Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar)

Frommer's Review

Along with samba, beaches, and beautiful women, the Sugarloaf remains one of the original and enduring Rio attractions. Deservedly so. Standing on its peak, the entire cidade maravilhosa lays at your feet: the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, the favelas of Babylonia, the Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer on his mountain, the Bay of Guanabara, and the fortresses at the edge of far-off Niterói. It's a truly beautiful sight. The cable car leaves every half-hour from 8am to 10pm daily, more frequently if there are enough people waiting. The ascent takes two steps, the first from the ground station in Urca to the 220m (721-ft.) Morro de Urca, the second up to the 396m (1,299-ft.) Sugarloaf itself. Trams are timed so it's next to impossible to make both trips without spending transition time on the Morro, so better to relax and enjoy life. The Morro offers excellent views, as well as a cafe, snack bar, restaurant, souvenir stands, and children's play area.

Tip: If you're feeling active, hike up. The trail is challenging, but oh, the rewards! You start just above the crashing waves, and the views just keep getting better as you go.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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