Marcelo OliveiraSugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmarks: a 396-meter peak at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, connected to the mainland by a cable car that has become a symbol of the city. The visit delivers a 360° view, but it requires getting three things right: the ticket price, the cable car hours, and the time to go so you catch (or avoid) the packed sunset.
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The Sugarloaf cable car runs every day from 8:30 am to 9 pm (last boarding at 7:30 pm), and the ride starts at Praia Vermelha in Urca. A full-price ticket cost around R$ 205 in August 2026, and it’s cheaper online.
What Sugarloaf Mountain is
Sugarloaf Mountain is the granite peak that closes off the entrance to Guanabara Bay, in the Urca neighborhood on Rio’s south side. The classic experience is the two-stage cable car ride: first up to Morro da Urca (220 meters) and then to the top of Sugarloaf (396 meters), where you can see Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, and the city’s mountains.
More than a standalone attraction, Sugarloaf Mountain offers Rio’s best urban viewpoint. That’s why it usually makes it onto the itinerary within the first few days of any visit, right alongside Christ the Redeemer.
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Booking.com rating on 30/09/2026
Tickets: prices and hours
In August 2026, a full-price cable car ticket cost around R$ 205, with a half-price fare of about R$ 102 for children and young people aged 6 to 21 and for those over 60; children under 2 ride free, and Rio de Janeiro residents get a discount with proof of residency, according to the official Parque Bondinho website. Buying online is usually cheaper than at the ticket office; always confirm the current price on the official site before you go.
The park is open every day from 8:30 am to 9 pm, with the last boarding at 7:30 pm. Since prices and hours change on special dates, it’s worth checking the official calendar the week of your visit, especially on holidays and during high season.
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How the cable car ride works
The ride happens in two legs, each with its own cable car. The first takes you from the Praia Vermelha station up to Morro da Urca, which already has a viewpoint, shops, and restaurants. The second goes from Morro da Urca to the summit of Sugarloaf. You can stop at both points, so there’s no need to rush: you can enjoy the intermediate viewpoint before continuing to the top.
Best time to go and the sunset
Sunset is the busiest time at Sugarloaf Mountain, when the city lights up and the photos look incredible — but it’s also when the cable car lines are longest. If sunset is your priority, arrive at least an hour early to make it up in time and secure a spot at the viewpoint.
If you’d rather skip the line, go right at opening, at 8:30 am: the morning light is great for photos and the crowds are much smaller. Clear-sky days are far more rewarding; when it’s overcast, the view loses its magic.
How to get to Sugarloaf Mountain
The ride starts at the cable car station at Avenida Pasteur, 520, in Praia Vermelha, Urca neighborhood. By metro, the closest station is Botafogo; from there, you continue by bus, taxi, or rideshare to Urca, a short trip. By car or rideshare, access is easy, but parking nearby is limited during peak hours.
If you want to compare tickets with transportation included or guided tours, check out the activities and tours in Rio de Janeiro, handy for anyone who wants to sort everything out in advance.
What to do at the top
At the top, the plan is to walk the viewpoints, photograph the 360° view, and take in Copacabana, Guanabara Bay, and Corcovado in the distance. There are short trails, snack bars, and a rest area. Set aside at least two hours to do both stages at a relaxed pace, including the stop at Morro da Urca.
What’s nearby
Sugarloaf Mountain pairs well with other Rio highlights on the same itinerary. It’s worth combining with Christ the Redeemer, the city’s other classic viewpoint — see also our guide on how to get to Christ the Redeemer — and with Mirante Dona Marta, which is free and offers one of the best views of Sugarloaf Mountain together with Guanabara Bay. Praia Vermelha itself and the Urca boardwalk, at the foot of the mountain, make for a relaxing late afternoon before or after the ride.
To fit Sugarloaf Mountain into a full itinerary, check out our guide to Rio de Janeiro’s top attractions, with a step-by-step on how many days to set aside.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sugarloaf Mountain ticket cost?
In August 2026, a full-price Sugarloaf cable car ticket cost around R$ 205, with a half-price fare of approximately R$ 102 for people aged 6 to 21 and those over 60. Buying online is usually cheaper; confirm the current price on the official website.
What are the Sugarloaf cable car hours?
Parque Bondinho is open every day from 8:30 am to 9 pm, with the last boarding at 7:30 pm. On holidays and special dates the hours may change, so it’s worth checking the official calendar before you go.
What’s the best time to go up Sugarloaf Mountain?
To avoid the lines, the best bet is to go right at opening, at 8:30 am. For sunset, which is the busiest time, arrive at least an hour early. In both cases, clear-sky days guarantee the best view.
How do I get to Sugarloaf Mountain by metro?
The closest metro station is Botafogo. From there, you continue by bus, taxi, or rideshare to the cable car station at Praia Vermelha, in the Urca neighborhood, on a short trip.
Conclusion
Sugarloaf Mountain delivers Rio de Janeiro’s most complete view with minimal effort: just get the timing right, buy your ticket online, and choose between the calm of the morning and the spectacle of sunset. Combined with Christ the Redeemer and a stroll through Urca, it becomes one of the best days of your trip. Safe travels with Voyage.