Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail
A Lesser Known Path - Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail
Most everyone that visits Rio de Janeiro wants to see Sugarloaf Mountain without even thinking about the surrounding areas that are less popular, yet well worth taking into account. A perfect example is the beautiful Pista Claudio Coutinho Walking Trail which, being less notorious than Sugarloaf, is less frequently travelled giving one a peaceful, pleasant walk (but don't tell anyone).
The Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail is about a 2 kilometre trail which runs beside the sea. You will find the start of the trail in Praia Vermelha in Urca. It is a great trail to follow if what you are looking for is a gentle walk with beautiful views of Vermelha Beach and the Sugarloaf.
As you stroll along the trail you will encounter some of the local fauna. There is a wide range of butterflies and birds that inhabit the area as well as marmosets that come out to play along the pathway and in the nearby trees.
Those who are reasonably fit and more adventurous can hike to the top of Morro Da Urca using a trail which branches off about 300 meters down the Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail. If you do decide to hike the trail to the top of Morro Da Urca you will be treated to a superb view that includes Downtown Rio, Flamengo Beach, Guanabara Bay and Botafogo Beach. This is the location of the platform where the lower and upper cable cars to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain meet. If you take the second cable car from here to the top of Sugarloaf it is a less expensive than taking both cable cars from the bottom, making this a great opportunity to visit the top of Sugarloaf. This hiking trail opens a couple of hours earlier than Sugar Loaf so take your time and take in the beautiful surroundings and views of the Atlantic Ocean. For those very physically fit there is an option to hire an experienced guide and, using climbing equipment, continue climbing to the top of Pao de Acucar.
The Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail is open during daylight hours and can be found about 200 metres from the ticket office for the Sugar Loaf gondola. The area is surrounded by military buildings helping make the trail one of the safest in Rio de Janeiro. Right next door, Vemelha Beach with its own views, is a great spot to sit back and enjoy a few drinks once you are done exploring the trail.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoPista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 22290-270, Brazil
Official Website: Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail
Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail Reviews
Rated out of 5
Super easy, beautiful hiking trail close to the amazing red beach. I saw monkeys and had a great view of red beach. I took the stair trail up to sugarloaf. It was a 20 minute hike straight up but totally worth it. The view from sugarloaf was magnificent. You can see Copacabana, the marina and Christ the redeemer state and mountain from up there.
Peter Moni - 2 months ago
Just amazing views. Plus monkeys! Such a rewarding hike
Terry Brown - 3 weeks ago
Must see and a hidden gem! This is a gorgeous and easy trail by the coast with beautiful views of the Sugar Loaf mountain. A free and delightful walk with little wooden benches along the way to rest if needed. Strongly recommended.
Dr. Cris Wildermuth - a year ago
Love this joke area. It's clean and paved so not for the super adventurous, but it is nice to step through if you want nature in the city. Also, the views of the ocean along the trail are nice.
Leonard - a year ago
Take a hike or walk along this trail and enjoy the unique flora and fauna as you go along. You have a coastline view that weaves under the mountain. Amazing wildlife such as the little monkeys which you can feed but they scatter fairly quickly after being feed. Also birds and other creatures among the trees. Beautiful views can be taken in via many points. The trail has access to other tracks that lead up to Sugarloaf and other worthy landscape scenery. A must see hidden attraction if you are in the area.
Simon W Clark books - a year ago
Directions
| Metro and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Botafogo | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail 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 Sugarloaf Mountain until you see the sign for the trailhead.
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Accommodations near Pista Cláudio Coutinho Walking Trail:
Photo Gallery
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Sign at the Pista-Claudio-Coutinho trailhead cc licensed photo by Sebástian Freire -
View from Pista-Claudio-Coutinho trail cc licensed photo by Os Rúpias -
Another view from the trail cc licensed photo by Juliana Lopes
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