About Sugarloaf Mountain
Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) rises 1,299 feet from Guanabara Bay, accessible via glass cable cars in two stages. The first cable car reaches Morro da Urca (722 feet), the second continues to Sugarloaf's summit. The 360-degree views encompass Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, downtown Rio, and the bay - especially stunning at sunset.
⏰ Hours & Best Times
- Daily: 8 AM - 9 PM (cable cars every 30 min)
- Best: Sunset (5-7 PM) for golden hour views
- Least crowded: Early morning (8-10 AM)
💰 Costs
- Cable car: R$140 ($28) round trip both stages
- Guided tour: R$200-300 with transport
- Private guide: R$400-600
- Sunset tours: R$250-350 (popular, book ahead)
✨ Highlights
- 🚡 Glass cable cars: Swiss engineering since 1912
- 🌅 Sunset views: Best vantage point in Rio
- 🏖️ Beach panoramas: See Copacabana's full curve
- 🍹 Summit bar: Caipirinhas with a view
📝 Tips
- Sunset booking: Reserve online to guarantee spot
- Two stages: Stop at Morro da Urca first (restaurants, trails)
- Weather watch: Skip if cloudy - views are everything
- Combine with Christ: Most do both in one day
- Evening hours: Last cars 9 PM - see Rio lit up