From $77Sugarloaf Mountain
What it is
Sugarloaf Mountain is the 396-metre granite peak that rises straight out of the sea at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, one of Rio's most photographed landmarks. A two-stage glass cable car climbs first to Morro da Urca and then to the summit, opening up 360-degree views of Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, the bay and the city sprawling below. The peak has been a visitor attraction since the first cable car opened in 1912, and the ride itself is half the experience.
How to visit
The classic visit is the round-trip cable car from Praia Vermelha in Urca, stopping at Morro da Urca and then the summit. Buy tickets online to skip the queue, and aim for late afternoon if you want to watch the sunset and the city lights come on, though that is also the busiest slot. Adventurous visitors can hike the marked trail or climb the lower face with a guide and ride the cable car back down. Allow two hours for a relaxed visit with photo stops at both levels.
Hours & practical info
Cable car runs daily, roughly 8am to 9pm. Buy tickets online to skip the queue.
Insider tips
- ✓ Buy cable-car tickets online to avoid the longest queues.
- ✓ Late afternoon visits catch sunset and the city lights.
- ✓ Stop at Morro da Urca on the way up for a different angle.
Tours featuring Sugarloaf Mountain
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much time do you need at Sugarloaf?
- Around two hours covers the round-trip cable car with photo stops at both Morro da Urca and the summit. Allow longer at sunset when it is busier.
- Can you hike up Sugarloaf instead of the cable car?
- Yes, there is a marked trail to Morro da Urca and a guided climb up the rock face. Many hikers walk up and ride the cable car back down.