Towering nearly 400 meters above the bay, Sugarloaf Mountain gives you some of Rio’s best views—right from the sky. This iconic attraction combines stunning natural beauty with engineering ingenuity to create an experience that has captivated visitors for over a century.
Highlights:
- Soar above Rio’s stunning landscape in glass-walled cable cars that showcase 360° views of beaches, bays, and urban scenery.
- Capture perfect photos of Rio’s most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay from incredible vantage points.
- Experience the magical transition from day to night as the city lights begin to twinkle below during sunset visits.
Tickets & Prices
Standard tickets for the Sugarloaf Cable Car allow access to both stages of the journey: from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca and from Morro da Urca to the Sugarloaf summit. Various discounts are available, including half-price tickets for students, seniors, and children aged 6-21. Children under six ride free.
For those wanting to avoid queues, especially during peak periods, the Fast Pass ticket provides priority access at all cable car stations and includes VIP lounge reception at the first station. Tickets can be purchased online through the official website or at the on-site ticket office, with online booking highly recommended during high season and weekends to avoid potentially long wait times.
Tours
A 50-minute guided tour option is available with bilingual guides who provide fascinating insights into the historical and ecological aspects of the cable car system and surrounding area. The tour enriches the experience with information about the cable car’s engineering significance and the natural features of the area.
For those wanting to elevate their experience literally, optional helicopter tours can be added on, offering either a beach tour (6-7 minutes) or a more extensive tour including Christ the Redeemer (9-10 minutes). From above, you’ll see Rio’s coastline curve along the ocean, dotted with famous sites from a whole new angle.
Opening Hours
The Sugarloaf Cable Car operates daily, with slightly extended hours on weekends. Monday through Thursday, the cable cars run from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last boarding at 6:30 PM. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, hours extend from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with final boarding at 7:00 PM.
These hours may vary during special events, holidays, or seasonal changes, so it’s advisable to check the official website before your trip. The attraction is particularly busy during sunset hours and weekends, so to avoid long queues, consider going on a weekday or earlier in the day.
What to See and Do
There’s plenty to experience at this iconic Rio attraction beyond just the cable car ride itself. Here are the many things to do at Sugarloaf Mountain that make it worth the trip.
Ride the Two-Stage Cable Car Journey
The Sugarloaf experience isn’t just one cable car ride—it’s two distinct journeys that offer progressively more breathtaking views. The first leg takes you from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca in a swift 1 minute 40 seconds, covering 600 meters at 6 m/s. Though brief, this initial ascent already lifts you 220 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the beaches below.
The second leg is even more dramatic, whisking you from Morro da Urca to the Sugarloaf summit at an impressive 10 m/s over 850 meters. Inside the modern, glass-walled gondolas, you’ll find open windows perfect for unobstructed photography and videography. Each cable car holds up to 65 passengers and is staffed for your safety and assistance. What makes this experience special is watching the passing cable car mid-route—a perfect photo opportunity!
Explore Morro da Urca’s Many Attractions
Your first stop at 220 meters (722 ft) isn’t just a waypoint—it’s a destination in itself. Morro da Urca offers noticeably cooler, breezier air than ground level, making it a refreshing respite even on Rio’s hottest days. The viewpoints here are spectacular, offering unique perspectives over Flamengo Beach and Santos Dumont Airport, where you might witness the surreal sight of planes landing below your vantage point.
Morro da Urca isn’t short on amenities either. You’ll find plenty of seating and shade, retail outlets, bars, and even a small museum showcasing the cable car’s fascinating history. Movie buffs might recognize this spot from the James Bond film “Moonraker,” and you can see the original wooden cable cars (used from 1912-1972) on display.
If commercialization isn’t your thing, wander a bit to find peaceful rest areas away from the shops. These quieter spots offer a chance to soak in the sweeping vistas without distractions.
Reach the Summit for Ultimate Panoramic Views
The crown jewel of the experience awaits at Sugarloaf’s summit, standing proud at 396 meters (1,299 ft). Here, a complete 360-degree vista unfolds, showcasing Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, and the entirety of Guanabara Bay. The top isn’t overly spacious but offers enough room to spread out on weekdays.
While taking in the views, you’ll find photo spots strategically placed for optimal snapshots and a bar for refreshments. Look for forest trails marked “Climbing only” if you’re feeling adventurous, or simply relax and watch the cable cars making their journeys from this bird’s-eye perspective. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye out for lizards sunning themselves on rocks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the resident monkeys that call this mountain home.
Experience the Sunset with a DJ
If you time your visit right, you can catch one of the mountain’s famous sunset DJ events. As the golden hour bathes Rio in warm light, live DJs spin tracks that perfectly complement the evolving colors of the sky. These events create a festive atmosphere as day transitions to night, with the added magic of watching Rio’s city lights begin to twinkle below.
The combination of music, sunset, and panoramic views creates an almost magical ambiance that’s worth planning your visit around. Check the Parque Bondinho Instagram page for upcoming DJ events, as they’re not held every day but are definitely worth experiencing if the timing works out.
Take the Hiking Trail to Morro da Urca
For the more adventurous (and budget-conscious), consider the free hiking trail that leads from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca. This moderately challenging trail takes about 30-40 minutes at a casual pace and offers a completely different perspective of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
The trail is mostly shaded and generally safe, though it can be slippery after rain. It’s a fantastic option for experiencing the natural beauty of the Atlantic Forest up close, with the bonus of saving on half of the cable car journey. Just remember that the trail closes at 6 PM for safety reasons—if you’re still on the mountain after closing, you’ll need to take the cable car down (which is free in this situation).
Directions
The Sugarloaf Cable Car is located in the Urca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. The official address is Avenida Pasteur, 520 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-240. Most visitors arrive by taxi, rideshare, or public transportation as parking is limited in the area.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services like Uber for convenience, as parking near the entrance is very limited. The attraction is easily accessible from most areas of Rio, with the nearby Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) serving as a useful landmark for navigation.
Nearby Places
Christ the Redeemer: Rio’s most iconic statue stands atop Corcovado Mountain, offering another spectacular vantage point of the city. The combination of visiting both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf provides the quintessential Rio experience.
Copacabana Beach: This world-famous beach is just a short distance from Sugarloaf Mountain. Its 4km stretch of golden sand, iconic black and white promenade, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Rio.
Bar Urca: A popular local spot near Sugarloaf Mountain known for its delicious empadas and beautiful views of Guanabara Bay. It’s the perfect place to relax with a cold drink after your Sugarloaf adventure.
Praia Vermelha (Red Beach): Located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, this small, scenic beach offers a more secluded alternative to Rio’s more famous beaches. Its calm waters and beautiful setting make it a pleasant spot to relax before or after your cable car journey.
RioSul Shopping Center: Located close to Sugarloaf, this shopping mall offers various dining options suitable for different tastes and preferences, along with shops for any last-minute needs.
Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)
- The Sugarloaf Cable Car was inaugurated in 1912, making it the first cable car in Brazil and the third in the world at the time.
- Each modern glass-walled cable car can accommodate up to 65 passengers, offering ample space for visitors to move around and take photos.
- A scene from the James Bond film “Moonraker” was filmed at Morro da Urca, and the original wooden cable cars (used from 1912-1972) are displayed there.
- During special events, the area between Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain has been used by daredevil slackliners who cross the gap on a thin line.
- The name “Pão de Açúcar” (Sugarloaf) was given by Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century because the mountain’s shape resembled the molds used to transport sugar back to Europe.
History:
- 1908: Civil engineer Augusto Ramos conceives the idea for a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.
- October 27, 1912: The Sugarloaf Cable Car is inaugurated as Brazil’s first cable car and the third in the world.
- 1912-1972: The original wooden cable cars serves visitors for six decades.
- 1972: A complete renovation of the original system brings modern technology to the attraction.
- 2002: New cable cars are introduced, enhancing capacity and the visitor experience.
- 2008: Further upgrades are implemented in preparation for the cable car’s 100th anniversary.
- 2012: The attraction celebrates its centennial, marking 100 years of operation.
- 2016: During the Rio Olympics, the Sugarloaf Cable Car serves as an iconic backdrop for various events and broadcasts.
- Present Day: The Sugarloaf Cable Car continues to be one of Rio’s most visited attractions, welcoming millions of visitors annually.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain?
Late afternoon is ideal for visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, allowing you to experience both daytime views and the sunset. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and the April-September off-season offers a more relaxed experience with shorter queues.
Is the Fast Pass ticket worth it?
Yes, the Fast Pass is definitely worth it during weekends, holidays, and sunset hours when regular lines can stretch to several hours. It provides timed entry and significantly reduces wait times, making it especially valuable during the high season (December-February).
Can I hike to Sugarloaf instead of taking the cable car?
You can hike to Morro da Urca (the first station) via a free 30-40 minute trail from Praia Vermelha. The trail is moderately challenging and closes at 6 PM. To reach Sugarloaf’s summit, you’ll need to purchase a cable car ticket from Morro da Urca.
Is Sugarloaf Mountain accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the Sugarloaf Cable Car is fully wheelchair accessible. Ramps are provided at boarding stations, and accessible restrooms are available at both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain, making the attraction available to visitors with mobility challenges.
Are pets allowed on the Sugarloaf Cable Car?
No, pets are not allowed on the cable cars. However, guide dogs and emotional support animals with proper documentation are permitted to accompany their owners.