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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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…
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
Incredible views! How much I’m craving to be back in South America!
Naomi recently posted..Blacks #EpicAdventures Explore Competition
I completely understand Naomi, it is such an addicting place! Hopefully you’ll have the opportunity soon.
Stunning photo Gareth – they made me want to book a ticket to South America
Savi of Bruised Passports recently posted..The Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam
Do it! : )
Love how you can buy adult beverages at the top … but how much do they cost? I’m afraid to ask :S
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.
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.
You got it John! Let me know if you have any questions when it gets closer to reality for you.
I know Naomi, it is such an addictive place! Hopefully you will have the chance soon.
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