The Harbor The Harbor is located on the east coast of Brazil, along the city of Rio De Janeiro. Portuguese explorers are believed to have been the first Europeans to see the bay in the year of 1502. The area was then occupied by the Tupi Indians. The Europeans thought that had found the mouth of an large river, they decided to call the bay "Rio De Janeiro" which means, River of January to honor the month they arrived. The largest mountain by the harbor of Rio is the Sugar Loaf Mountain. The Sugar Loaf Mountain is 1,325 feet (404 meters) tall. Many other mountains line the bay. European settlement didn't take place until more than 60 years later when the Portuguese built a fort to keep the French traders from their holdings. Natural Wonders >> Ancient Wonders >>