Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Everything you Need to Know

Sugarloaf Mountain Important Details:

Address: Av. Pasteur, 520 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-240, Brazil (Google Maps)
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 7:50pm (last cable car up at 7pm)
Cost of Entrance: R$110 (approximately $20 USD) for adults, R$55 (approximately $10 USD) for children and seniors
Recommended Time: 2 – 3 hours
How to Arrive: By car or public transportation
Distance from Rio de Janeiro: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Ideal Month(s) To Visit: All Year

Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s also one of the most recognizable features of Rio de Janeiro and is a must-see for anyone visiting. Known as Pão de Açúcar in Portuguese, Sugarloaf Mountain has panoramic views of the city, and is a perfect spot for sightseeing, hiking, and photography.

This article covers everything you need to know for visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, including how to get there, its history, things to do and see, safety tips, and more.

How to get to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

There are several ways to get to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The most popular way is to take the cable car from the base. To get to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, there is a station located at Praia Vermelha, a small beach in the neighborhood of Urca in Rio de Janeiro. The address of the cable car station is Avenida Pasteur, 520 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro.

The station is easily accessible by uber, taxi or public transportation. Once you arrive at the station, you can buy a ticket for the cable car ride, which is R$110 (approximately $20 USD) for adults, R$55 (approximately $10 USD) for children and seniors.

There are two parts of the cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. The first stage takes you to the top of Morro da Urca, a smaller rock formation that is connected to Sugarloaf Mountain by the cable car system. The second stage takes you from Morro da Urca to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The entire cable car ride takes approximately 10 minutes.

The cable car ride is actually a popular attraction itself, as it offers unique views of the city and surrounding mountains. The cable car cabins are spacious and have windows on all sides to allow for unobstructed views (perfect for Instagram reels).

There is also the option to hike up to the top of the mountain. The trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. However, the hike offers beautiful views and a unique experience that makes getting to the top feel more rewarding.

History of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Sugarloaf Mountain is a granite peak situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain’s name stems from its resemblance to the traditional shape of sugarloafs that were commonly used in the 17th century to transport sugar.

The first cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain was built in 1912 and at the time was the third cable car system in the world. Since then, the cable car system has been upgraded to provide visitors with a smooth and safe ride up to Morro da Urca and the top of Sugarloaf mountain.

What to expect when you visit Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Sugarloaf Mountain is home to some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From the observation deck you can see an amazing view of the city, including Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay, and Rio’s surrounding mountains.

The first viewpoint is located on Morro da Urca, a smaller rock formation connected to Sugarloaf Mountain by the cable car system. The cable car ride to Morro da Urca takes ~3 minutes and offers amazing views. Morro da Urca has a few restaurants and bars, so once you arrive at the top you can enjoy a meal or a drink, explore the walking trails, or take in the stunning views.

The second viewpoint is located on top of Sugarloaf Mountain. To get there, you must take a second cable car ride from Morro da Urca. This cable car ride is shorter, (less than 3 minutes), but offers even better views of Rio de Janeiro..

Once you reach the top of Sugarloaf, there are walking trails with more panoramic views from different angles. There are several lookout points that offer unique perspectives of the city, including views of Rio’s most famous beaches, trails and mountains, and the sprawling cityscape. Visiting both viewpoints is highly recommended.

How much Does it Cost to Visit Sugarloaf Mountain:

The price of visiting Sugarloaf Mountain varies depending on the time of day, the season, and whether you purchase tickets in advance or at the ticket office.

As of 2023, the current ticket prices for adults are:

Regular Ticket (morning and afternoon): R$126 (approximately USD $22)
Sunset Ticket: R$172 (approximately USD $30)
Full Moon Ticket: R$172 (approximately USD $30)
Children between the ages of 6 and 12, as well as seniors over 60 years old, can purchase discounted tickets for R$63 (approximately USD $11) for the regular ticket, and R$86 (approximately USD $15) for the sunset and full moon tickets. Children under the age of 6 can enter for free.

Note that these prices are subject to change. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance online here.