Sugarloaf Mountain Hike: Costao Trail with Rock Climbing

The vertical rock pitch is what separates this route from the cable car line.

Hike the Costao trail to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, scrambling up steep terrain and climbing a vertical rock section with full safety equipment and a certified guide. The ascent takes two to three hours, with views over Guanabara Bay and the city's beaches; you descend by cable car to Morro da Urca, then walk an easy forest trail back to the start. No prior climbing or hiking experience is required.

The Experience

The Costao trail is the original route up Sugarloaf, and it is steep. Most visitors assume the cable car is the only way to the top, so few people know this path exists. You'll hike through scrambles and steep sections, stopping at lookout points that open onto Guanabara Bay and Rio's beaches—views that only come if you climb. The trail is strenuous, but the pace adjusts to the group; your certified guide leads and stays close throughout.

The vertical pitch is where the climbing happens. You'll use a rope and harness, and the guide gives tips as you go up. Full safety equipment is provided, so the section that looks hardest becomes the one where you feel most secure. It takes about two to three hours to reach the summit from the start. Once you're at the top, you have time to take it in before moving on.

The descent is a different route: a charming cable car ride down to Morro da Urca, the smaller peak, followed by an easy forest walk back to where you started. The whole outing runs about four hours. Guides speak English, Spanish or Portuguese, and children are welcome from age 8 onward.

What’s included

• All safety equipment including rope and harness.
• certified climbing guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• cable car descent to Morro da Urca.
• easy forest trail return to the starting point.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rio Mountain Sports

Is this one for you?Choose this hike if you want to climb Sugarloaf itself rather than ride to the top—the vertical pitch and the scrambles are what make the views yours, and the guide's presence and safety gear are what make the climbing feel secure without prior experience.

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Top questions

What's the Costao trail like compared to just taking the cable car up?

The Costao trail is the original hiking route to Sugarloaf's summit, featuring steep scrambles and a vertical rock pitch that requires safety equipment and a guide. The cable car is a faster option, but the Costao trail is the only way to climb the mountain itself and reach the views that come from the ascent.

Do I need rock climbing experience to do the vertical pitch?

No prior climbing experience is required. The vertical section uses a rope and harness for safety, and your certified guide stays close and offers climbing tips throughout. The gear and the guide's support are what make it possible without experience.

How long does it take to reach the top?

The ascent to Sugarloaf's summit takes about two to three hours. After time at the top, you descend by cable car to Morro da Urca and walk an easy forest trail back to the starting point, making the full outing roughly four hours.

What views will I see on the hike?

Throughout the Costao trail, you'll see views stretching over Guanabara Bay and Rio's beaches. The guide stops at the best lookout points along the way, and these views are only visible to those who climb the trail itself.

Is this hike suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 8 onward. The guide adjusts the pace to suit all participants, and the safety equipment and close guidance make the vertical climbing section manageable for younger hikers with moderate fitness.