The Sugarloaf in Rio de Janeiro

The Sugarloaf is one of the most famous hills in the world, the cable car that goes to the top has featured in many films - most famous is maybe "Moonraker" (1979) when James Bond fights Jaws on top of a cabin.

The Sugarloaf (Pão de Açucar in Portuguese) is believed to have got its name from the resemblence with how sugar used to be stored in loafs - some argue the name has its origin in the native indian language Tupi-Guarani.

Before the cable car was inaugurated in 1912 it was only rock climbers that had visited the top. It was a daring construction product considering there were no helicopters at the time. It was an instant success and has brought tourist to the top by the millions.

The cable car actually connects two hills, the first called Morro da Urca and the second and higher is the actual Pão de Açucar. The cable car starts running at 8:10h and the last one down from the top is at 20;40h. In July 2009 the price was 44R$ roundtrip or 11R$ per leg, children 6 to 12 years old pay half the price and under 6 they go for free.

The station at Morro da Urca is accessible on foot by a small trail starting on the left hand side of Praia Vermelha, it is about 20 minutes and will take you through some nice Atlantic rainforest. Both hills have many routes for climbing available. From the first hill you have helicopter rides with various itineraries - the shortest and most popular will take you around the Christ statue for 150R$.

It is best to visit in the late afternoon so you can catch the beautiful sunset. It is a true spectacle to see how the city lights up as darkness arrives. Bringing a book and spending a few hours is highly recommended. They sell lighter food and drinks in some stands. Bring a sweater since it can get quite chilly due to the altitude - the Sugarloaf is located almost 400 meters above sea level.

During the month of February there are normally concerts held on Morro da Urca a few times every weekend. That is a great opportunity to see famous Brazilian artists perform in a fantastic venue. The price 2009 was 40R$ for the ride + the concert.

To get to the Sugarloaf is easy,bus 511 from Copacabana and Ipanema or just walk from Botafogo metro station.

Gringo-Rio - The Sugarloaf
This is the page about the Sugarloaf on the Rio de Janeiro travel site Gringo-Rio.