand for the admission fee.
A look at the place
Pedra do Cão Sentado in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pedra do Cão Sentado
Where is the Pedra do Cão Sentado?
Inside the Parque Cão Sentado, in the Furnas neighborhood of Nova Friburgo, by the RJ-116 highway toward Bom Jardim, near the toll plaza.
Is the trail to the Cão Sentado difficult?
No. It is a short trail with stairs and wooden structures, taking light to moderate effort. There are steps and narrow passages in the caves, so it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
What are the Furnas do Catete?
They are the group of large gneiss boulders around the rock, which form caves and dens such as Toca da Onça and Toca do Morcego. The trail passes several of them.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
Yes, there is an admission fee. Bring cash, because cards may not be accepted. Check the hours before you go.
Why is the rock called Cão Sentado?
Because of its profile, which looks like a dog sitting (cão sentado) and gazing at the horizon. A local legend says that a dog, grieving the death of its Indigenous friend, howled on top of the hill and was turned to stone by lightning.