Is Sugarloaf Mountain worth visiting? Rio de Janeiro’s famous cable car viewpoint (2025 Guide).
Watching the sun dip behind Christ the Redeemer as Rio de Janeiro lights up below is one of those travel moments I will never forget…
And there’s no better place to experience it than from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain…
or Pão de Açúcar, as locals call it.
If you’re planning your first trip to Rio and wondering ‘is Sugarloaf Mountain worth visiting?’...
The answer is a definite yes, but timing, tickets, and insider tips make all the difference!
I’ve stood at the summit at sunset, watched marmosets leap through the trees, and taken that famous cable car ride gliding above Guanabara Bay.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit Sugarloaf Mountain in 2025…
From the best time to go and what it costs, to how to get there and which tours are genuinely worth booking.
Incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain from cable car station.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Stay on Copacabana for Iconic Views of Sugarloaf Mountain 👇
If you’re visiting Sugarloaf, there’s no better base than Copacabana:
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio’s most iconic hotel; marble halls, rooftop pool, and sweeping ocean views that capture the glamour of the city’s golden age.
Hotel Emiliano Rio – Sleek, contemporary luxury on the Copacabana beachfront, with private balconies perfectly framing Sugarloaf at sunset.
Miramar Hotel by Windsor – Five-star comfort, rooftop infinity pool, and panoramic views over Copacabana Beach — all just a short ride from the Sugarloaf cable car.
Why Sugarloaf Mountain is Famous.
Few places capture Rio’s energy like this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The mountain’s unique cone shape once reminded Portuguese settlers of the traditional loaf of sugar mould, hence the name.
Today it’s Rio’s second-most visited attraction (after Christ the Redeemer) and one of the most famous mountains in South America, therefore a must on any Brazil itinerary.
From the top I enjoyed enjoyed 360-degree views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the green peaks of Tijuca National Park.
💡 Did you know? The Sugarloaf cable car was built in 1912, making it one of the oldest in the world, yet I still found it one of the smoothest.
Views of Sugarloaf Mountain from the beach front.
🚠 Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car — Tickets, Prices & Opening Hours (2025).
To reach the top, you’ll take two separate cable-car rides:
• Praia Vermelha → Morro da Urca (220 m).
• Morro da Urca → Sugarloaf Summit (396 m).
Each section takes around three minutes, gliding smoothly above Rio’s coastline with incredible views of the beaches and Christ the Redeemer in the distance.
Ticket Prices (2025):
Adults: R$150 (~£24) – Return journey.
• Brazilians / Residents: R$75 – Valid ID required.
• Students & Over 60s: 50% discount.
• Children under 6: Free entry.
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Last cable car up from the base: 7:00 pm.
Last cable car down from Sugarloaf: 7:20 pm.
You can stay at the top as long as you like — perfect if you want to catch the sunset over Copacabana.
👉 Skip the queues: Book your Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Ticket on GetYourGuide in advance to secure your sunset slot and avoid waiting at the ticket office.
Cable car views of the Atlantic Ocean
Hiking Route to Morro da Urca.
Yes, you can hike part of the way!
The Claudio Coutinho Trail starts behind Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) and climbs through shaded forest to Morro da Urca, the first station.
Distance: 0.6 mi / 1 km.
Elevation gain: 220 m.
Time: 25–30 min.
Difficulty: Moderate.
At the top, buy your ticket for the final cable-car section to Sugarloaf’s summit. Expect marmoset monkeys, tropical foliage, and occasional views of the bay on your way up.
The last leg of cable car journey to Sugarloaf Mountain summit.
Best Time to Visit Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm and humid most of the year — but visibility and crowd levels change by season:
April – June:
Dry and sunny (around 25°C). Fewer tourists, clear skies, and calm conditions — ideal for photography.
July – August:
Cooler and breezier. Still great visibility, though it can get windy at the summit.
September – November:
Hot and dry (around 28°C). Fantastic light for sunset photos and long evenings outdoors.
December – March:
Peak summer and Carnival season. Expect intense heat, humidity, and bigger crowds — best for atmosphere, not peace and quiet.
Best time of day: Go early morning (8–9 am) for quiet views, or arrive before sunset for the most iconic photos of Rio glowing beneath you. Avoid weekends if possible for shorter lines and better photo spots.
Enjoying the lovely scenery at Sugarloaf Mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain Facts & History.
Travellers often ask ‘why is Sugarloaf Mountain famous?’ — and for good reason.
This Rio de Janeiro icon combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cinematic history. Here are a few quick facts to know before you visit:
Height / Elevation: 396 metres (1,299 feet) above sea level.
• Opened: 1912 — one of the world’s three oldest cable cars still in operation.
• Location: Between Botafogo and Copacabana, in Rio’s scenic Urca district.
• UNESCO Status: Part of the “Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea” World Heritage listin
• Name Origin: The mountain’s shape resembled the conical loaf of sugar mould used in Brazil’s colonial sugar trade.
• Fame: Featured in James Bond’s Moonraker and countless Rio de Janeiro postcards.
Standing on top, it’s easy to see why Sugarloaf Mountain is essential in a first timer’s trip, and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in South America.
Nearby graffiti art in Rio De Janeiro.
How to Get to Sugarloaf Mountain.
📍 Address: Avenida Pasteur 520, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ 22290-240
🚗 Taxi / Uber.
Safest and quickest option. Expect R$25–40 from Copacabana or Ipanema (10–15 min).
🚌 Bus.
Take 511 or 512 toward Urca; get off at Praia Vermelha and walk five minutes to the ticket office.
🚇 Metro.
Nearest station: Botafogo (Exit E – Mena Barreto).
Walk 35 min or transfer to Bus 513 to UNIRIO.
⛴️ Ferry.
From Niterói or Ilha do Governador, ferry to Praça XV, tram (VLT Line 2) to Cristiano Ottoni, then Bus 107 to UNIRIO.
An iconic landmark in Brazil.
Best Sugarloaf Mountain Tours (2025 GetYourGuide Top Picks).
Rio Highlights Tour: Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf + Selarón Steps. Full-day tour with hotel pick-up, lunch & both entrance tickets included.
Sunset Cable Car Ride at Sugarloaf Mountain: Timed for golden hour views over Copacabana Beach.
Helicopter Flight Over Rio de Janeiro (6–12 min) Departs from Sugarloaf Helipad. Approx. R$530 (~£85) for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.
Awesome views.
Wildlife & Safety Tips.
You’ll likely spot marmoset monkeys around the viewing areas. They’re adorable but non-native, please don’t feed them.
The Urca district is one of Rio’s safest neighbourhoods, and the mountain complex has visible security staff.
Use Uber or official taxis after dark, and avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
The main attractions in Rio De Janeiro are thought of as safe for tourists, including female solo travellers. Sticking to the more popular tourist areas is one way to improve your safety in the city.
A native monkey
Where to Eat and Enjoy the View.
There are cafés on both levels, plus a panoramic restaurant at the summit serving Brazilian specialities.
Expect higher-than-average prices but spectacular vistas.
Order a Caipirinha and watch the sun set over the Atlantic, worth every Real.
Looking down from the top.
My Experience at Sugarloaf Mountain.
I visited in May, a shoulder-season sweet spot with clear skies and almost no queues.
After a short hike up Morro da Urca and a smooth ride to the summit, I watched the city ignite in orange light as the sun dropped behind Corcovado.
That moment… Christ the Redeemer glowing in the distance, Copacabana curving below…
It was the highlight of my Brazil trip!
Epic views.
FAQ — Visiting Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.
Where is Sugarloaf Mountain located in Brazil?
In the Urca district of Rio de Janeiro, overlooking Guanabara Bay.
How high is Sugarloaf Mountain?
396 metres (1,299 ft).
Why is Sugarloaf Mountain famous?
For its iconic shape, historic cable car, and panoramic view of Rio’s landmarks.
How much does it cost to go to Sugarloaf Mountain?
R$150 (~£24) return ticket in 2025.
What time does Sugarloaf Mountain open and close?
Daily 9 am – 7 pm (last car up 7 pm, down 7:20 pm).
Can you hike Sugarloaf Mountain?
Partially — you can walk to Morro da Urca but must take the cable car for the final ascent.
Is Sugarloaf Mountain worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s one of the most famous mountains in Brazil and the best view in South America.
When is the best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain?
April–June and September–November for clear weather and fewer crowds; sunset for the most beautiful light.
Where can I buy tickets?
At the base station or online via GetYourGuide Sugarloaf Tickets to skip lines.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.