Admiring the Rio De Janeiro view from Sugarloaf mountain Brazil in 2024.
Do you want to enjoy the Rio De Janeiro view from Sugarloaf Mountain?
Or ‘Pão de Açúcar’ as the locals call it. There is no doubt that Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most iconic attractions in Brazil and a must on any Brazil itinerary. As of 2012, the 1300ft high mountain has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a unique experience and unbeatable panoramic views of Rio De Janeiro.
The world famous attraction is a distinctive feature on Rio De Janeiro’s skyline, adjacent to Urca Hill - a smaller but just as impressive landmark. Sugarloaf mountain is one of the best day trips in Brazil, which can be explored through an organised tour with a guide, or at your own leisure - so what are you waiting for?
On a clear day, from the peak of the mountain you will see fantastic views of Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana beach and Tiuna National Park, all of which add a touch of unique charm, which makes Rio De Janeiro one of the most breathtaking South American cities.
This blog has all the information you need to plan the perfect day trip during your Rio De Janeiro trip, and who knows you might get to experience the perfect Brazilian sunset with a Caipirinha in hand, or two or three!
Incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain from cable car station.
Essential information for your trip to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro.
At Sugarloaf Mountain, the tourism as we know it today through the cable car system was first established in 1912, through the use of wooden cable cars. It was only the third cableway to be built around the world.
It has developed significantly over the last century and now it transports approximately 2,500 visitors every day, helping Sugarloaf mountain to become a national icon of Brazil and one of the most visited attractions in South America.
Opening times.
The cable car opening hours run daily from 9am - 7pm.
The last cable car departed from the ground at 7pm, with the last cable car from Urca to Sugarloaf departing at 7:20pm.
The viewing platforms are open after 7pm to view a lit up city!
Do not worry about a time limit once you reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, as you are allowed to take as long as you need to fully explore the natural wonder.
Souvenirs.
If you want to grab some souvenirs to remember your bucket list day trip to Sugarloaf Mountain, then you are in luck! You will find a small gift shop on the observation decks on both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf. Alternatively you can get souvenirs from markets stalls and shops around the cable car station at the mountain base.
Refreshments.
You will find some restaurants and little shops on the observation decks on both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf.
At the summit of Sugarloaf, there are 360 degree panorama views of Rio De Janeiro from the restaurant, which makes for the perfect spot for lunch on a nice day.
It can get very busy in peak times though, so be prepared to wait if you want this experience!
You will find some snacks and good coffee on both levels if you are in a hurry and don’t want to wait for refreshments.
As with most tourist spots, you can expect to pay higher than average prices.
Safety concerns.
The main attractions in Rio De Janeiro are thought of as safe for tourists, including female solo travellers. Sticking to the more popluar tourist areas is one way to improve your safety in the city.
Rio De Janeiro Cable Car Ride (Timosha21 on Youtube).
You will also find several toilets on both levels of the Mountain.
Tours and Guides.
If organised tours are your thing, or you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of Rio De Janeiro and its awesome landmarks, then are several options to visit with a guide. Most guides come with return transport from your hotel.
Here are three great options:
Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch.
See the best of Rio De Janeiro with six highlights of the incredible city. This tour includes entrance tickets to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer & the cathedral. Find out more information and costs here.
Rio De Janeiro: City Sights Tour with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf.
This tour ensures that you are at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain ready for sunset. This is an amazing way to take in the Panoramic views of the spectacular city. Book here.
Rio de Janeiro: Guided Bike Tours in Small Groups.
Explore Rio De Janeiro on bikes with your friends in a small guided group tour. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the unique stops on this tour. Find more information here.
Monkeys.
At the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, you will find some wild monkeys (marmosets) hanging in the wooded areas. The marmosets are not native creatures of Rio De Janeiro and have caused some problems to other species on Pão de Açúcar.
We noticed informative signs explaining the harm the animals are causing dotted around whilst exploring the mountain peak.
Although you might get some cool snaps of the creatures, It is prohibited to feed common marmosets at the Sugarloaf Mountain!
Bucket list opportunities.
If Rio De Janeiro doesn’t offer you enough excitement from the ground, there is an opportunity to take a once in a lifetime helicopter tour around the city.
Embarking from Sugarloaf Mountain, you will board the helicopter and set off for a bird's eye view tour of Rio de Janeiro.
Although there are only two options of short six or twelve minute helicopter rides, you are guaranteed to see all the famous beaches, unique mountains, and iconic landmarks from a birdseye perspective.
It is approximately R$530 (£85) to tick a helicopter ride off your bucket list. Grab your tickets in advance here.
Views of Sugarloaf Mountain from the beach front.
How to get to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro?
Avenida Pasteur, 520 - Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
22290-240
Sugarloaf Mountain is located in the Urca district, which is rich with history and the place where Rio De Janeiro was originally founded back in 1565.
Urca is a neighbourhood located between Botafogo and Leme in the South Zone of the town and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Your different options are detailed below.
Map showing location of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro.
Taxi or Uber.
Taxis and Ubers are very safe methods of transport in Rio De Janeiro and are a great way to access the starting point for Sugarloaf Mountain - A great option if there are a few of you to split the cost!
During my trip to the famous city, we had no issues using taxis or Uber.
Bus.
Copacabana and Ipanema are very popular areas for international visitors to choose to stay at. From both locations you need to look out for bus number 511 heading in the direction of Urca.
You will leave the bus less than a 5 minute walk away from the cable car ticket office at the foot of the mountain.
Journey time is around 10 minutes from Copacabana.
Subway.
The nearest subway to Sugarloaf Mountain is Botafogo station. Once you arrive here, you need to leave the station via exit E - Mena Barreto.
There are two options here:
Walk, which is around 35 minutes following the signs, will not appeal to everyone.
Take bus 513 at Rua Voluntários da Pátria and get off at UNIRIO. From there, walk a short distance and you will see the cable car ticket office.
Ferry.
There is an option to take the ferry for visitors travelling from Niterói, Ilha do Governador and Paquetá. Disembark the ferry at Praça XV and then walk to Largo da Carioca (740m), or take Line 2 of the VLT to Cristiano Ottoni - Little Africa station, and take bus 107 heading central. Get off at UNIRIO and walk a short distance to the Cable Car ticket office.
Cable car views of the Atlantic Ocean
When is the best time to visit Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro?
Rio De Janeiro has a tropical climate, which means it is fairly warm all year round and popular with tourists most of the time. The best time to visit Sugar Loaf Mountain is between April - June or between September - November. You will get nice sunny days and clear skies more often, whilst avoiding the peak crowds.
The month to avoid if you don’t like crowds is February - carnival month!
Every February, millions of tourists from all over the world flock to Rio De Janeiro to have street parties and fill the beaches. It goes without saying that this causes congestion at the city’s main attractions. Although this month is the best time to visit Rio De Janeiro for party vibes and atmosphere, it can negatively impact a cultural sightseeing trip.
Depends on what you want?
Sugarloaf Mountain is Rio De Janeiro’s second most visited attraction behind the City’s wonder of the world and globally known symbol ‘Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)’, therefore it can get super busy during busy periods.
Between the hours of 10am & 3pm you can expect to be queuing for a while for the cable cars and will struggle to grab a seat in one of the restaurants at the summit. You are likely to have a more enjoyable trip to ‘Pão de Açúcar’ first thing in the morning (8am), or late at evening - It is the perfect sunset spot in Rio De Janeiro. It is incredible overlooking the lit up city at night, so an evening visit is recommended!
If you want the perfect snaps in front of Brazil’s iconic landmark without strangers photobombing, then it is advisable to visit on weekdays, as the samba city’s tourist spots can attract hundreds of thousands of visitors over the weekend.
Tip - Make sure you check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You don’t want your bucket list adventure ruined by cloudy skies.
You will find other interesting landmarks throughout the city, which can be planned with this first timers guide, that includes information on all the unique spots that make Rio De Janeiro great.
The last leg of cable car journey to Sugarloaf Mountain summit.
How much does the cable car cost at Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro?
The majority of visitors to Sugarloaf mountain take the cable car. You will be required to take four cable cars in total. two ascending, followed by two descending after you have finished exploring the Brazilian wonder.
Mountain base > Urca Hill (220 metres - 720 feet)
Urca Hill > Summit of Sugarloaf mountain (395 metres - 1,295 feet)
Sugarloaf mountain > Urca Hill.
Urca Hill > Mountain base.
The total cost of the return cable car journey is R$150,00 (£24).
There is a discount available to Brazilians and Brazil residents (with photo identification proof). There is also a 50% discount available to students, and anyone under the age of 21 or over 60.
If you want to skip the queues at the ticket office you can grab your tickets in advance here.
Cable cars leave every 20 minutes and offer tourists a pleasant ride up with beautiful scenery.
The last departing cable cars are at 7pm from the street, and 7.20pm from Urca. Perfect to reach the viewing platforms - the best sunset spot in Rio De Janeiro.
Hiking to Urca Hill followed by the cable car to summit.
For the more active visitors, or anyone wanting some fresh air and exercise, there is an option to replace the first cable car ride with a hike.
There is a moderate 1/2 mile hiking trail which takes around 25/30 mins and rises 700ft in elevation.
When you arrive at the cable car ticket office, you will see a plaza - you need to keep to the left side of it for a little while before coming to the entrance of ‘Pista Claudio Coutinho’ (the paved nature trail). Keep moving along the trail for around five minutes, and on the left, you’ll see a large sign that starts the hike up to the top of Urca Hill.
Enjoying the lovely scenery at Sugarloaf Mountain.
Where to stay for your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro?
In Rio De Janeiro, there is an array of hotels catering for all budgets.
Here are some top picks to book your stay near Sugarloaf Mountain:
Budget
Book your stay at the Nacional Inn Rio Copacabana in Rio De Janeiro.
Three star hotel offering an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace and continental breakfast.
Book your stay at the Copacabana Mar Hotel in Rio De Janeiro.
A four star hotel boasting a rooftop pool & Bar serving exotic drinks.
Mid-range
Book your stay at the Lobie Botafogo Privilege in Rio De Janeiro.
Four star hotel in close proximity to Copacabana beach and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Book your stay at the Arena Leme Hotel in Rio De Janeiro.
Four star beachfront hotel around 3km from Sugarloaf Mountain.
Luxury
Book your stay at the Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro.
Five star hotel located less than three miles from Sugarloaf Mountain.
Book your stay at the Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity.
A five star hotel offering amazing views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountains.
Nearby graffiti art in Rio De Janeiro.
Summary of my day at Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro.
When we visited Brazil’s most iconic landmark, it was during May - one of the quieter times to visit Rio De Janeiro , which made for calm sunny weather and less crowds.
This made for an unforgettable Rio De Janeiro day trip!
We did not have to queue for either cable cars and basically had the summit to ourselves. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to Brazil then May is a good choice. However, if you prefer a lively atmosphere then maybe choose a different month?
When you visit Rio de Janeiro, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain.
Go and get your perfect post-card snap!
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