Sugar Loaf cable car

Updated April 5, 2026

You ride the Sugar Loaf cable car, or Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar, to the summit of a 396-meter peak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What to Expect

You board Brazil’s first cable car system, which opened in 1912. The journey happens in two stages. The first cable car takes you from the base station at Praia Vermelha to the top of Morro da Urca, which is 220 meters high. From there, a second cable car ascends to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. The ride offers views of Rio’s coastline, cityscape, and mountains. The mid-station on Morro da Urca has a restaurant where you can dine while watching the sunset.

Practical Information

The attraction is located at Av. Pasteur, 520 in the Urca neighborhood. A complete visit, including cable car tickets, costs between R$170 and R$230 per person. Many visitors plan a three-hour sunset experience, arriving two hours before sunset for photography during the golden and blue hours. The cable car has a 4.8 out of 5 rating from visitors.

History & Significance

Engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos envisioned the cableway in 1908. He sought support from prominent figures in Rio de Janeiro’s high society to promote its construction. The system was completed and opened to the public in 1912.

Location

Places to Stay Near Sugar Loaf cable car

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

The Sugarloaf cable car in Rio de Janeiro is one of those rare experiences that actually lives up to the hype. You hop into a glass-walled cabin and, before you know it, you’re soaring 1,299 feet above the city.

It’s a two-stage ride—Brazil’s very first cable car, believe it or not, dating back over a century. The journey starts at Praia Vermelha beach, stops at Morro da Urca, and then climbs up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.

The views? Unreal. We’re talking full-circle panoramas of Rio’s coastline, Guanabara Bay, and the city itself—all from a floating glass box.

Each cabin fits up to 65 people, which sounds crowded but actually doesn’t feel that way once you’re distracted by the scenery. The cars run all day, so you can time your visit for whatever vibe you’re after.

Your ticket’s not just for the ride—at the top, there’s the Bosque das Artes exhibition space, a handful of restaurants, and, on some evenings, sunset DJ sessions that honestly turn the mountaintop into a bit of a party. Bring your camera (or phone), because you’ll want proof you saw Christ the Redeemer in the distance, Copacabana’s famous curve, and the Atlantic rainforest rolling out beneath your feet.

Key Takeaways

• Two-stage cable car: Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca, then up to Sugarloaf’s 396-meter summit
• Your ticket covers art exhibits, restaurants, and occasionally those wild sunset DJ events
• Glass-walled cabins for 65 people, with panoramic views the whole way

About Sugar Loaf cable car

Locals call it the Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar, and it’s been around since 1912. That’s not just old for Brazil—it’s one of the oldest cable cars anywhere, and still an icon of Rio.

Back in the day, Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos made it happen, opening the line on October 27, 1912. At the time, it was only the third system of its kind worldwide. The gear had to be shipped in from Germany because Brazil didn’t have the tech yet.

The ride works in two parts. First, you go from Praia Vermelha up to Morro da Urca (220 meters). Then you transfer to the next cable car and climb to Sugarloaf’s 396-meter summit.

Each bondinho (that’s what they call the cars) is all glass and fits 65 people, gliding 4,600 feet between the two peaks. The mountain got its name because, back in colonial times, sugar was shaped into cones called “pães de açúcar,” and someone thought the peak looked like one. Fun fact: the cable car even starred in a James Bond film, Moonraker.

What Makes It Special

You’re not just ticking off a tourist box—you’re riding a piece of Rio’s living history that’s somehow kept its old-school charm. The views through those glass walls are bonkers: Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Guanabara Bay, Ipanema—all in one sweeping glance.

But it’s not just about gawking from the top. Up there, you can wander Atlantic Forest trails where falcons, marmosets, and the occasional lizard hang out. The Pista Cláudio Coutinho Trail at the base is a solid option if you’d rather hike the first section instead of riding.

Sunset from the summit? Honestly, it’s up there with the world’s best. Morro da Urca has restaurants, bars, and sometimes live events. You could easily kill a couple of hours just soaking it all in.

What to See and Do

The journey splits into two parts—first up to Morro da Urca, then to Sugarloaf’s peak at around 1,300 feet. Both stops have their own little surprises.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The cable car itself is a bit of a legend, running since the 1920s. Each glass gondola takes up to 65 people and glides across 4,600 feet between the peaks.

At Morro da Urca, grab a bite or just hang out on the viewing platforms. Watching boats drift across Guanabara Bay from up here feels oddly peaceful. There’s the Bosque das Artes too—part art space, part forest trail. Last time I went, Project Wonder by Anna Bella Geiger was on display.

The summit is all about those 360-degree views. You can actually spot Christ the Redeemer off in the distance, and Copacabana Beach curves away below you. Vermelha Beach is right at your feet.

Guided tours sometimes add a bit of Rio history and explain why Sugarloaf was such a big deal to sailors navigating the bay. If you’re lucky, you might hit one of those sunset DJ parties—definitely a unique way to end the day.

Best Time to Visit

If you can swing it, go early—like 8:30 or 9:00 AM. Fewer people, better photos, and you won’t melt in the midday sun. The park usually closes around 5:00 PM, but weekends sometimes run later.

Late afternoons are magic for sunset, especially during Rio’s dry season (May to October). Keep an eye on their social media if you’re hoping for a sunset DJ event—those dates change monthly.

Try to avoid the midday rush, especially between 11:00 and 2:00. That’s when tour groups flood in, and the light gets pretty harsh for photos. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot if you want a mellow experience.

Visitor Information

A little planning goes a long way at Sugarloaf. The cable car runs daily and the hours are pretty flexible, but timing is everything if you hate crowds.

Location and How to Get There

The main station is at Avenida Pasteur 520 in the Urca neighborhood, right by Praia Vermelha (Red Beach). If you’re staying in Zona Sul, it’s a quick Uber or taxi ride—maybe 15 or 20 minutes from Copacabana or Ipanema.

Public buses work too—routes 107, 511, and 513 will drop you nearby. The metro doesn’t reach Urca directly, but you can hop off at Botafogo and grab a bus or rideshare from there.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually hike up to Morro da Urca instead of taking the first cable car. The Pista Cláudio Coutinho trail starts at the base and takes about 40 minutes. You’ll save some cash, get your steps in, and then just buy a ticket for the second leg up to the summit.

Tips for Visitors

The park opens Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they start a bit earlier at 8:30 AM.

Here’s a little secret: those posted closing times are for the last ascent, not when you have to leave. If you hop on the final cable car, you can linger at the summit to catch sunset—highly recommended.

Best times to visit? Early morning, right when they open, or much later in the afternoon. Trust me, mid-morning until early afternoon is packed with tour groups and cruise ship crowds.

The cable cars themselves are accessible for wheelchair users and folks with limited mobility. Each bondinho fits up to 65 people and they just keep coming, so you probably won’t wait long.

Even though you’re riding up, bring comfy shoes. You’ll want to wander around at both Morro da Urca and the top for all the different viewpoints.

Pack sunscreen and a hat—there’s barely any shade up there, and the sun bounces right off that granite. Water bottles are fine to bring, and if you get thirsty or peckish, there are cafes both at Morro da Urca and right at the summit.