Sugarloaf Mountain Opening Hours & Cable Car Timings

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) opening hours

Traveler girl overlooking Guanabara Bay with Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

Monday to Thursday: 9am – 8pm (last cable car boarding at 6:30pm)
Friday to Sunday: 8:30am – 8:30pm (last cable car boarding at 7pm)
The cable cars depart approximately every 20 minutes, accommodating up to 65 passengers per ride.
Best time to visit: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy stunning views and fewer crowds.
Sunset views: If you plan to visit during sunset, ensure you arrive well in advance, as the last cable car departs at 7pm on weekends and Fridays.

About Sugarloaf Mountain

Christ the Redeemer's opening hours

Christ the Redeemer’s timings vary by season.

From May to August: 8am to 5pm
From September to April: 8am to 7pm

Access Points:

Corcovado Train Station (Cosme Velho): The Corcovado Rack Railway operates from 8am to 7pm, with trains departing approximately every 20 minutes.
Official Vans: The Paineiras Corcovado vans run from 8am to 4pm, departing from Copacabana, Largo do Machado, and the Paineiras Visitor Center

Get a Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer combo ticket

The best time to take the Sugarloaf cable car

Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro with tourists on a guided tour.

Weekend vs. Weekday

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid peak crowds and enjoy stunning lighting. Weekends tend to be busier with both tourists and locals, so expect longer wait times. Visiting on a weekday will give you a quieter, more peaceful visit.

Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Peak Season vs. Low Season

Peak season (December to March) attracts more visitors due to holidays and warmer weather, leading to larger crowds. In contrast, the low season (April to November) offers a quieter and often more budget-friendly experience. Visitor numbers drop, allowing for shorter queues and more space to relax and explore. If you prefer a more laid-back trip with better chances to avoid crowds, visiting during the low season is a smart choice

How long should I spend at Sugarloaf Mountain?

To truly experience everything Sugarloaf Mountain has to offer, it’s best to set aside around 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This allows you plenty of time to enjoy the iconic cable car rides, which are an attraction in themselves.

The journey from the base to Morro da Urca—the first stop—is a short but scenic ride through the stunning Rio skyline and Guanabara Bay. Once you arrive at Morro da Urca, take some time to explore the area, grab a snack at one of the restaurants or snack bars, and soak in the views of the city and ocean.

Afterward, you’ll take the second cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, cityscape, and lush mountainsides—perfect for photos or simply savoring the moment. There are shaded seating areas and walking paths where you can relax, take a leisurely stroll, or watch the sunset if you visit later in the day.

Spending a couple of hours also gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace—whether you want to take multiple photos, enjoy a meal, or just sit and take in the scenery. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, adding time for the trail to Morro da Urca will extend your visit, but even a standard trip via cable car comfortably fits within this timeframe.

Plan your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain

Frequently asked questions about Sugarloaf Mountain opening hours

What are the opening hours of Sugarloaf Mountain?

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) is open daily from 8am to 9pm, with the last cable car ride departing at 8:30pm

Is Sugarloaf Mountain open every day?

Yes, Sugarloaf Mountain is open 365 days a year, including weekends and public holidays.

When is the best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain?

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and scenic light for photography, especially around sunset.

How long should I plan to spend at Sugarloaf Mountain?

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing time to explore both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Peak, and enjoy the views, cafés, and shops.

What happens if it rains?

Sugarloaf Mountain remains open in light rain, but the cable car operations may be paused during severe weather conditions like strong winds or storms for safety reasons.