Sugarloaf Mountain hiking and climbing: Costão trail rope section
Rock slab and rope: the climb that reaches Sugarloaf's summit in one morning
Hike and climb the Costão, the eastern side of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, starting from the Claudio Coutinho path in Urca. The route follows mostly rock slab for about five hours, with a short 25-meter section requiring climbing equipment (rope and harness) roughly three-quarters of the way up. After reaching the summit and resting, you descend by cable car to Morro da Urca, then walk the trail back down to the starting point.
What’s included
- Rock climbing equipment (rope and harness).
- cable car ticket down from Sugarloaf to Morro da Urca.
- experienced guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Times
- Every day except Tuesday No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by Rio World Connection
Prices and times updated 11 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The hike starts at the end of the paved Claudio Coutinho path in Urca and climbs the rock slab of the Costão. Most of the ascent is scrambling over stone, but the last section pushes through closed vegetation before the climb itself. That 25-meter rope section is the crux: you'll use climbing equipment (harness and rope) to get up it, and an experienced guide leads you through it. The whole push to the top takes about five hours with stops for photos and rest built in.
Once you reach the summit, you get time to take in the views: the sea, the forest, the mountain itself, and the city of Niterói across the water. Then the cable car takes you down to Morro da Urca, the smaller peak next door. From there, you walk the trail back to the Claudio Coutinho path where you started. The cable car ticket is included in the price, and all the climbing gear comes with you.
You'll need to bring sneakers, comfortable exercise clothes, at least 1.5 liters of water, snacks or a meal, sunscreen, and a small backpack. The guide speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese depending on your group. The minimum age is 15, and you should have at least a moderate level of fitness. This is a real climb, not a walk.
Is this one for you?The guide speaks your language and leads the rope section, so the climb is manageable even if you've never done one before. The technical part is short and supervised, not the whole route.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I do this hike if I've never climbed before?
Yes. The 25-meter rope section is short and led by an experienced climber who will guide you through it. People of all ages can do the hike and climb itself, but you do need moderate fitness and an experienced guide leading you, which is included.
What's the Costão and why is it different from the cable car route?
The Costão is the eastern face of Sugarloaf Mountain, mostly rock slab with that one rope climb near the top. The cable car route is the standard tourist path. This hike gets you to the same summit but under your own power, with the rope section as the technical part.
How long does the whole thing take from start to finish?
About five hours for the hike up, plus time at the summit, then the cable car down and the walk back along the Claudio Coutinho path. Plan for a full morning or early afternoon.
Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?
No. The rope and harness are included. You bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. The guide brings the climbing equipment.
What happens if I'm not comfortable with the rope section?
The guide will work with you on it since it's a short, supervised climb. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, this hike is not recommended by the operator.
Sugarloaf Mountain hiking and climbing: Costão trail rope section
5h · EN · ES · PT
from US$ 56 per person
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