Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car - Pão de Açúcar e bondinho
A ride up the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain is a breathtaking experience
Sugarloaf Mountain or Pão de Açúcar is one of the most popular attractions in Rio de Janeiro having had over 37 million visitors. The Sugarloaf Cable Car is one of the safest in the world. You won't want to leave Rio before riding to the top of this world famous landmark in one of the 65 passenger plexiglass wrapped cable cars affording you an incredible 360° view of the beaches and forests spread out below.
The Sugarloaf cable car consists of two stages with each one taking about three minutes to traverse. The first stage of the ride starts at Praia Vermelha, or Red Beach and carries you up to Morro Da Urca. The second stage takes you the rest of the way to the top. You reach an altitude of 528 meters at a leisurely rate of between 21 and 31 kilometers per hour.
The cable car system is rated as one of the safest in the world and the maintenance of the system leave nothing to be desired. The cables are replaced on a regular basis and the cars do not move if the weather is foul. Its engineer, Augusto Ferreira Ramos, would be proud to see the joy that his creation has brought to visitors in Rio de Janeiro.
From the car, you and 64 other passengers will love the full circle view of the surrounding forests and beaches, you get to see downtown Rio, the airport and the famous Rio-Niteroi Bridge. If you know where to look and are lucky, you might even see a few enthusiastic hikers walking the trails on Morro da Urca, something you can also enjoy. The gondolas which travel the first stage of the cable car system are specially ventilated and have anti-glare glass to help keep you cool and prevent the bright sun from ruining your view.
Once you get to the top, it is not just a case of enjoying the view. There are shops selling curios and souvenirs to keep you entertained and give you the opportunity to take home some unique gifts for your friends and family. You'll also find coffee shops and cafes at the top of the mountain so you can take some time to have a romantic lunch or simply a quick snack.
It is good to note that the Sugarloaf complex has elevators making it possible for those who are physically disabled to enjoy this great experience.
A ride on the Sugarloaf Cable Car is an excellent way to get a panoramic view of a large portion of Rio de Janeiro. Make sure that you don't miss it!
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: Sugarloaf Mountain - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Official Website: Pão de Açúcar e bondinho
Pão de Açúcar e bondinho Reviews
Rated
out of 5 The place is nice and the visit was reasonably painless with the skip-the-line ticket. However, if you think you can do this visit with a normal ticket in a reasonable time frame, you’re out of luck. Queues are very long and very slow with a visit to the top of the mountain and back potentially taking half a day.
Saikhnaa - a week ago
You have to go there very early because later there are too many people. Beautiful views!! I recommend starting from the second mountain first.
Mario - a month ago
One of the most famous sites in Rio de Janeiro, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. When the air is clear, we can see the famous Copacabana beach or the statue of Christ the Redeemer, among others.
On the north side, we can watch planes taking off from the SDU airport, which fly directly towards Sugarloaf Mountain.
We can get to the top by train or by trail.
The views are breathtaking. Unfortunately, we hit the clouds most of the time, so we couldn't fully enjoy the beautiful view.
Definitely one of the best spots in Rio de Janeiro, as well as in all of Brazil.
Ss Ss - a week ago
Awesome experience. I came all the way from San Francisco and Ireland. My private tour guide was my Brazilian friend. Stunning views of the city and bay. Well worth the trip. Unfortunately a poor lizard lost its life… 😱
Mark Ryan - a month ago
Best time to go is sunset. Hands down but sometimes weather may not be cooperating. I wouldn't go if cloudy. It is $40 USD so not worth it if you can't have a good view
Monica Bastola (Elyse) - 2 months ago
Directions
Metro and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Botafogo | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Pão de Açúcar e bondinho by Metro and Bus
Take the Metro to Botafogo Station. Take the Rua Voluntarios da Patria exit and catch Bus #513 (have exact change ready for the extra fare) at the stop northbound on Rua Nelson Mandela just south of the corner of Rua Voluntarios da Patria (across the street from the southern most Metro exit). Ride the bus to the 3rd and last stop on Av. Pasteur. Exit the bus and continue walking east on Av. Pasteur going to your right when you get to the parking area and you will see the entrance to the gondola straight ahead.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Pão de Açúcar e bondinho:
Photo Gallery
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.