11 Best Sugarloaf Tours to Book in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST TOURS OF SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN IN RIO?

You are in the right place, as the 11 best Sugarloaf Tours are all listed here. This is hands-down one of the most iconic things to do in Rio and is on almost everyone’s bucket list when visiting Rio de Janeiro.

🇧🇷 Living in Rio de Janeiro since 2016, there is nothing more iconic in Rio de Janeiro than Sugarloaf Mountain (I mean other than Christ the Redeemer). It is one of the sights that makes Rio that much more unique.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

One of the best Sugarloaf tours is Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, Maracanã, Selarón & Lunch, with a perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊❤️.

But it can be a little tricky to get to, especially if you want to visit all the other Rio attractions in the same day. That’s why I recommend a tour.

So, what are some of the best Sugarloaf tours? I’ve listed some of the best experiences to see this incredible Rio landmark. Ready? Vamos!

Top 3: Best Sugarloaf Tours To Book in Rio de Janeiro

TOP #1 PICK

Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, Maracanã, Selarón & Lunch

→ Delicious lunch included
→ Hotel pick-up and drop-off

BOOK IT

Our #2 PICK

Christ The Redeemer Helicopter Tour

→ Explore Rio from above
→ 30-minute or 60-minute ride available

BOOK IT

Our #3 PICK

Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro

→ Private tour with 5 different tour options
→ Hotel pick-up and drop-off

BOOK IT

11 Best Sugarloaf Tours To Book

1. Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, Maracanã, Selarón & Lunch 

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Experience the wonders of Rio de Janeiro on this comprehensive full-day Rio de Janeiro tour, which includes a delicious barbecue buffet lunch. 

Begin the day’s adventure on the Corcovado train. You will go through the lush Tijuca Forest to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

After that, enjoy visiting the highlights of Rio. Throughout the rest of the day, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Copacabana Beach and visit the colorful Selaron Steps.

You can explore the legendary Ipanema Beach and stop by the famous Maracana soccer stadium. You’ll also be able to check out cool carnival costumes at the Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai. 

The final stop of the day is a cable car journey. You will first go up to Urca Hill and then to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From there, you will have amazing panoramic city views as the sunset sets over Rio de Janeiro.

best Sugarloaf TOURS

2. Rio de Janeiro: 30 or 60-Minute Highlights Helicopter Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 – 60 mins | 🌅 BOOK NOW

Looking for a bird’s eye view of Rio de Janeiro? Look no further than this incredible and unforgettable Rio de Janeiro Highlights Helicopter Tour.

The ride will take you along the coastline from Barra da Tijuca, where you will see the city’s picturesque shores. These include the beauty of Barra da Tijuca, Joatinga, São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches.

During the flight, you can also see Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. This is an amazing opportunity to capture unique photos. 

The typical tour is 30 minutes. But you can opt for an extended 60-minute tour. The extended tour includes the Modern Museum of Art of Niterói, Santos Dumont Airport, Downtown Rio, Maracanã Stadium, and Tijuca Forest. 

You can choose daytime, sunset, or evening flights. You will fly with a skilled captain for an unforgettable experience.

best Sugarloaf TOURS

3. Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro

⭐️ RATING: 9.6 out of 10 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 mins | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Uncover the city’s wonders on this exclusive Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro. Not only will you have a dedicated guide, but you can also choose from five different itineraries tailored to your preferences. 

Explore the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain Tour. You’ll travel up Corcovado by train to marvel at Brazil’s legendary statue before taking a thrilling cable car ride up Sugarloaf for unparalleled city views. 

Or, dive into the Rio de Janeiro, AquaRio, and Rio Star Tour, which starts with Christ the Redeemer, continues with a visit to South America’s largest aquarium, and culminates with a breathtaking ride on the Rio Star Ferris wheel.

Alternatively, head on the Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Santa Teresa Neighborhood Tour, combining the city’s famous landmarks with the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Wander through the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the vibrant Sambradrome.

With the flexibility to customize your journey, this unforgettable private tour will allow you to experience the best of Rio’s sights, nature, and neighborhoods. 

best Sugarloaf TOURS

4. Rio Sunset Tour Including Sugarloaf, Christ & Selaron Steps

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 hours | 🌅 BOOK NOW

Experience the magic of Rio de Janeiro on this iconic Rio Sunset Tour, lead by a seasoned guide and driver. 

You will be brought through the bustling streets on your way to Christ the Redeemer, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Selarón Stairs. You will have time to enter and see the interior at the cathedral.

You will conclude your day at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, taking the cable up just in time to watch the sunset over the iconic Copacabana Beach 🌅. 

Your tour guides will give you local insights throughout the tour. All transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

best Sugarloaf TOURS

5. Christ the Redeemer Early Access and Sugarloaf

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Start your day with unparalleled views on this Rio: Christ the Redeemer Early Access and Sugarloaf tour.

Begin by exploring Copacabana Beach, then pass Botafogo Beach and the Palácio Guanabara before arriving at the Tijuca Forest.

Board the National Park Authority’s vehicles at Paineiras to ascend Corcovado Hill and witness the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Choose to extend your journey to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll take a thrilling cable car ride and stop for 30 minutes to soak up the incredible views and natural beauty.

Prefer a fuller experience? Opt for the downtown city tour upgrade and discover Rio’s most famous landmarks on a comprehensive sightseeing adventure.

best Sugarloaf TOURS

5. Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 hours | 🥾 BOOK NOW

Challenge yourself on this Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Tour, an adventure that starts at the mountain’s base and swings around to the backside for a steep yet manageable ascent.

The initial hike takes you through unroped scrambling sections, providing incredible views and a taste of rock climbing. Your guide will be there to help you navigate any tricky spots.

Midway up, you’ll tackle a 15-meter technical pitch using a rope and safety harness. This is a perfect introduction for those curious about rock climbing but not ready to go all-in.

Gear up and continue to the summit, pausing to soak up breathtaking views like the famed “Philosopher’s Stone.”

Celebrate your climb with a meal or drink at the stunning summit before descending via the iconic cable car back to Morro da Urca and finishing on a short trail to your starting point.

😱 This trip is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. 

best Sugarloaf TOURS

6. Half-Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🥾 BOOK NOW

Embark on an adventurous Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain tour, combining steep trail hiking, easy rock scrambling, and a vertical pitch climb for an unforgettable ascent.

As you tackle the climb, soak up the magnificent views over Guanabara Bay and Rio’s iconic beaches, taking breaks at exclusive lookout points along the way.

No prior climbing experience is required, as your expert guides set a comfortable pace and ensure everyone’s safety with ropes and harnesses for the vertical section.

You’ll reach the summit in two to three hours and revel in the breathtaking panorama. After your well-earned summit celebration, descend via the iconic cable car to Morro da Urca before returning to the starting point on an easy forest trail.

best Sugarloaf TOURS

7. Sugarloaf Mountain and Rio Sunset Tour

⭐️ RATING: 8.8 out of 10 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | 🌅 BOOK NOW

Explore Rio’s most iconic landmarks, culminating in a breathtaking sunset on this Sugarloaf Mountain and Rio Sunset Tour.

You’ll begin by ascending Corcovado Mountain to see the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue. Then, descend through the lush Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban woodland, capturing spectacular city views along the way.

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the colorful Selaron Steps, bursting with bohemian art under the late afternoon sun.

Finally, ascend Sugarloaf Mountain to witness the grand finale: the sunset painting Rio in warm, golden hues from the mountain’s peak. If you weren’t sure how to visit Sugarloaf Mountain, this tour is your answer. 

best Sugarloaf TOURS

8. SugarLoaf Mountain Half-Day Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Discover the highlights of Rio on this Sugar Loaf Mountain Half-Day Tour.

Begin by visiting some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the famous Copacabana Beach. Then, take a scenic glass-enclosed cable car ride to Sugar Loaf Mountain’s peak, pausing at a picturesque viewpoint.

At the summit, 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, marvel at the panoramic vistas of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress.

This 4-hour guided tour also includes a drive through downtown Rio, with sights like the Municipal Theater and Flamengo Park. Enjoy round-trip transportation from select Rio hotels as part of this unforgettable morning adventure

best Sugarloaf TOURS

9. Skip the Line: Fast Pass Ticket Bondinho Pão de Açúcar

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain with this Skip the Line Fast Pass Ticket. This ticket ensures you have priority access to both of the cable cars up the mountain. 

At the top of the mountain, you can capture panoramic views. You can see the ocean and the city, along with iconic landmarks like Copacabana Beach. 

You can spend as much time as you like at the top. I recommend enjoying a drink such as a classic Brazilian caipirinha. 

This tour allows you to explore at your own pace. If you’re unsure where to buy Sugarloaf Mountain tickets, no worries—this will take care of it all for you. The skip-the-line ticket allows you to choose any departure time. You’ll go to the online ticket line to not have to wait. 

best Sugarloaf TOURS

10. Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Express Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Experience the ultimate Rio adventure on this RJ Top Tour Experience: 5-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Express Tour.

Begin by traveling through the lush Tijuca Forest by minivan, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Corcovado Mountain. At the summit, marvel at the Christ the Redeemer statue, its arms open wide over the city, offering incredible views and perfect photo opportunities.

Then, head to the Urca neighborhood and gaze up at Sugarloaf Mountain before taking a cable car to its peak. From 220 meters above sea level, enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio, Guanabara Bay, Niteroi, and the Atlantic Ocean.

With small groups of up to 19 passengers, this tour provides an intimate and unforgettable experience

best Sugarloaf TOURS

11. Full Day in Rio: Christ, Sugarloaf, Maracana & Selaron + Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Explore the best of what Rio has to offer on this Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch Experience.

This comprehensive 8-hour adventure begins with a journey through the Tijuca Forest, where you’ll board transportation at Paineiras to ascend Corcovado and marvel at the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Next, take a cable car from Urca to the peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain for unparalleled city and ocean views. Afterward, indulge in a mouthwatering meal at a local steakhouse before continuing to the Maracana Stadium and Sambadrome.

With round-trip transportation from Rio hotels included, this is one of the best Rio de Janeiro tours that will leave you with unforgettable memories of Rio’s iconic sights.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

Standing at over 390 meters above sea level, this iconic peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, its beaches, and Guanabara Bay. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to witness the beauty of Rio from a different perspective.

You can reach the summit you’ll need to take a cable car. The cable cars leave the ground station next to Praia Vermelha and amble up to Morro da Urca. From there, you can take another cable car to Sugarloaf.

To buy tickets for the Sugarloaf cable car or learn more about this unique landmark, you can read this article: The Complete Guide to Sugarloaf in Rio de Janeiro.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

How to Get To Sugarloaf Mountain

There are four main ways to get to Sugarloaf. The first and easiest way is by UBER or a regular taxi. UBERs are incredibly safe in Rio, so you don’t have to worry about that.

The second is the bus. From Copacabana, you’ll have to jump on Bus 511, 581, 583, or 104 that go in the Urca direction, just latter you need to be careful to get off just after the bus passes Shopping Rio Sul and continue by turning right and walking in a straight line to Praia Vermelha in the direction of Urca — it takes about 10 minutes. The bus will drop you off around a 3-minute walk from the entrance of Sugarloaf.

Third is the Metro. The closest metro station is the Botafogo stop. The main downside of taking the metro is that once you get off at Botafogo, you’ll have to walk around 30-35 minutes to reach Sugarloaf. You can also the connecting bus 583, which will take you straight to Sugarloaf.

The last, and also another easy option, is to take a tour.

How to Get To The Top of SugarLoaf

Personally, I love the hike up Morro da Urca, then taking the cable car (or Bondinho as it’s known in Portuguese) the rest of the way. But whichever way you prefer, it’ll be a wonderful experience with plenty of jaw-dropping views.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

Take the Cable Car

The cable cars leave the ground station next to Praia Vermelha and amble up to Morro da Urca. From there, you can take another cable car to the Sugarloaf.

There is no rush, though – once you are at Morro da Urca, you can stop to take advantage of some of the refreshments, such as the restaurants and snack bars (or the bar for a caipirinha should you need a little extra courage the second leg!) before boarding the second cable car to the Sugarloaf mountain. Each stage of the cable car takes just three minutes, and the cable cars depart every 20 minutes.

A return journey costs R$160 / USD$33 for a regular ticket and R$260 / USD$55 for a fast-pass ticket. Tickets either be bought in advance online or upon arriving at the ticket office. The fast-pass ticket grants you access to a VIP, air-conditioned lounge at the first station to enjoy the best view of the city in an exclusive way.

Opening hours:
Weekdays — 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Weekends, holidays, and amendments — 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. Last boarding at 6:30 pm.
The gate to access the hike closes at 18:00 during the winter and 19:00 during the summer.

⚠️ Make sure to double (and triple) check the first and last journeys from Sugarloaf Mountain and Morro da Urca. The last thing you need is missing the last cable car down or not having enough time to really enjoy your time here.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

Hike up to Morro da Urca

The hike follows a trail that starts at the base point of Morro da Urca and winds its way to the top of the hill. From the top, you can either hike back down or take the cable car (make sure to buy it at the bottom first.

The start of the hike is to the left-hand side of Praia Vermelha beach (if you were facing the ocean) and takes you through a gate along a concrete path before leading you to the well-developed path that cuts through the Atlantic forest.

The hike from bottom to top is quite steep in places and takes about 30 minutes. I would recommend taking a little something to eat and water, but should you forget, there are plenty of restaurants, bathrooms, and drinking fountains at the top.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

Hike + Cable Car

If you hike to the top of Morro da Urca, there are three things that you can do. You can either (1) take the cable car back down to Praia Vermelha, (2) take the cable car to the second peak, also known as Sugarloaf or (3) you can also just hike back down.

It’s a good idea to bring some ID to show your age in case you’re asked. The official website states to bring an original copy, but I’ve never heard of a photocopy not being accepted as long as the quality is good. You can buy the tickets online or at the ticket centers next to Praia Vermelha Beach.

⚠️ Note: You can only buy tickets in these two places, so be careful if you hike to Morro da Urca and want to get a cable car back down – you will have to get a ticket at the bottom first (lesson learned from personal experience!). Debit cards, credit cards, and cash are all accepted.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

Mountain Climbing

I haven’t done it – yet. But I would love to. If you go, please comment on your experiences below. I would love to hear all about it! While Morro da Urca is possible to hike to the top leisurely, Sugarloaf Mountain is only accessible by cable car or actual climbing, which takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the level of difficulty.

The guides recommend that you have a little bit of experience in climbing the Rio Sugarloaf mountain as some climbing routes are tough going. Yet if you are super keen and have no experience, then you can try the Costão route, which is still a challenge but better for beginners. For the more experienced climbers, the Italianos, Coringa or Secundo route may be more up your street due to their vertical challenges and tests of agility and strength.

Here are some reputable climbing tours that will safely guide you up the Sugarloaf alongside their seasoned experts. They also have English-speaking staff too: Nattrip Ecotourism and Adventure, Rock Climbing Classes, and this Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain tour.

BEST SUGARLOAF TOURS

The mornings are a good time to go to avoid the afternoon crowds that reach peak numbers on weekends and holiday periods, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Carnival. The afternoon during the summer can reach immense temperatures, so be prepared with sun-cream and plenty of water, especially if you hike the way up. Avoid cloudy days, too – the view may be disappointing.

The most rewarding time to go is at sunset on a clear, sunny day. Watch the sun dip behind the horizon and take in the city’s major landmarks, such as Corcovado mountain and the Christ the Redeemer, and further to the south, Copacabana Beach.

More Rio de Janeiro Blog Articles

I can tell you firsthand that visiting Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro is incredble — so I’m glad you landed on this article to book yours. If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, check out these additional Rio travel guides:

• Hiking Morro Dois Irmãos: A Complete Guide
• The Complete Guide to Christ the Redeemer
• 10 Best Things To Do In Rio When It Rains
• 5 Best Favela Tours in Rio: A Complete Guide to Visiting a Favela