You’ll step into a spacious cabin on Rio’s Yup Star Ferris Wheel for sweeping views of Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer, and Guanabara Bay. Ride as many times as you like—just rejoin the line for another round—and enjoy snacks or souvenirs nearby. Perfect for families or solo travelers wanting a fresh angle on Rio’s skyline.
The first thing I noticed was how the cabins of the Yup Star Ferris Wheel in Rio de Janeiro seemed to glow against the late afternoon haze — 88 meters up, you get this weird mix of nerves and excitement. The line moved fast (I’d worried about that), and a local family ahead of us joked about who would spot Christ the Redeemer first. Our cabin felt cool inside, almost too quiet after the street noise below. You can see Sugar Loaf, Guanabara Bay, even tiny boats drifting out by the bridge. The city looks soft from up here, like it’s holding its breath.
I didn’t expect to go around twice but honestly, once wasn’t enough — you just hop back in line if you want another lap. Each ride takes about 20 minutes, which is longer than I thought. The guide at the entrance explained how Yup Star is right next to AquaRio and close to the Museum of Tomorrow — so it’s easy to fit into a day trip or just wander over if you’re already exploring Porto Maravilha. There was this sweet smell coming from the café below (caramel popcorn maybe?), and someone selling cold drinks near the souvenir shop. My hands left little prints on the glass trying to point out Samba City to my friend — she pretended not to notice but grinned anyway.
It’s wheelchair accessible and families with strollers were everywhere; one little kid pressed her nose against the window for almost the whole ride. I still think about that view over Central do Brasil Clock as dusk started settling in — it made everything feel bigger but somehow closer too. We left when it got dark, laughing at how many photos we’d taken through smudged glass, not really ready to be back on solid ground yet.
The Yup Star Ferris Wheel is 88 meters high.
It’s next to AquaRio and close to the Museum of Tomorrow in Porto Maravilha.
Each rotation lasts about 20 minutes.
Yes, you can go around as many times as you like; just get back in line after each round.
Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Yes, service animals are allowed at Yup Star.
Yes, there are public transportation options close to Yup Star Ferris Wheel.
Your visit includes entry tickets for unlimited rides on Rio de Janeiro’s Yup Star Ferris Wheel, with full wheelchair access and space for strollers or prams—just show up at your scheduled time and enjoy snacks or souvenirs onsite before heading out again whenever you’re ready.
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