Sugar Loaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is named after the mounds of sugar produced by traders in the 16th century, during the boom of Brazil’s sugar cane industry. The mountain’s cone-like shape resembles the sugar loaves, fashioned before sugar was offered in the granulated or cube forms we know today. The mountain is, in fact, made of granite, and stretches 396 metres into the air.

The mountain is known as Pão de Acucar in Portuguese, and is popular with rock climbers. Visitors that don’t fancy scaling the side of the mountain can ascend by cable car – a fantastic experience in itself. The cable car journey is in two stages – the first of the three minute journeys takes up to 65 passengers between Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) and Morro da Urca (Urca’s mountain). Morro da Urca is also a popular destination, with a restaurant and children’s play area on site.

The final leg of the cable car journey takes visitors to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. The ventilated glass cars offer 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the rainforest, and beautiful beaches. Check with the cable car ticket office whether there are any early closures scheduled, as this often happens to accommodate seasonal festivities. Cars usually depart every 20 minutes.

Once you have reached the summit, take a deep breath and marvel at the views. Nestled in Guanabara Bay, the mountain looks down over Rio, the rainforest and the sparkling blue ocean, with Ipanema and Copacabana beaches both visible directly below. Sugarloaf Mountain also offers an unrivalled perspective of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), situated atop nearby Corcovado.

As well as the inevitable crowds at the top, there are often troupes of monkeys that are happy to be photographed. Sugarloaf Mountain offers a spectacular sunset on a clear day but to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit as early as possible before the tour groups begin to arrive.

To get to the cable car entrance on foot, walk to Guanabara Bay from nearby Copacabana Beach. Buses and boats are available to bring visitors coming from further afield.