SugarLoaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
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A trip to Rio de Janeiro isn’t complete without a visit to the world famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Urca, this iconic mini-mountain is home to some of the most beautiful views in all of Rio.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain

There are actually two levels, Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) and Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), and they are connected by teleferico (gondola/air tram), which run up and down about every twenty minutes during working hours.

The first level is free if you feel like hiking or climbing, but to reach the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain; you have to pay for a ticket, and it’s well worth it.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain - Urca Hill

At the time of this post (April 2014), the cost for a ticket is R$62 for adults, R$31 for 6-21 year olds and free for children under six. 

*A tip for those backpacking 21-35ish year olds is to bring a student (photo) ID with you and you can get the R$31 rate.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro

If possible, I highly recommend going on a weekday when there is a much smaller crowd, and even better, go right before sunset, when there is even less people for some reason.

Marmoset in Rio de Janeiro
Local Sugarloaf residents came out to greet me. This is the first marmoset I’ve ever seen in the wild.

I went on Monday at 4:30pm in order to reach the top before sunset and as you can see from the photos and video, the view and lighting is absolutely incredible!

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain
The view of Urca (below), Flamengo beach, Centro Rio (left) and Niteroi (top right) from Sugarloaf Mountain

Buy a few beers from the mountaintop snack shop and give yourself at least an hour to soak in all the vistas and just relax while the city lights come alive…

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain

Some of the most notable points of interest from Sugarloaf mountain are Ipanema and Copacabana beach, Botafogo beach, Christ the Redeemer, Flamengo beach, Centro Rio, Urca, Praia Vermelha and Niteroi.

Sugarloaf Mountain Hours:

  • Ticket Office: 8AM – 7:50PM
  • First Tram: 8:10AM
  • Last Tram (from top): 8:40PM
  • Last Tram (from Urca Hill): 9:00PM

10 Responses

    1. I completely understand Naomi, it is such an addicting place! Hopefully you’ll have the opportunity soon.

    1. They are a little more expensive than usual, but well worth it. They don’t search your stuff so I’m sure you can bring a bag of adult drinks if you want to save some money.

  1. I am really looking forward to visit Brazil in the future. I’ve heard from my friends that it is really a great place the reason why I’ve put it in my must-see destinations! Thanks for sharing this.

  2. I am going in 2 weeks for the world cup do you know if i can purchase tickets in advance? also how far would you say christ the redeemer statue is from sugar loaf mountain

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