Morro Da Urca Hike and Lookout
A hike up the Morro Da Urca trail will reward you with spectacular views and more
A visit to Rio de Janeiro does not have to be all about the beach, sunbathing or the Carnival. There are beautiful vistas and historical sites to see too! Morro Da Urca Hike and Lookout is one that you have to try.
The trail up Morro Da Urca starts about 300 meters down the Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail near Praia Vermelha. The start of the trail is rather discrete, so keep your eyes peeled or you may miss it! There is, however, a sign post to mark the spot. The trail does require some fitness and a little intuition to follow to the top of Morro Da Urca. In some places trees may obscure the trail and there are a few forks which lead nowhere. It is rather a steep climb through the forests, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes instead of sandals. Even the dead ends are worth exploring for the views of Rio de Janeiro that they present.
The trail deposits you right at the door of the lookout on top of Morro Da Urca. This is also the platform between the lower and upper cable cars that go to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. If you wish you can purchase a one way ticket for the cable car ride down or you can even purchase a ticket to ride up to the top of Sugarloaf. There are giftshops to explore and places to take a break and get something to eat.
The view from the top of Morro Da Urca is certainly something to be remembered. You can see Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado and a beautiful section of Rio de Janeiro's Botafogo and Flamengo Beaches. Make sure that you spend some time taking in the view.
Aside from the lovely views and less expensive access to the top of Sugar Loaf, you can see some of the fauna and flora of Brazil up close and personal. Marmosets, birds and butterflies are plentiful and the antics of the little monkeys make for great climbing entertainment.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Morro da Urca - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Morro Da Urca Reviews
Rated out of 5
In my personal opinion, the view from Urca is even more beautiful than Pão de Açúcar (although they're both breathtaking!) I do recommend avoiding the restaurant on Morro, it was overpriced with awful food. Spend your time taking in the gorgeous scenery!
Elinor Ackerman - a month ago
The view here is totally beautiful. Look at Rio from a wide angle view is breathtaking. There was a party there when I visited, so it’s even a better experience for me.
Onigbokun Sodiq Adedayo - 2 months ago
Rainy day, but still, we enjoyed the view and the beauty and exuberant vegetation.
Pia Dominguez - a week ago
Amazing view of the whole Rio. On a sunny day you can see even Cristo Redentor
ania penangiana - 7 years ago
The Morro da Urca/Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf) Hike is a great alternative to the cable cars.
The Morro da Urca/Sugarloaf (Pão de Açucar) Hike starts at the beautiful idyllic beach, known as Praia Vermelho (the Red Beach). You begin hiking a short paved path along the base of Morro da Urca before you ascend the tree root staircase to the top of Morro da Urca.
Along the path up you will have a great chance of seeing the buffy-tufted marmoset or white-eared marmoset. After about half an hour you will reach a mini plateau or saddle which offers you a beautiful view over Botafogo bay and Flamengo. The last 15 minutes take you to the top of Morro da Urca where you will have spectacular views over the entire city of Rio.
You will continue our trip with a breath-taking cable car ride to the top of sugarloaf for even more panoramic and picturesque views. You have to buy your tickets before you hike to take advantage of the cable cars. You cannot buy them at the top.
End your day with a classic appetizer and beverage on the Urca wall near Bar da Urca, a popular destination for locals taking in the sunset.
Hike: Moderate
Time: 1.5 hours round trip; 45 minutes with cable car
Ryan Sagare - 7 years ago
Directions
| Metro and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Botafogo | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Morro Da Urca by Metro and Bus
Ride the Metro to Botafogo Station. Take the Rua Voluntarios da Patria exit and catch City Bus #513 at the stop northbound on Rua Nelson Mandela just south of the corner of Rua Voluntarios da Patria (right across the street from the Metro exit). This bus will require a separate cash fare. Ride the bus to the 3rd and last stop on Av. Pasteur. Exit the bus and continue east on Av. Pasteur and keep left through the parking lot on the north side of Prace Beneral Tiburcio. Continue walking through the parking lot straight towards Sugar Loaf Mountain until you see the sign for the Pista Cláudio Coutinho walking trail. The trail up to the top of Morro Da Urca branches off about 400 metres (5 minutes walk) past this sign. There is a sign post marking the start of the hiking trail up to the lookout.
Accommodations near Morro Da Urca:
Photo Gallery
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Start of the trail up to Morro Da Urca lookout cc licensed photo by Rogério Zgiet -
Panoramic view from Morro Da Urca cc licensed photo by Gustavo Rosadas -
View towards Corcovado cc licensed photo by Mauricio Lima
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