Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain Hike & Cable Car Descent

Summary

Hike up Sugarloaf in Rio with a guide then ride the cable car down

You’ll hike up Sugarloaf Mountain with a local guide, tackle a short but thrilling rock climb using safety gear, pause at the summit for wild views of Rio’s beaches and Christ the Redeemer, then descend by cable car to Morro da Urca before strolling back to Red Beach. Expect laughter, shaky legs, and a new way of seeing Rio.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not just from the sea below Red Beach, but on my lips as we started up Sugarloaf Mountain. Our guide, Rafael, handed out harnesses and helmets right there on the sand. He grinned at my nervous hands and said, “Don’t worry, everyone shakes a bit at first.” I tried to laugh it off but honestly, my heart was already racing. The climb starts gentle enough — you hear birds from Tijuca Forest and catch bits of samba from someone’s phone drifting up from Urca. But then you look up and realize how far you still have to go.

The 15-meter rock face is where things get real. Rafael showed us where Henrietta Carstairs made her mark back in 1817 (he called her “the British lady who beat all the men,” which made us all smile). My palms were sweating so much I nearly slipped on the first hold. There’s this moment halfway up where you can smell wet stone and sunscreen mixed together — weirdly comforting. Someone behind me muttered something about Copacabana Beach looking tiny from here. I didn’t dare look down until Rafael said, “You’ve got it!” and suddenly there was nothing but sky and city spread out below.

At the summit, everything goes quiet for a second except for wind and camera shutters. You see Christ the Redeemer way off to one side, Niterói across the water, and Copacabana curling around like a ribbon. We sat on warm granite eating snacks (I’d forgotten mine but someone shared their banana) while Rafael pointed out old cable car lines and told us stories about climbers getting stuck in storms up here. The descent is almost too easy after that — stepping into the cable car with sweaty hands and wobbly legs felt surreal. Sunlight bounced off glass windows as we dropped toward Morro da Urca.

I keep thinking about that view — how small everything looked for a minute, even my own worries. If you’re searching for a day trip to Sugarloaf Mountain from Rio de Janeiro that feels more real than just riding up with tourists, this is it. Just don’t forget your water bottle or your courage (and maybe bring an extra snack).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sugarloaf Mountain hike and descent

• Ascend East Face of Sugarloaf
• Climb 15-meter rock with guides
• Enjoy panoramic summit views
• Descend via cable car to Morro da Urca
• Walk back to Red Beach

Top questions

How difficult is the Sugarloaf Mountain hike?

The hike includes a 15-meter rock climb and requires good physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those afraid of heights or with health issues.

Is safety equipment provided for climbing Sugarloaf?

Yes, all necessary safety equipment is provided and certified; guides are licensed instructors.

Does this tour include descending by cable car?

Yes, your ticket includes descent via the famous Sugarloaf cable car to Morro da Urca.

What should I bring for the Sugarloaf hike?

You should bring light clothes, hiking shoes (no sandals), water (2L), snacks, sunblock, sunglasses, bug repellent, rain jacket if needed, extra money, camera.

Are children allowed on this Sugarloaf tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the tour start and end?

The hike starts near Red Beach (Praia Vermelha) in Rio de Janeiro; after descending by cable car to Morro da Urca you walk back to Red Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes all certified safety equipment for climbing Sugarloaf Mountain with an experienced local instructor guiding you along the East Face route; after reaching the summit you’ll descend by cable car to Morro da Urca before walking back to Red Beach together as a group.