Sugarloaf Mountain

Travel tips you can trust

Why
Sugarloaf Mountain
is special

This cone-shaped granite landmark is the icon of Rio de Janeiro. It's a wondrous sight to see - and a splendid site from which to see Rio spread out below you.

Sugarloaf Mountain
tips and insights

When to go

I strongly recommend that you be one of the first visitors in the morning to avoid long waiting lines (the cable-car operation begins at 8am).

Another benefit: Because the morning sun will be behind you, the view of the city and your photos will be better. In the afternoon, you will be facing the sun.

If you cannot arrive early, at least skip weekends and holidays.

And whenever you go, be sure it's a clear day as clouds and fog can ruin your viewing experience both on the summit and while you are sightseeing during your ride.

Cable car ride

It's a two-stage operation. You need to switch cars on Urca Peak, which is about halfway up the aerial journey. Spend a bit of time at Urca Peak to enjoy its interesting views of Rio. They're different from Sugarloaf Mountain's.

While in the glass-paneled cars, you will have a flying bird's eye view of Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay, the city, and more.

Height

The half-billion-year-old Sugarloaf Mountain reaches almost 400 meters (1300 feet) above the harbor.

More info

Click Rio Panoramic Views for my web page on that topic.

Location in Brazil