Sugar Loaf cable car
Gondola lift station · Urca ·

Sugar Loaf cable car

Gondola lift station · Urca ·

Gondola reachable mountain offering stunning bay and city views

panoramic views
cable car ride
sugarloaf mountain
rio de janeiro
great views
tourist attraction
christ the redeemer
clear day
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null
Sugar Loaf cable car by null

Information

Av. Pasteur, 520 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22290-240, Brazil Get directions

Restroom
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Information

Static Map

Av. Pasteur, 520 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22290-240, Brazil Get directions

+55 21 2546 8433
bondinho.com.br
@parquebondinho

Features

•Restroom
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@silverkris
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Take in spectacular views on the world’s most iconic cable car rides - SilverKris

"Opened in 1912, this beloved gondola has carried almost 40 million people up Sugarloaf Mountain, delivering unbeatable vistas of Rio de Janeiro’s peaks, bays and beaches. It is a must-do for appreciating the city from above; tickets are priced at R$80 for adults over 21, R$40 for those aged 6–21, and free for children under 6." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/travel-tips/take-spectacular-views-worlds-iconic-cable-car-rides/
Sugar Loaf cable car

Hannah M.

Google
100% recommend on a clear day. We arrived at 4.15pm and since it was crowded we reached the first stop at 5pm. Definitely buy your tickets online or it will take you even longer. We immediately went straight up to the second viewpoint. Perfect time to see the surrounding, sunset and Rio at night.

Petra (.

Google
Sept.25: a must see when visiting Rio de Janeiro. Arrival @Bondinho ticket booth, we bought tickets on the spot with discounts! We were lucky, Lisa got discount as a student (she had her student card with her as proof) & both my partner & I got seniority discount (without proof; we aren't even 60 years!). Instead of BRL197 × 3, we now got in for total BRL291 = €46.60 which saved us almost €50. The ticket combined two cable car rides, one to Morro da Urca (height @220 m) & the other to Pão da Açúcar (height @396 m) as well as visit Project Maravilha of Carlos Vergara. @1st stop we had lovely views of the different surrounding bays & beaches, as well as Christ the Redeemer in the far. There were cuddly little monkey's hanging around & also the oldest cable car vehicle (in yellow). There was a lot of military activity @this platform. Last stop was @Pão da Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). There are benches in the shade underneath the trees. Afterwards we went to the project Maravilha which was in a shady bush with lush vegetation & blooming trees & flowers. Along there were several benches as well as tables with stools. So we played some card games & enjoyed the panoramic views!

Juho Ä.

Google
Pre-purchased tickets recommended but they also can be changed if the weather is not favorable. This car takes you on top of the Sugar loaf mountains from where you have a spectacular view over Rio de Janeiro. On a good day you can see the Christ the Redeemer statue majestically standing towards the Sugar loaf mountains. On the first hill after the first leg you have a platform where they have set a "night" club with electronic music. Also some shops and restaurants available. On the second platform after the second leg you also have some shops, restaurants and of course viewing pltforms.

Ali K.

Google
Another must see attraction in Rio besides the Christ the Redeemer. Very professionally managed and the cable car ride was safe and comes with breathtaking views ( if it's not cloudy or rainy) although the ride is pretty short compared to what I thought. Views from the mountain are spectacular to say the least. There are cafes, ships and restaurants to enhance your visit. Seeing one of the marmoset monkeys was a huge plus.

Alper Y.

Google
During our six-hour layover in Rio de Janeiro, we decided to make the most of our time by visiting Sugarloaf Mountain. The taxi ride from the airport took about 45 minutes, with some heavy traffic along the way, but it was absolutely worth it. We had purchased advance fast-pass tickets, which turned out to be a great decision — they allowed us to skip the long entrance line and save valuable time. The city itself felt vibrant and beautiful, and Sugarloaf rises majestically near Copacabana Beach, an iconic sight even from afar. The cable car ride was a highlight in itself — knowing it’s one of the first cable cars in the world made the experience even more special. The first stop takes you to a lower hill, surrounded by lush greenery and curious little monkeys that were delightful to watch. The facilities there were spotless and well maintained. We then boarded the second cable car up to Sugarloaf’s summit. The rides are frequent — about every five minutes — so there’s very little waiting. On the way up, we even spotted rock climbers scaling the face of the mountain, taking short breaks along the way. The views from the top were stunning — sweeping vistas of Rio, the beaches, and the ocean. It was a short visit, but truly memorable. I highly recommend this experience to anyone passing through Rio, even if you only have a few hours to spare.

100bpk

Google
The waiting line here is very very long. The best option is to take the express fast track ticket which will dig a hole in ur pocket but is better then standing for an hour or more. Ones on the car u will be up in 1.5 mins in first and similar time in 2nd car. The view is very nice to see from up, specially for plane lovers to see the airport n flight take off n landing. It is very spacious up and so one can enjoy and have a great time up, either by just eating or walking or sitting or just enjoying the 360 degree view. There r toilets up the and ample amount of food options along with shopping options are available. One can take a helicopter ride too from there. Only negative are the lines. Going n coming time takes alot due to the long lines. Visitors r adviced to keep a day to visit here. It was safe too.

Kele C.

Google
We bought priority access and there was no . If you are over 60 bring your ID; we paid 50% less than the posted price! Views of the city and islands off shore were beautiful. Unless the weather app is showing Absolutely Sunny and clear they suggest waiting until you arrive to buy your tickets because the weather can change and in a heartbeat you can see nothing but a foggy cloud!

Altın S.

Google
The Sugarloaf Cable Car is an unforgettable experience and truly one of the highlights of Rio. The ride itself is smooth and exciting, offering incredible panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Reaching the top feels magical—especially during sunset when the whole skyline glows. The area is well-organized, safe, and perfect for taking amazing photos. Whether you’re visiting Rio for the first time or returning again, the Sugarloaf Cable Car is absolutely a must-do.
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Zemin H.

Yelp
We came here early to avoid the long line. A glass cable car carried us to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, actually expect to ride second cable car to real mountain top, which is a symbol of the city, in ideal conditions, I supposed to see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio, and Guanabara Bay, etc. actually what you can see is by chance, the mist of cloud always come across to make you wonder, and it's hard to take a good picture of the stunning panoramic view of bay. There are squirrel-like primates called marmosets which can be spotted near the cable car stations and trails on the mountain , a species native to eastern Brazil. The tourists are discouraged to feed them.
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Shirley N.

Yelp
Known as Sugarloaf Mountain as the mountain peak resembles how sugar cane was shaped and molded in Brazil. Our tour group of 34 had a morning excursion here. To get to the top you need to take two trams. Standing room only. Once at the top you'll get off. Then walk around and take in the spectacular panoramic views. There are plenty of spots where you can take in the views and get some great shots. You'll see the bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the domestic airport, the various neighborhoods, and much more of Rio de Janeiro. There are plans to add a zip line. It'll take you as far as the first tram. Not to street level. No thanks. There's a cafe, gift shops, and gelato shop. I got a gelato. And bathrooms of course. A must visit if in Rio.
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Jody S.

Yelp
I could have literally hung out here all day watching planes land at the nearby airport of Sugar Loaf Mountain. After riding the air cart that fits 60 people easily to the first level, it brings you to an overlook which gives a great vantage point of the flight landing path. Because we're on a mountain we are at the same altitude of planes turning into the landing. My friend who is a Pilot was also there giving me great insight on the pilots maneuver into that landing so I was completely in my element. Wish I caught pictures but it was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had.
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Nathan D.

Yelp
Go early as it gets busier and busier the later the day gets. Many ppl try to get there just b4 sunset so they can watch it .. so this is likely the busiest time to go. You can do a half experience as well as the full experience which will take you all the way up to sugar mountain. I also recommend doing the fast past... it really helps esp when there and the place is crowded
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Benedict C.

Yelp
Sugarloaf Mountain will be near the top of any list for things to do in Rio de Janeiro. I visited Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on the same day and I honestly enjoyed Sugarloaf more. The cable car ride up gives great views but the views from the top are even better. I didn't know that there are 2 peaks so you ride up a cable car twice. There's a lot of room to walk and there are cafes to buy some snacks too. Even though there was a lot of people I never felt cramped. We booked our tickets ahead of time and I recommend it. I'm sure the lines can get crazy. Depending on your schedule most sites even do package deals for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. My friends and I even attended a party at Sugarloaf that went until sunrise. So I experienced Sugarloaf at sunrise and sunset. That was really cool. Another must-see in Rio.
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Amisha R.

Yelp
Gorgeous panoramic views of Rio. Go for the sunset to catch for the best views on a clear day; on Fridays and Saturdays they have a dj at the first cable stop at 4:30 (times may vary depending on time of year). There are tons of cute shops and restaurants once you get off the cable car also. I recommend getting the fast pass to cut the long lines.
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Beth S.

Yelp
Absolutely breathtaking! Amazing experience! If you're from a flat place (like south Florida), the topography of Brazil will blow you away! And one of the best ways to experience the beauty of that country is by going to Sugar Loaf Mountain. We went here as part of an excursion. We went to 4 different places. This was stop #3. I don't know what a regular entry ticket costs because we had an all day excursion. But, you could spend a lot of time here! We went on a Thursday afternoon. There weren't really any lines. There are two large cars that take people up and down the mountain. Each holds up to 65 people. We had about 30 people in each car. The tram car takes you up to a smaller mountain where you'll have great views, but change onto another tram. We saw the cutest little monkey on the first mountain! The second tram takes you up to the top of Sugar Loaf. The view is amazing! So many islands, beaches, and mountains! It's a great place to watch the sunset. There's shops and snack bars on the mountain. This is a bucket list thing to do in Rio. A "must do" in Rio.
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Nisha B.

Yelp
Cool spot to reach the top of Sugar loaf mountain. You go up 2 cable cars. At each stop, are food/drinks, trinket shops etc. Nice views
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Stephen J.

Yelp
Rio is quite an adventure and this family friendly excursion up the Sugar Loaf Mountain was breathtaking. A must do. The cable car was safe and the environment provided a panoramic view of Rio. I could see the surrounding nature, hear the birds, feel the environment and see the airport and boats from afar. Treat yourself!
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Tyler L.

Yelp
This very famous mountain (Sugarloaf) was named this way because its shape resembles a piece of refined sugar named sugarloaf that was sold back in the day. As an attraction itself, it is simple but marvelous. The mountain has an observation deck that offers amazing views of the whole city. To get to the top, you actually have to take two trams. The first tram takes you to a lower peak, and then the second one takes you to the top. I really enjoyed even the trams themselves. They are open glass wall cars that give you 360 degree views of everything as you rise up. This is simply a can't miss attraction for visitors to Rio.

Richard S.

Yelp
RIP OFF COMPANY I had booked my wife and I to take the fast track and unfortunately 3 weeks before our South America trip she became ill and could not walk and will need an operation. I had to postpone the trip to later this year and contacted the airlines, hotels and many excursion companies and they ALL wanted to help - NOT THIS COMPANY. They ignored all my communications and just took the money. There are some things in life we can't help and my wife's health change was not planned. Not even an acknowledgement via email or Viator communication so I would steer claer as I measure a company by their response and customer service which was non-existent!
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Sara G.

Yelp
You must go to Sugar Loaf while you're in Rio! Best views on a clear day! Sugar Loaf is situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 1,299 ft above the harbor. It gets its name due to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. It is known worldwide for its cableway and panoramic views of the city.
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Carmen V.

Yelp
Another must see when in Rio de Janeiro...the views are simply spectacular. It is very hot, but don't worry, enough spots to stop and have a drink. It is super touristic place but for some reason the day I went with my group (we were like 100 people attending a wedding in Rio) there was not that many, so I did not feel that 'too crowded' thing as in the Cristo Redentor excursion. I loved the whole experience of taking the cable up and just being there, observing the fabulous views and talking to other tourists. Somehow, since my skin is usually a topic of conversation and Brazilians are not shy to ask and I also speak the language...I got to meet people from other areas of Brazil that were visiting Rio, some for the first time in their lives!
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Justin S.

Yelp
This cable car to Sugarloaf mountain was another stop on the city tour. There are two legs of this, the first cable car takes you from Praia Vermelha (the beach) to Morro da Urca which is 722 ft above sea level where you'll find a helipad for helicopter tours, some small bars and restaurants inside some of the older cable cars that were used when it was originally built. There's quite a bit of room to roam around and enjoy the views. From there another cable car takes you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at 1,299 ft. When I first arrived at the top it was literally in the clouds and I couldn't see anything. But soon the clouds cleared away and the view became quite dramatic. There's not as much to do at this level but there was a restaurant and some small shops. Heading back down I inquired about the helicopter tour but I would have needed to make a prior reservation and coming back another day and paying again for the cable car to get to the helicopter seemed silly to me. Now I know for my next visit.
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Nicole E.

Yelp
This is a must while in Rio. It provides some fantastic views of the city. It's not a long ride, but gives you such great vantage points of the city. Can't beat some of the selfies once you are up the cable. You can take some great pics on an overcast day, but I can imagine what the landscape would look like on a beautifully sunny day too.
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Danielle P.

Yelp
Sugarloaf mtn is a must see if your in Rio! Beautiful panoramic views that are simply jus magical. It was cloudy the day I went but we still enjoyed to the fullest. The price is reasonable, free wifi, and the lines go really quickly for the cable car. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that you don't wanna miss. Urca Hill is the first hill, make sure you hang out here, the views are nice here also. The second is Sugarloaf mtn. They do have gift shops, restrooms and food at both levels. I didn have any issues in Oct with crowds, I went around lunch time. Its the best views in RIO! On a clear day you can see Christ The Redeemer in the far views. I did see part of it before the clouds rolled in.
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Lynda W.

Yelp
Sugar Loaf Mountain is a must see destination in Rio. The views from the top are spectacular and you see so much of the city from here!! We met fellow tourists from all over the world and enjoyed the conversations. Our tour guide was very helpful in sharing information and history to make the visit more interesting. I would definitely recommend this if you are in South America
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Shawn H.

Yelp
If you don't like it, you must hate life. The views are spectacular, if you like cheesier terms, I'd say breathtaking. I'm an airplane nerd and even loved watching planes take off and land from SDU airport, easily visible to the north. Quite busy the day we visited, so the skip the line passes were definitely worth the price, we didn't want to wait in line considering how much time you will sit in traffic while in Rio.
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Israel G.

Yelp
Iconic, majestic, historic all in one. If you're in Rio, you must come! Buy your tickets at the gate to get a discount for children. Bring your official documentation to verify children and senior ages. There are places to eat and rest along the way including a great view of Christ the Redeemer.
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Vince N.

Yelp
This is your only option for getting up onto Urca Hill (the first mound) and Sugarloaf Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. ACCESS: Ride times up are between 8:00a and 7:30p with the last ride down at 8:00p, about every 20 minutes, but it may depend on the season. Tickets for adults are about $25 for a round trip. CABLE CARS: Capacity is about 25-30 people per car and manned by an onboard operator. Two cars service the base station to Urca. Two additional cars service Urca and Sugarloaf. I'm not sure if they're climate-controlled or not but small windows were popped open for ventilation. The rides were smooth and the cars didn't sway at all. URCA HILL: We didn't spend too much time here as the views aren't as majestic due to its lower elevation of 721 feet, but there's a free museum of the cable cars you can take in, along with observation decks. Crowds here are less than on Sugarloaf. SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN: Topping out at 1,299 feet is Sugarloaf. The views of the Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo areas to the west and Icaraí to the east are superb from its numerous viewing platforms. We stayed for sunset which was amazing. A gift shop and restaurant/bar Clássico Beach Club Urca (see separate review) are here too. OVERALL: Killer views, definitely a repeat if we come back.
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Diana G.

Yelp
I must have gotten lucky because I didn't end up having to wait in long lines to get to this attraction. We took an Uber to the entrance, bought our tickets and within a few minutes were on the the first cable car up. The cable car was spacious enough to fit a lot of people and still have room. The ride up to the first stop took only a few minutes. It goes faster than it looks. Try to get yourself next to the window for some great pictures. You have to take a second cable car to reach the top of sugar loaf. Once at the top, you'll have a spectacular view of Rio. I suggest to take your time, put your camera down and enjoy the scenery. Hopefully you can go on a clear day where you can even see Christ the Redeemer from afar. On both cable car stops, you will find bathrooms and snack places. They have a souvenir shop on the top. I'm a tad bit claustrophobic and I did not have a problem in the cable car. Remember to keep your ticket because you will need it each time you get on the cable car
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Tracey A.

Yelp
A wildly efficient series of gondolas connects you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). At each, you'll exit to drink in the views, possibly stopping for a beer or snack as well. At the highest peak you'll pause a little longer. This is the view about which Lonely Planet says "seen from the peak... Rio is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the world". I've sometimes disagreed with Lonely Planet but this time they were pretty spot on; if not the most beautiful, the view is certainly right up there with the world's greats. If you're a tourist in Brazil heading to the top of Sugarloaf will no doubt be on your list so I'll just boil this down to the essentials: * Some companies offer joint tours of Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer in a single day. I see no reason to book a tour of either nor would I recommend doing both in one day. They're both easily accomplished on your own and, since both are essentially vista viewing experiences, knocking them off in the same day would feel a bit redundant. * There might be times when advance tickets are helpful but on a Saturday in December (Brazil's summer/high season) there was no wait to purchase tickets or to board. * If you're a senior 60+, bring a copy of your passport. Your ticket will then be approximately half the regular price. * An ascent to the top is best on a clear day at sunset. The fog and clouds were shifting rapidly when I visited. It wasn't clear nor was it sunset. Still? Beautiful. * You're probably going to do both but if I had the chance for only one I'd choose Sugarloaf over Christ the Redeemer. It was far less crowded. * You can take the gondolas back down but why? From the lower peak, search adroitly and you'll find the easy 900 meter (about 1/2 mile) footpath, Trilha do Morro da Urca, back down the mountain. At the end, you'll find yourself on the Pisto Claudio Countinho footpath which leads directly to Praia Vermelha, a charming beach. Spend some time there then make the nice stroll over to Bar Urca. Voila; a recipe for a perfect day.
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Miriam W.

Yelp
Well worth the price of admission, the views from Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) are unmatched anywhere in Rio! A tourist attraction to be sure, you'll want to beat the heat and the masses by arriving here no later than 09:30 in the morning. Pay for your ticket and wait your turn for a ride in the glass-walled cable cars with about 60 or so other folks. The ride has two bits: the first goes from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) and the second goes from Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain. We went to the second stage directly after arriving at the first and I'd recommend you do the same. This way we were able to take in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain when it was less crowded and then traveled back down to explore the first bit. Pão de Açúcar is a must visit attraction in Rio, don't leave the Marvelous City without coming here to take in the sweeping views.
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Ash C.

Yelp
Pao de Azucar aka Sugarloaf Mountain AKA my favorito favorito Despacito place in Rio hehe MUST-VISIT and keep your day open with no real plans to really enjoy being here and take in the beautiful sights of Rio from the mountain top. During Summer 2017 i went to Rio four times and Pao de Azuca was the first attraction i visited (during my first visit) and wished i did so again during my last. You can take a taxi to the Pao de Azuca ground location where you buy a ticket from. You then take the suspended trolley that takes you up while you marvel at the sights. Once you are up, you contine marvelling through and through. I took a million snaps and selfies here and i dont regret one. You first go to Morro de Urca (the smaller mountain) and then take another trolley from Urca to Azucar. Urca is great to take cityscapes from an aerial point and Azucar is great to just meditate for a few minutes and taking the sweet moments in while the clouds magically do a dance of salt and smoke and create a beautiful moment for you to take in. I also happened to taste the yummiest Churro on Urca so get yourself a chocolate/caramel filled churro and stay to enjoy the sunset when you are back at Urca. I miss this place so much!
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Michelle T.

Yelp
If anyone decides to make a trip to Brazil going to the Sugar Loaf is a MUST! You get a beautiful view of the city from all angles of the mountain. The "loaf" itself is fun to walk around with many picturesque moments. There is food readily available and you have to take a gondola to different parts of the sugarloaf. There are animals wandering around and even some spiky tropical fruit hanging, from the looks it seems to be jackfruit. I'd say it's good to dedicate half a day to experiencing the Sugar Loaf.
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Justin Y.

Yelp
The best view in Rio. If you had to choose one. Choose this over Christ the Redeemer. Multiple Cable rides up but the view in Rio is Splendid.... OBRIGATO.
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Teddy B.

Yelp
Fantastic place to go and visit definitely do the cable cars absolutely worth it some fantastic views
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Crystal C.

Yelp
Beautiful views and you may see monkeys! Nice ride up the gondola. Good for the entire family and you can see all of copacabana. You will also see ambitious rock climbers climbing up the mountain.
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Timothy Michael G.

Yelp
A must go to and experience in Rio de Janeiro! Truly one of the best experiences I ever had in my life! The view is spectacular and there is so much you can see of Rio. The city is spread out in such a way you can look all around the mountain and see practically everything! The first car up took about 3 minutes, then you reach a shopping area along with buildings with information about the history of the area and the building of the cable cars. The second cable cars take you up the Sugarloaf Mountain itself. The wind is strong but refreshing. But can definitely blow your skirt up a don't wear loose clothing. Be sure to bring a sharpie as well, there is a huge advertisement the covers a wall that people have signed their names or initials in to show that they were here. One of the best parts though was the marmoset monkeys that were up there! By far this place will leave a memory I won't ever forget!
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Suley Z.

Yelp
Wow. The view from the top is priceless. So we went twice but the best time was at sunset. Wow wow wow. It's all I can say. They have some cafes at top and also some shops
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Lanie L.

Yelp
Pao De Acucar, or Sugarloaf, is probably the top Tourist destination in Rio De Janeiro, right after Christ the Redeemer. I only had 1 day and 1 chance to do 1 of them. I chose Sugarloaf. Unfortunately with the heavy cloudiness and fog, I heard that even if I were to make it to the top of Christ, I wouldn't be able to see all of him. So, I went to the top of Sugarloaf mountain instead. Pay $70R, and you can take the tram from the bottom of the hill to the first peak of the mountain, to the next. Each stop has its own amazing views. Take your time! There's no time limit. Don't feel rushed getting photos. Really take in all the views. Maybe grab a drink at the really overpriced bar. I found the views on the first mountain to be better since the fog was really clouding up our vision on the top one. The same reason is also why we couldn't see Christ from across the water. Despite the weather (and I heard its a very common problem), it was still an enjoyable trip with breathtaking views. My only other tip? Please shower and/or wear some deodorant people! Wow was that Tram ride smelly. Don't look at me, I showered that morning. I couldn't wait to get off that thing. Blech.
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Farran M.

Yelp
Sugar Loaf mountain is a must-do activity in Rio. We arrived around 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon. The lines were relatively short and moved quickly. The key to ensuring you get the best view are your spots in the tram and where you choose to stand/sit at the top. There are truly no bad spots. The views are breathtaking. Sunset is a popular time to visit, so expect crowds. The bar at the top offers happy hour, so be sure to take advantage.
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Ron B.

Yelp
Been here during my first visit to Brazil some 15 years ago. I remember it as an amazing landmark and view point. The ride up and down in the cable car was fun and the view from the top was simply outstanding. Recently got a good view of the 'Sugarloaf' again while taking off from Santos Dumont Airport so decided for a quick review. The Pão do Açúcar is a must see while in Rio.
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Patrick L.

Yelp
Sugar loaf is amazing. Great unique experience. Tram ride up is a prelude to wondrous views. The first stop offers great views of Cristo, surrounding city, beaches, and bay. Nice short walk around the top of the point , stop for a drink and snack if you're on no rush and say hello to the monkeys that grace the area. Even a Havaina store where you can grab one of a hundred different designs. I'm not sure what you can see from the 2nd stop. It was entirely covered in clouds. It was like being inside a cloud. Really amazing. Worth a couple of hours for certain.
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Jasmine R.

Yelp
Sugarloaf mountain is a MUST SEE! You cannot skip this place! It is worth the price and the views will take your breath away. I have seen beautiful sights in almost every continent and this place was so magical, and it is hard to top. Even though there seemed to be a large line, it was not long at all to board the cable cars and go exploring. We went all the way up and the pictures don't even do it justice. Trust me, you will WANT to go here especially during sunset! (Beware the lines coming back since sunset is a popular thing to see there!)
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Naomi K.

Yelp
You really have to chose the right day to go in order to see the vistas, as in all tall pints of interest (Dois Irmãos, Cristo, piedra de Gávea) because the clouds float in and out with the breeze of them wind. Luckily we picked the right day to visit, a little hazy in the distance, but fairly clear and not overwhelmingly hot. Everyone knows this as a highlight of Rio. You can hike the first mountain and buy a ticket only for the second cable car or you can ride both. Also if you go near sunset, you can get a free ride back if you only purchase one way. I didn't see the night time views, but they also look spectacular from the pictures. Apparently they hold dance parties at night on the first mountain that are super popular. I avoided the tourist rush (went during the workweek, during noon, well after Carnaval) and there was hardly a line for tickets and only about a 15 minute wait for the first cable car up. It was easy to get to by ônibus and right next to the Escola de guerra. Definitely take your nice camera, take panoramic shots, catch the Hawks in flight, the micos playing in the trees or the delicious jackfruit hanging from the trees. Don't worry if you can't get a good shot from the bondinhos (cable cars) because you can get better ones frontline the mountain tops. There some novelty shops up top and a food stand on the highest mountain but not anything culinary noteworthy. (Hey were out of ham sandwiches and the pão de queijo was stale). It's better just to snack there than to make a meal. The cable cars are quick, lines move relatively fast if it's not super crowded with tour groups. Definitely a must see in Rio for a reason.
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Hansel B.

Yelp
This is a another tourist spot with nice views of the city. Some observations. If it's cloudy, don't bother, you wont see anything The lines to get back down can be pretty long, plan accordingly The view from Cristo Redentor is better, not sure why it's worth it doing both. If you like views, it's still a nice spot, just make sure you are prepared to wait in a few lines, this will take you 2-3hrs total including wait times.
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Santina T.

Yelp
Paid for preferential access to skip the line and to my surprise this was not the case. Skipped the line on the first cable car from the ground. The remaining cable car rides other lines were let up first. Rude passengers. Pushing and shoving. One elderly lady fell while exiting. Can you say lawsuit? Why did I pay extra if I did not receive priority. Would not recommend paying extra, not worth it, only a way to get your money. Ridiculous. Maybe if I wasn't a frequent traveler I would recommend but if you seen one mountain you have seen them all. Find another place to visit.
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Ashley N.

Yelp
We decided last minute to go to the mountain at night instead of during the day because we didn't want to have such a tight schedule on our last day in Rio. We arrived around 6:15pm and there was quite a long line to get tickets. The line moved relatively quickly and by 7pm ish we were hopping on the cable car. The first cable car takes you to the first mountain and they say it takes 3 minutes to get there; it felt a heck of a lot faster. Once we got off the cable car, we made our way to the second cable car where there was another line but again, moved quickly. If you don't want to go to the second cable car right away, there looks to be a little restaurant, museum, shopping and some great views. When we got to the top, it was absolutely stunning - even on a partly cloudy evening!! The views made me realize how giant of a city Rio really is and how gorgeous it is. We took photos for maybe 15 minutes, had some overpriced coffee (the restaurant here is super expensive, beware), checked out the overprice souvenir store and then chilled for a bit because the line was horrendous. Finally as the line started to dwindle down, we made our way back. The views on the way down were great as well and the clouds broke up so we could see the Christ looking over the city - awesome view but does not photograph well at night. We finally got back to the ground around 9:45pm. Be prepared to wait in line a lot, but totally worth the 62 reals. My only suggestion is that you bring a picnic/drinks with you. They don't check bags, so I don't see why you couldn't bring a little snack. :) Lastly, if you are looking for a cab afterwards, do not let one of those guys swindle you!!! One cab driver told us it would be 50 reals to Copacabana - no way!!!!! The cab drivers should be using their meters and it will be about 20 reals to the middle of Copacabana.
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Alex D.

Yelp
Legendary experience. A real "must do" if you are visiting Rio de Janeiro... I have been to Rio many times, and often like to visit the Pão de Açucar, just because the view is so amazing. The historical museum is worth a stop too, especially on really hot days, because there's great A/C blasting inside. There are somewhat expensive concessions and stores on the mountains, but I didn't feel that they detracted too much from the experience of walking around and taking in the views of the Bahia da Guanabara and watching planes take off from Santos Dumont airport. You can almost hear Tom Jobim singing "Wave" when you see them land. Fantastic. Go. Take pictures. Show them to your family and to your children. Live life and enjoy! (Not sure I would opt for the helicopter ride though... Looks short and those things aren't always safe, you know?)
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Chris S.

Yelp
Sunday January 8, 2017 approximately 10:30 am After our driver took us to Christ the Redeemer we than head to Pao de Acucar aka "Sugerloaf" It was a nice sunny day at the sugerloaf with few people around and no line. Since my company gave me a day off. I took the liberty by taking the company driver to take me and 2 other team member around for some sight seeing. How I get there? Our driver drop us off at the round about and we walk about 5 mins to the photos taken place and the ticket booth. How much did it cost? I've paid about R$76 come out around US$23. The like was not that long and it was fast moving getting to the top. Personal experience? I think this is the spot for a 360 view of Rio de Janeiro. The first level of sugerloaf overlooking the view of Chris the redeemer and the airport. You can see the plan coming around for a landing. The second parts of the sugerloaf you can see Copacabana and the Favela. It might be nice at night also if you have the chance.
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Kevin A.

Yelp
Wonderful experience and amazing views. The cable cars are efficient. A must see if you are Rio. Amazing shots from the top and bottom. Once you get to the top make sure to enjoy the views as you sop on your beer or caipirinha.
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Nola G.

Yelp
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar) is located on the Guanabara Bay and on a peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean. You ascent to the top in two stages for a 360 degree view of the beautiful Rio de Janeiro. The first stop is to Urca Mountain. The peak of Sugarloaf is 396 meters. More than a million tourists visit Sugarloaf. You can purchase your tickets online or at the station located at Praia Vermelha (Red Beach.) Sunset is amazing!! You can see Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, Niteroi Bridge, Guanabara Bay. There are restaurants, shops, and trails. Close to Copacabana. Taxi service is very accessible. The ticket office is open from 8-19:50. The complex is open from 8-21:00. The first departure is 8:10. The last departure is 20:40 from Sugarloaf and 21:00 from Urca. Adult entrance fee is 80R$. This is a don't miss when in Rio!! www.bondinho.com.br
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Camille M.

Yelp
Going on a Thursday - there was absolutely no lines for anything! Took an Uber to the ticket office. Walked through what looked like a metal detector (it didn't work) then went through what looked like where you take a picture. Like I said - there was no line to go through at the ticket office. Once we got our tickets - we went to where we would board the cable car. The cable car leaves every 20 minutes - we only waited about 5 minutes until the next cable car left. Going during an afternoon - it was quite humid & hot - the cable car was quite hot - as they only open windows & didn't have fans or AC on - so my suggestion is to be one of the last people on the cable car so that you aren't stuck in the heatbox for longer than necessary. The ride is about 3 minutes to both mountains - which isn't bad. Both mountains have AMAZING views! The first stop has more stores & places to eat. It even has a Haviana's Store. There are a ton of seating on both mountains - benches, tables & chairs. The second mountain has a little hiking trail that is paved that has some awesome views as well as places to sit where you can have a picnic. Going on a Thursday was really - not busy (surprisingly) - not sure how it is during the weekend - but I recommend going during the week to avoid the crowds. Again, the views are absolutely breathtaking! A must-see in Rio!
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Laura C.

Yelp
Wow! Seeing Rio from a giant rock 1,299 ft high (from bay level) is astonishing! Growing up, the only thing I knew about Rio was that they had beautiful beaches and that women that wore skimpy bikinis on it. Later, totally into the 'Twilight" series phase, I discovered the Cristo Redentor. After seeing a friends Facebook wall, I discovered hang-gliding in Rio and Carnaval is a big deal. Only after booking my trip to Rio did I find out that the "Copacabana" Barry Manilow sings about is on Copacabana beach. All those wonderful things and no one mentioned Sugar Loaf Mountain!! To me, that is a travesty! One that I don't understand. In fact, I still would not have known had a tour to Sugar Loaf not been included in our day trip to Cristo Redentor, which we booked through our hotel after arriving in Rio. Let me preface by saying that I am afraid of heights. However; I am more afraid of regret, so I knew I had to step onto the 65-person cable car...and then a 2nd cable car. The 2 rides span almost a mile. The first car takes you to Morro da Urca - which is 220 meters high. The 2nd takes you to Pão de Açúcar, which is 396 meters high. For starters, both cable cars are incredibly smooth and fast. If you think it might be "Too scary", just stand in the middle of car and let the other passengers block your view of the ground - far, far below. The trip to both peaks is really not something to be missed. Not just to get some spectacular photos of the 360 degree view, but to experience the wildlife that roams about. For us, it was tiny monkey's that scurry around afoot, in hopes of being fed. I have no idea if you can pet or pick them up, but they certainly seemed were harmless. One could compare them to feral cats, (not rabid ones). Atop Morro da Urca, you will find gift shops, a restaurant and restrooms. Both mountain tops have huge observation areas and areas to rest or just sit - to take it all in. Of all our adventures in Rio, this is my 2nd favorite (only after hang-gliding). It's for the young, the old and everyone in between.
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Tony T.

Yelp
One of the main sights of Rio and something you should see if you only go to Rio once and are able to leave the beach. The view is great and you can take a helicopter ride to the first mountain and take a cable car up to the second mountain.
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Dan R.

Yelp
When planning a trip to Rio, Sugarloaf will undoubtedly be compared to Corcovado, home to Christ the Redeemer, given they are the two major mountaintop photo ops in town. Both offer breathtaking views at opposing vantage points, though that's really where the similarities stop. They each come with their own vibe, speed, and purpose. I reject the notion you only need to do one or the other, which you may hear from some folks, and which is about as terrible as the advice I received claiming the 45-minute regional train ride to Versailles was "too far" and "not worth the extra travel time" prior to my Paris trip (don't worry - I knew to ignore them and went anyway). But I digress. We're in Rio. And in my book, both are must-dos. To close out the contrasts to Corcovado and move on, Sugarloaf is easier to access, is less crowded, and feels a bit more curated from a park perspective. Sugarloaf is actually made up of two adjacent rock formations: Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf proper, in ascending elevation order. Cable cars take you from beach level to Urca and then Urca to Sugarloaf, and it's a surprisingly streamlined (and safe!) process. These two legs take mere minutes in, from what I can tell are, well-engineered, sleek, up-to-date, glassed-in cabins. The panoramic views are gorgeous, as expected, making a strong case for Rio de Janeiro being the most gorgeous city on the planet - and you essentially get two-for-one views given the stops on both mountains. What I wasn't expecting, however, was the park-like atmosphere, especially on Sugarloaf proper. The cable cars will drop you off near shopping kiosks and fast food stalls, but once you start embarking on the trails circling the peak, you feel serenely removed from any sort of Brazilian bustle down at sea level. This is a gorgeous, clearly well-funded park system with lush forest lining the walkways and cliffside oceans views at every turn, complete with marmosets scurrying about (or in our case, hiding entirely, since we were somehow the only ones in our group unable to catch a glimpse of the critters). For an excursion to a mountaintop, the journey's really a breeze, and the views over the sailboat-speckled Botafogo Bay are spectacular. I mean, the whole thing is literally and figuratively a walk in the park. For those reasons, when I return to Rio (a when, not an if), I will likely do Sugarloaf all over again, tiny monkey sightings be damned.
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Francesco P.

Yelp
One of the iconic attraction of this amazing city: rising 396m above the sea, you can go up by taking two cable cars (about every 20min)and offers the most incredible view on the planet, you simply can't miss it!
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Qype User (.

Yelp
Impressing. Magnificent. I was astonished by the beauty, by the sight, by the nature, by the cabel car per se (completely made of glass), unbelievable. It's somewhat expensive, but it's worth it. You cannot say you know or have visited Rio, unless you have visited the Suger Loaf (and the Redeemer, of course). When you're on the smaller hill, you have to wait 30 minutes until the other cable car comes and brings you to the biggest hill. During this time you can look around and take pictures. Once on the bigger hill, you can stay as long as you want. There is a bar, a restaurant and other shops too - but they're expensive! You can stick around and go up and down the stairs there and take pictures from various angles. I like the Sugar Loaf better than the Redeemer, then the latter kind of turns out to be boring. Nevertheless it is an obligation if you're sightseeing in Rio...