Climbing or cable cart ride to sugarloaf mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain or as the locals know it, Pão de Açúcar, stands 396 meters high or 299 feet. It is located at the eastern edge of Rio de Janeiro and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
You can have a beautiful view from one of the beaches and you will see the recognizable cityscape with Sugarloaf rising up high. But if you are on the top, you will also have a wonderful view. Looking down on the beaches, the sea and the city you will see how many different views you can get in Rio. The Portuguese conquistadors came to Brazil to export sugar from the sugar canes. To transport the sugar, they clomped it together in a cone shape, a sugarloaf. So when they saw the mountain in Rio it reminded them about a sugarloaf and that’s how it got its name.
History of the cable cart or bondinho
In 1907 Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos had the idea to design an airpath to connect the two mountains Pão de Açúcar and Morro da Urca. The hike to the top of Morro da Urca is quite hard but the views are amazing and even better from Sugarloaf mountain. He started the society of Sugarloaf mountain and the project was commissioned by the Germans in 1910. The same year the Brazilian workers brought up all the equipment by climbing up or using steel cables to lift it up. And they started the project. In 1912 the first cable cart in Brazil was opened! It was the third of its kind worldwide at that time. The first cable carts were made with wood. After a big renovation in the 1970’s it became even more popular. And because of the changes they made more people could go on it. The cable carts that are in use now were built in 2008. The airpath is about 1400 meters or 4600 feet.
Climbing Sugarloaf Mountain or to be accurate Morro da Urca
As you now know there are two mountains that are connected by the cable cart; Morro da Urca and Pão de Açúcar. You can hike to the first stop, on top of Morro da Urca. From there you can take the cable cart to the second stop, on top of Sugarloaf Mountain but only if you have bought a ticket for it. The trek has a lot to offer and it’s free. During the trek you will have the chance to see some amazing views and you will probably see some wildlife too. Not only is the chance very high to see monkeys, you will probably also hear and see lots of birds and maybe even a snake.
They say it is a trilha or hike but it is more of a climb. There is a fair amount of climbing up exposed rock faces (so make sure you have proper shoes to get a good grip) and a section of the trail that requires you to climb a 20-meter almost vertical section of rock (Costão do Pão de Açúcar). Most people use ropes and climbing gear to reach the summit and you probably should, too. The trek is absolutely not accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. You need to be in good health to do this hike.
Opening hours of the trail: Monday to Thursday open from 9am to 7:50pm and Friday to Sunday open from 8am to 8.50pm. It follows the hours of the Sugar Loaf cable cart.
You can access the trail for free, via Praia Vermelha. It’s about a 40 minute hike/ climb. Avoid the trek after heavy rain because the rocks will be slippery.
Take the cable cart to the top of Sugarloaf mountain
The cable cart is also a lot of fun and the climb is not for everyone. We took the cable cart just before sundown and we loved it. It is so beautiful up there. The entrance is easy to find at the Bondinho park. You can also enter with a wheelchair and see the amazing views. The tickets on the official site are still the cheapest. They are about $R185. Check the local exchange rate to see what it is in your local currency. It is best to book it online so you don’t have to wait long.
We first went up to the first stop on top of Morro da Urca and you can walk around to see all the different views. There is even a helicopter platform up there and we saw people leaving to do a scenic flight. You can see Christ the Redeemer from here and of course some lovely beaches. We saw lots of iguanas and we even saw a toucan there. You might even see monkeys here, but of course you never know in advance.
We then went up to see the sun go down, bathing Rio in golden light. It was amazing and I’m glad we did it at that time. We saw it clearly, during golden hour and in the dark, the best of all worlds.
Opening hours of the cable cart: Monday to Thursday open from 9am to 8pm and Friday to Sunday open from 8am to 9pm.
I know it’s very touristy but I thought it was well worth it. Something that was a really nice surprise, was that most people who do this are very enthusiastic. People in the cable cart were pointing and expressing their amazement. I don’t know if it was just our group but it felt genuinely full of gratitude.
If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to leave a comment down below.
Is Sugarloaf mountain accessible for wheelchair users?
Museums*
Yes! You will not be able to do the hike but you can take the cable cart to both view points. There are some steps but also lots of ramps and you will be able to see the beautiful views.
Café’s and restaurants
There are some restaurants and cafés at both viewpoints which you are able to access.
Public transport
Not good. Some busses have a ramps but a lot of them have steps. The busstops are not alway even and you will need help for sure. The metro is better but I didn’t see people with wheelchairs. For a hassle free trip it’s easier to use Uber or taxi.
Toilets
Good, there are a couple of toilets that are accessible. They are at both viewpoints but also down below.
*And other attractions
Items I love while traveling
Extension cord
It depends on where I’m going and how long I’m away but I enjoy this extension cords a lot. Easy to use and it can be stored small.
Collapsible water bottle
If the country I’m traveling to has water fountains I like to take my water bottle. But. I like my water bottle to be lightweight and small. This collapsible one is great for my needs.
Matador soap bar pouch
One of the best products from Matador, for sure. This soap bar pouche is great for all your soap and/or shampoo bars. You never have to worry about a dirty soapy container anymore.