Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Tour with Tickets

Summary

Cable car ride to sugarloaf mountain plus copacabana views

You’ll ride Rio’s famous Sugarloaf cable car with a local guide, take in sweeping views from both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain, and cruise past Copacabana beach in comfort. With tickets and transfers included, you’ll get those postcard-perfect moments—and maybe a few surprises—you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — this soft hum of the cable car wires overhead as we waited at the base of Pão de Açúcar in Urca. There was a salty breeze coming off Guanabara Bay, and our guide, Ana, pointed out how Cariocas always seem to know when rain’s coming just by looking at the clouds over Niterói. I tried to spot it too but honestly got distracted by a vendor selling warm cheese bread nearby (I caved, no regrets).

The cable car itself is all glass — you can see everything. As we started up toward Morro da Urca, my stomach did a little flip (heights aren’t really my thing), but Ana kept chatting about the history of the place and somehow that helped. The city just spreads out below you: Copacabana’s long curve, boats dotting the bay, even Christ the Redeemer peeking through some haze. At 220 meters up on Morro da Urca, everyone kind of fell quiet for a minute — it’s not just a view; it’s like being inside one of those old postcards.

We went up again to Sugarloaf Mountain itself — 396 meters above sea level. The wind was stronger up there and I could smell sunscreen and sea air mixed together. Ana showed us where samba schools rehearse down in the city (she waved her arms around trying to mimic the dancers). On the way back down, someone asked her about traffic in Rio and she just laughed — “It’s always an adventure.” That stuck with me for some reason.

Afterwards we drove along Copacabana beach — no stops, just slow enough to watch people playing footvolley or walking tiny dogs in sunglasses (seriously). The whole day felt easy but also kind of electric. I still think about that moment when everyone went quiet on Morro da Urca — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Beach Tour

• Cable car to Urca hills and Sugarloaf Mountain
• Panoramic drive along Copacabana beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Sugarloaf tour?

No, pickup is not specifically mentioned; transfer is included from set meeting points.

Are cable car tickets to Sugarloaf Mountain included?

Yes, your ticket for both sections of the cable car is included.

How high is Sugarloaf Mountain?

Sugarloaf Mountain rises 396 meters above sea level.

Does this tour stop at Copacabana Beach?

No stops are made; you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along Copacabana beach.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What time does boarding start for this tour?

Boarding starts from 08:00 but may be delayed due to shared logistics or queues.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets for both sections of the Sugarloaf cable car ride with your local guide leading the way, plus a panoramic drive along Copacabana beach before returning—so you don’t have to worry about logistics or lines.