Sugar Loaf Mountain Tours and Activities

Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes a sunset and mountains
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Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes a gondola
Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes a bay or harbour
Sugar Loaf Mountain


For a breathtaking blend of cityscapes, rainforest vistas and beautiful beach views, take a trip to Rio’s sweetest attraction.

Sugarloaf Mountain is named after the mounds of sugar produced by traders in the 16th century, during the boom of Brazil’s sugar cane industry. The mountain’s cone-like shape resembles the sugar loaves, fashioned before sugar was offered in the granulated or cube forms we know today. The mountain is, in fact, made of granite, and stretches 396 metres into the air.

The mountain is known as Pão de Acucar in Portuguese, and is popular with rock climbers. Visitors that don’t fancy scaling the side of the mountain can ascend by cable car – a fantastic experience in itself. The cable car journey is in two stages – the first of the three minute journeys takes up to 65 passengers between Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) and Morro da Urca (Urca’s mountain). Morro da Urca is also a popular destination, with a restaurant and children’s play area on site.

The final leg of the cable car journey takes visitors to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. The ventilated glass cars offer 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the rainforest, and beautiful beaches. Check with the cable car ticket office whether there are any early closures scheduled, as this often happens to accommodate seasonal festivities. Cars usually depart every 20 minutes.

Once you have reached the summit, take a deep breath and marvel at the views. Nestled in Guanabara Bay, the mountain looks down over Rio, the rainforest and the sparkling blue ocean, with Ipanema and Copacabana beaches both visible directly below. Sugarloaf Mountain also offers an unrivalled perspective of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), situated atop nearby Corcovado.

As well as the inevitable crowds at the top, there are often troupes of monkeys that are happy to be photographed. Sugarloaf Mountain offers a spectacular sunset on a clear day but to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit as early as possible before the tour groups begin to arrive.

To get to the cable car entrance on foot, walk to Guanabara Bay from nearby Copacabana Beach. Buses and boats are available to bring visitors coming from further afield.

Reviews of Sugar Loaf Mountain

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great views of the city & surrounds from such close proximity. Worthwhile to visit. Not so crowded when I went, a Sunday early afternoon.

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Top Sugar Loaf Mountain Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
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Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
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Arena Leme Hotel
Arena Leme Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. Atlântica 324, Rio de Janeiro
Arena Leme Hotel
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Duvivier 82 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme
Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme
4 out of 5
Rua Gustavo Sampaio 320, Leme, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.