Rio de Janeiro Tickets

Sugarloaf Mountain tickets and tours

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View of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Botafogo Cove from Mirante do Pedrao, Big Rock Belvedere, Rio de Janeiro.






Why visit Sugarloaf Mountain

Couple admiring Christ the Redeemer statue from Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background.
Cable car ascending Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, with cityscape and ocean view.
Cable car ascending Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Breathtaking panoramic views

From the summit, enjoy uninterrupted 360° views of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks. Spot Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the turquoise curve of Copacabana Beach, the vast Guanabara Bay, and even planes gliding into Santos Dumont Airport—all in one sweeping gaze.

Famous cable car ride

Take one of the world’s most famous cable cars from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca, and then on to Sugarloaf. The ride itself is an experience—glide high above the city and ocean in a glass-walled cabin with unforgettable photo opportunities at every angle.

Perfect for sunrise or sunset

Watch Rio transform under soft golden or fiery hues during sunrise or sunset. The changing light paints the city in warm tones, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s vibrant rhythm—a must for photographers and romantics alike.

Nature meets cityscape

Perched above a protected natural area, Sugarloaf gives visitors a unique vantage point where Rio’s urban charm meets the raw beauty of the Atlantic Forest. Among the granite peaks, you can spot native flora, soaring birds, and even marmosets.

Historical and cinematic landmark

Sugarloaf is not just a natural wonder—it’s a cultural icon. It was used as a lookout during colonial times and has featured in global cinema, most notably in the James Bond film Moonraker. Visiting here is like stepping into history and film.

Things to know before booking your Sugarloaf Mountain tickets

  • To reach the summit, you’ll take two scenic cable car rides—first from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca, and then another from Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf. 
  • Standard tickets include access to both cable cars but may require waiting in regular lines. If you’re short on time or want a smoother experience, go for the skip the line upgrade which gives you shorter wait times.
  • Sunrise and Sunset tickets provide the most magical times to visit Sugarloaf. Watch the city bathed in golden light as the sun rises behind the mountains or dips behind the ocean. Sunrise tickets include early access and a peaceful atmosphere—perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
  • For a once-in-a-lifetime view, book the Rio Helicopter Ride . In just 12 minutes, you’ll fly over Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Rio’s iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. It’s one of the most thrilling and unique ways to see the city from above.
  • Looking for a relaxed start to your day? Select Sugarloaf tickets include breakfast or lunch so you can enjoy a light meal at the top while taking in the views—just be sure to check what’s included before booking.
  • Short on time? Go for a half-day guided tour of Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, which fits both iconic landmarks into just 5–6 hours, with hotel pickup and entrance tickets included.
  • Want to explore more? Choose a full-day guided tour that also visits the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Sambadrome, and Maracanã Stadium—plus a BBQ lunch for a complete Rio experience.
  • Many combo tickets include both Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, along with hotel transfers and guided commentary. This is the most efficient way to visit Rio’s two top landmarks in one day, without having to plan transport or wait in multiple queues.

Sugarloaf Mountain tickets explained

Cable car ascending to Sugarloaf Mountain with panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.

Entry tickets

Guide: No guide included

Best for: Independent travelers who want a flexible, quick visit

  • These tickets provide direct access to Sugarloaf Mountain via two scenic cable cars.
  • You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay, and Christ the Redeemer in the distance.
  •  Perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace without a guided tour.

Recommended tours:

  • Sugarloaf Cable Car Ticket
Sugar Loaf Mountain cable car overlooking Rio de Janeiro cityscape and ocean.

Sunrise & Sunset tickets

Guide: Expert guide included

Best for: Photographers and romantics who want to see Rio bathed in golden light

  • Experience the magic of Rio as the sun rises or sets from Sugarloaf Mountain. These guided tours include hotel transfers and visits to top landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and the Selarón Steps before culminating in a breathtaking sunrise or sunset at the summit.
  • An unforgettable experience with vivid skies and sweeping views across the city and coastline.

Recommended tours:

  • Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps, and Sugarloaf at Sunset
  • Sugarloaf Sunrise Experience Ticket With Gourmet Breakfast
Helicopter flying over Rio de Janeiro with Christ the Redeemer statue in the background at sunset.

Helicopter Ride

Guide: No guide included

Best for: Thrill-seekers and photographers looking for a unique aerial view

  • Skip the lines and soar above Sugarloaf Mountain on a 12-minute helicopter ride that also includes aerial views of Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
  • This is the most exhilarating and photogenic way to take in Rio’s postcard-perfect landscape.
  •  No cable car queues, just smooth flying and stunning views.

Recommended tours:

  • Rio Helicopter Ride: Christ the Redeemer & City Views
Visitors at Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with scenic city view.

Day Tour

Guide: Expert guide included

Best for: First-time visitors who want to see it all in one day

  • These full-day tours combine Sugarloaf Mountain with Rio’s top highlights like Christ the Redeemer, Maracanã Stadium, the Cathedral, and Selarón Steps. 
  • With hotel transfers, entry tickets, and a Brazilian BBQ lunch included, it’s the most convenient way to cover the city’s greatest hits.
  •  A relaxed and well-paced itinerary ideal for those who want a deep dive into Rio’s culture, landmarks, and cuisine.

Recommended tours:

  • Full-day Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf & More
  • Half-Day Tour in Rio

Sugarloaf Mountain highlights

Sugar Loaf cable car overlooking Rio de Janeiro at sunset.

Ride the historic cable cars

Board one of Brazil’s most iconic attractions: the Sugarloaf cable car system, in operation since 1912. The ride is smooth, slow-paced, and designed to maximize your view, offering a relaxing ascent as the city unfolds beneath you. The cable cars themselves are a piece of Rio’s history, blending tradition with innovation.

View of Sugarloaf Mountain from Urca Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Experience two unique peaks

Sugarloaf Mountain is actually a two-part journey. The first stop is Morro da Urca (220 meters high), a spacious platform with cafés, shops, and shaded seating areas nestled amid Atlantic forest. From there, the second cable car whisks you to Pão de Açúcar’s summit (396 meters), where open-air terraces give you the feeling of floating above the sea and city.

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro's coastline and cityscape from Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil.

Panoramic lounge spaces

At both Morro da Urca and the summit, you’ll find well-maintained platforms with seating, lookout decks, and even cocktail bars. These aren’t just observation points—they're social spaces where you can enjoy a caipirinha, catch live music events, or simply soak up the ambiance.

Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Rich biodiversity & nature trails

Despite its urban setting, Sugarloaf Mountain is surrounded by Atlantic rainforest. Keep an eye out for native birds, butterflies, and even small monkeys along the nature trails around Morro da Urca. Eco-conscious travelers will love the short walking routes and interpretive signs that highlight the area’s flora and fauna.

Sugarloaf Mountain cable car station historic exhibit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showcasing vintage transportation artifacts.

Artistic & cultural touches

Throughout the complex, you’ll notice curated art installations and exhibits that reflect Rio’s history, culture, and the mountain’s cinematic legacy (including its role in James Bond films). Occasional cultural events and concerts also take place on the terraces.

Panoramic aerial view of Guanabara Bay, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset, Rio de Janeiro.

Golden hour magic

While the views are stunning at any time, there’s something ethereal about Sugarloaf during golden hour. As the sun dips, the mountain casts long shadows over the bay, the waters shimmer with copper hues, and the lights of Rio begin to sparkle. Whether you’re clicking photos at the summit or waiting for the sunset cable car, it’s a mood-lifting experience you won’t forget.

Helicopter taking off from Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, with Christ the Redeemer in view.

Helicopter flight launch pad

For a next-level adventure, Sugarloaf’s nearby heliport serves as the launch point for 12-minute helicopter tours. This is one of the few spots in Rio where you can take off right beside the sea, soaring past Sugarloaf’s rock face into the open sky within seconds.

Aerial view of Urca neighborhood with Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

The ideal location in Urca

Nestled in the tranquil Urca neighborhood, Sugarloaf is surrounded by colonial architecture, leafy streets, and local charm. It’s a quieter, safer part of Rio—perfect for combining your visit with a walk along Praia Vermelha, a seafood lunch at a local eatery, or a sip of cold beer from a beachside kiosk.

Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car

Cable cars ascending Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, with cityscape and ocean views.

What do you see?

The cable car ride offers 360° glass-enclosed panoramic views as you glide silently above the city and sea. The journey is split into two scenic legs:

Leg 1: Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca (220m): See the sparkling Guanabara Bay, Rio-Niterói Bridge, the forested Urca Hill, and the city skyline slowly expand beneath you.

Leg 2: Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Summit (396m): This second ride gives stunning views of Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, Botafogo Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean meeting Rio’s shoreline. On clear days, you can even spot the islands dotting the horizon.

Cable car station at Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, with passengers boarding.

Duration

  • Cars depart every 15/20 minutes.
  • Including waiting times and time spent at each level, most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours enjoying the full round-trip experience.
  • You can stay at Morro da Urca or the summit as long as you like, making it ideal for relaxed visits, photography, or enjoying a drink with a view.

Plan your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain

Cable car departing for Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, with cityscape and ocean view.
  • Monday to Thursday: 9am – 8pm (last boarding at 6:30 pm)
  • Friday to Sunday: 8:30am – 8:30pm (last boarding at 7pm)
  • Each cable car ride takes about 3 minutes, with cars departing every 15/20 minutes.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain is early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer crowds and softer lighting. Sunset hours offer especially stunning panoramic views over Rio.

Sugarloaf Mountain opening hours

Address: Av. Pasteur, 520 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22290-240, Brazil

Find on Map

  • By Metro & Bus: Take the metro to Botafogo Station, then transfer to a bus (such as 513, 511, 512, 583, 107, 518, or 519) to Urca. Walk a short distance to the cable car station at Praia Vermelha.
  • By Foot: Adventurous visitors can hike the forest trail (about 45 minutes) from the base to Morro da Urca, then take the cable car to the summit
  • By Car: You can reach Sugarloaf Mountain by car via Avenida Pasteur, with parking available near the cable car station in Urca.
Getting to Sugarloaf Mountain
Accessible restrooms with clear signage at a tourist attraction.

At Morro da Urca and the Sugarloaf Summit, you’ll find:

  • Pick up locally made souvenirs, Sugarloaf-themed keepsakes, postcards, and photo memorabilia from gift shops at both Morro da Urca and the summit.
  • Clean, well-maintained restrooms are available at both stops, including accessible toilets for visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Designated photo spots are marked for the best selfie and scenic backdrop opportunities.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in select areas.
  • Security and medical assistance on-site for visitor safety.
  • Multilingual signage and information panels about the mountain’s history, geography, and biodiversity.
About Sugarloaf Mountain
Bartender preparing crafted cocktails at a bar in New York City.
  • Cota 200 Restaurante (Morro da Urca): One of the most iconic restaurants on the mountain, Cota 200 combines elegant Brazilian cuisine with unbeatable panoramic views over Guanabara Bay. Ideal for lunch or a sunset dinner, the menu includes fresh gourmet salads and curated wine selections.
  • Clássico Beach Club (Morro da Urca & Sugarloaf Summit): This stylish, laid-back spot has two locations—one at Morro da Urca and another at the summit of Sugarloaf. Known for its contemporary beach-lounge vibe, Clássico Beach Club serves up tapas, fresh juices, cocktails, and casual fare like burgers, salads, and sandwiches. 
  • Snack Bars & Cafés: For something quick and easy, you can stop by snack bars and cafés scattered across both levels. These serve coffee, pastries, acai bowls, empanadas, cold drinks, and light snacks.
Elevator at rio sugarloaf

Sugarloaf Mountain is considered one of the most wheelchair-accessible attractions in Rio.

  • The cable cars are designed for easy wheelchair access; users can roll directly into the cabins.
  • Hydraulic lifts and ramps are available at boarding points and viewing platforms.
  • Accessible restrooms are located after the ticket booth and at Morro da Urca
  • Staff are available to assist, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for visitors with mobility needs.
  • The stations at Praia Vermelha, Morro da Urca, and Sugarloaf Summit have accessible restrooms and flat pathways for easy navigation.

Visitor tips for Sugarloaf Mountain

  • Some visitors mistakenly stop only at Morro da Urca and enjoy the view from there. Make sure to take the second cable car up to Sugarloaf’s summit the higher views are worth it.
  • Avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning or late afternoon. These times also offer the best lighting for photos—soft golden hues at sunrise or warm tones at sunset.
  • As with any tourist destination, keep a close eye on your personal items, especially in crowded areas and cable car boarding zones.
  • Sunset from Sugarloaf is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Rio. Arrive 1–1.5 hours early to secure a good spot on the platform.
  • Visibility is key! Choose a clear day to enjoy unobstructed views of Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, and Rio’s beaches.
  • You may spot small monkeys or birds around the area. They're used to humans but don't feed or approach them—it's best to admire from a distance.
  • Combine Sugarloaf with Christ the Redeemer or a city tour for a hassle-free, all-in-one adventure around Rio.
  • Bring water with you, particularly during warmer months when temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F). Facilities are available, but carrying your own bottle is a smart move.

Plan your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain

Beyond Sugarloaf Mountain

Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background.

Christ the Redeemer 

Distance from Sugarloaf Mountain: 11km (22 minutes by car)

Christ the Redeemer, towering atop Corcovado Mountain, is one of the most iconic symbols of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. This monumental statue of Jesus Christ, standing 30 meters tall with outstretched arms, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, beaches, and surrounding mountains.

Get a Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer combo ticket

Visit Christ the Redeemer

Frequently asked questions about Sugarloaf Mountain tickets

What types of tickets are available for Sugarloaf Mountain?

There are several ticket options, including standard cable car tickets, skip-the-line tickets, sunrise or sunset experience tickets, and combo tickets with Christ the Redeemer.

What is included in a standard cable car ticket?

A standard ticket includes round-trip access on the cable cars from the base to Morro da Urca and then up to the Sugarloaf summit, plus access to all viewing platforms.

Are there guided tours available with Sugarloaf tickets?

Yes, many tour packages include expert guides who provide live commentary and cover Sugarloaf Mountain and other Rio landmarks, like Christ the Redeemer.

Can I experience sunrise or sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain?

Yes, special sunrise and sunset tickets provide early or late access for a unique and stunning view of the city and coastline during these times.

How long does a typical visit to Sugarloaf Mountain take?

The full experience, including cable car rides and time at the summit, typically takes 2 to 3 hours.

Can I combine Sugarloaf Mountain tickets with other Rio attractions?

Yes, combo tickets often include access to Christ the Redeemer and sometimes additional city tours or helicopter rides.

How do I get to Sugarloaf Mountain?

You can reach Sugarloaf by taking the cable car from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca and then a second cable car to the summit. You can also drive up to the base.

Is it safe to bring valuables when visiting Sugarloaf Mountain?

Visitors should always keep an eye on their belongings and take precautions, especially in crowded areas.

Can I visit Sugarloaf Mountain with children?

Yes! Sugarloaf Mountain is a family-friendly destination with safe cable cars and spacious viewing areas that kids love. There are plenty of spots to explore and enjoy, but it’s best to keep a close eye on little ones near the edges and crowded places.

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